Car Rental - Caen

 

Rent a car in Caen and discover this vibrant coastal cityscape. Despite suffering severe damage towards the end of World War Two, the port city of Caen remains a vibrant and attractive destination with art and fashion boutiques, fascinating museums and a liberal sprinkling of historical landmarks.

Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, the capital of the Normandy region is famous for its seafood and dairy dishes, with a number of excellent restaurants where you can sample the local specialties.

It’s also a city that’s steeped in history, lying close to the sites of the Normandy Landings used during D-Day and home to the famous Caen Memorial Museum, which offers a brilliant insight into the events of June 1944 alongside guided tours of the beaches.

Discover Hertz car rental locations at Caen Airport and closer to the city proper, so you can collect your rental car in Caen at a time and place that is convenient for you.

Browse our collection of rental cars in Caen to find the perfect vehicle for your visit. There are no hidden extras, while our Best Price Promise means you’re guaranteed the lowest Hertz price.

When you arrive in Caen, we’ll get you driving in your rental car as quickly and conveniently as possible so you can get on the road and start discovering this wonderful corner of France.

Caen Locations

A Quick Guide to Caen

 

If you’re looking for a destination that combines dramatic history with modern attractions such as boutiques and markets, Caen is an ideal place for a visit.

From its early days as the home of William the Conqueror to its partial destruction during World War Two, there is plenty to learn about this city during your stay. And with a rental car in Caen, you’ll have the freedom to explore other great locations around Normandy too.

 

 

One of the most famous attractions in Caen is Abbaye aux Hommes, where you’ll find the tomb of William the Conqueror. It’s one of the few buildings in the city that wasn’t damaged during the bombing of 1944, so you can explore its original medieval cloister and abbey church. There is also an 18th-century monastery, which you can visit by purchasing tickets from the adjoining Hôtel de Ville, or town hall.

Close to the abbey you’ll find Chateau de Caen, a Norman castle dating back to 1060 with impressive battlements that tower above the rest of the city. Despite extensive damage during World War Two and the French Revolution, you can still explore the site today and learn about this building and its place in history.

 

 

Another must-see in Caen is the Memorial Museum, containing artefacts from the war and a vivid account of what life was like for those who experienced it.

The museum is a couple of miles outside the city, and can be reached by following the signs marked ‘Le Mémorial’. After exploring the museum you can take a walk around the Souvenir Gardens, with memorials to commemorate those who lost their lives.

For those keen to explore more of the region’s wartime history, it’s possible to visit the D-Day beaches such as Omaha, Juno and Utah Beach. You can also visit key battle sites including Arromanches and Pegasus Bridge, all just a short drive away from Caen.

Tours can be booked through a number of private companies or you can simply equip yourself with a map and guidebook and explore the areas at your own pace.

 

 

There is so much to see and do in Normandy that it’s impossible to fit it all into a short visit. However, Caen is perfectly located for visiting one of the region’s must-see attractions, the Mont Saint Michel.

This iconic island with its abbey rising dramatically from the sea is one of the most famous landmarks in France. It lies just over an hour’s drive to the west of Caen, over the border into Brittany, and is easily accessible by car with parking available on site.

When you arrive you will be struck by the size and beauty of this walled city, crowned by an enormous Gothic abbey. You can tour the abbey and explore the narrow streets, filled with cafés and shops where you can browse for souvenirs.

 

Driving In and Around Caen

 

There are many ways to reach Caen, with flights at the city’s airport linking it to French destinations such as Lyon and Bordeaux, as well as to London. The airport is located west of the city, with the N13 and N814 providing an easy route into the center of Caen by rental car or public transport.

It’s also possible to arrive by ferry or via the Eurotunnel at Calais, a three-hour drive away. To reach Caen from Calais in your rental car, it’s a straightforward route following the coast along the A16 and A29 – although it’s worth noting that this route does contain toll roads. You will then reach Boulevard Jean Moulin, which takes you into the heart of Caen.

There’s plenty of parking available on streets around Caen for your rental car. Many of the spaces require you to buy a ticket, but credit cards are often accepted so you don’t need to worry if you’re running low on cash.

Caen is a great base for exploring other areas of France. The A13 highway is easily accessible and provides a quick route to Paris, just a couple of hours’ drive inland. The usual speed limit on French highways, known as autoroutes, is 80mph (130km/h), although this is reduced to 68mph (110km/h) in wet weather.

Like most of the rest of continental Europe, vehicles in France drive on the right and you’re also required to give way to the right, unless signs indicate otherwise. If you’re planning on using car rental in Caen, it’s important to remember this.

If you’re planning to explore more of Normandy during your visit, you’ll find there are a number of great destinations within easy reach of Caen, including the medieval city of Bayeux and the World Heritage Site of Le Havre, famous for its post-war architecture.

 

Renting a car for your visit to Caen makes it possible to explore all these sights and more during your stay in this charming and fascinating part of France.

 

BESbswy