Caen celebrates 1000 years of history – The Millennium
Caen, a city of art and history, celebrates its millennium in 2025.
Caen, the city of the Dukes of Normandy, celebrates its thousandth birthday in 2025. An exceptional anniversary that gives us the opportunity to rediscover the rich and abundant history of this city, its inhabitants and its territory. Let’s immerse ourselves in Caen’s millennium celebrations and discover the treasures it has in store for us.
A thousand years of history
From the origins to the present day
Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Caen has stood the test of time, leaving indelible traces in its architecture, urban planning and cultural heritage. From medieval castles to Gallo-Roman remains, from religious buildings to half-timbered houses, the city offers a fascinating journey through time.
Key events
Over the centuries, Caen has been the scene of many historic events: siege during the Hundred Years’ War, capital of Normandy during the Second World War… Caen has withstood the ravages of time and reinvented itself at every stage of its history.
A rich and varied program
Events for all tastes
To celebrate this exceptional anniversary, Caen has concocted a rich and varied program for all audiences. From immersive exhibitions to grandiose shows, creative workshops and fascinating lectures, there’s something for all tastes and ages.
Highlights not to be missed
- The immersive show at the château: a unique experience to relive the great moments in Caen’s history.
- The Opera Parade: A colorful parade that will rock the city with music and dance.
- Les Journées de l’Histoire: A not-to-be-missed event for history buffs, with lectures, workshops and historical re-enactments.
- Exhibitions: Temporary exhibitions will be organized throughout the year, highlighting different aspects of Caen’s heritage.
A remarkable architectural heritage
Caen Castle
A symbol of the city, the Château de Caen is a must-see for all visitors. Medieval fortress, royal residence, then prison, it now houses museums and exceptional collections that trace the history of Normandy.
The Men’s Abbey and the Ladies’ Abbey
Founded by William the Conqueror, these two abbeys are masterpieces of Romanesque architecture. They bear witness to the power and devotion of the Duke of Normandy.
The historic center
The narrow streets of Caen’s historic center are packed with half-timbered houses, townhouses and churches. It’s a veritable open-air museum.
A city looking to the future
Sustainable development
To mark its millennium, Caen is committed to sustainable development. Numerous projects are underway to improve quality of life for residents and preserve the environment.
A creative city
Caen is a dynamic and creative city, attracting many artists and craftspeople. Numerous cultural and artistic events are organized throughout the year.
An international event
A showcase for Normandy
Caen’s millennium is a unique opportunity to showcase Normandy’s heritage and assets. Many tourists are expected to attend.
A unifying event
Caen’s millennium is an event that brings the people of Caen and Normandy together around a common cause. It is also an opportunity to strengthen ties with other regions of France and abroad.
Caen’s millennium is a major event in 2025 for the city and the region. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the history, heritage and vitality of this Norman city. By highlighting its past, Caen is resolutely looking to the future.
Practical information:
Program, 6 highlights not to be missed:
March 20-22: Inauguration of the Millennium at Caen Castle
March 21-28 : History Days
May 9 : The Opera Parade
June 27-29: Maritime Weekend, from Caen to the sea
September 19-21: Aquanauts, aquatic show in the Saint-Pierre basin
December: Digital art trail in the city to close the Millennium Festival
Discover also…
In the summer of 2025, as part of the millennium celebrations, almost 50 works of contemporary art by artists of international, national and local renown will take over emblematic sites in the city and Caen la mer.
These original creations will highlight Caen’s rich heritage and the thousand years of history that have shaped the city. Visitors will be able to discover original works that interact with the architecture and environment, offering a unique artistic experience in the heart of this area steeped in history.
4 Art-Science projects, as part of the millennium celebrations, Caen is positioning itself as a veritable laboratory of ideas where art and science meet. Four ambitious projects, born of unprecedented collaborations between artists and scientists, enrich the event program.
These unprecedented initiatives show that art and science, often perceived as separate fields, can feed off each other and give rise to original and surprising works. Caen, a city of history and culture, is proving to be an avant-garde place where the future is taking shape.
Des Projets Labellisés, in 2023, Caen launched an ambitious call for projects, inviting local associations to come up with events to celebrate its millennium. The many and varied proposals had to revolve around five key themes: diversity of inhabitants, international openness, history, heritage and nature.
More than a hundred associations responded to this call, demonstrating a tremendous surge of creativity and a deep attachment to their city. After a rigorous selection process, the most promising projects were chosen to enrich the millennium program.
Find out more
Visit the official Caen’s millennium
Discover the millennium events on the Caen la mer Tourisme website
Follow millennium news on social networks.
Dive into history at Clos Saint-Martin
After visiting Caen’s emblematic monuments, treat yourself to an enchanted interlude at Le Clos Saint-Martin. This charming guesthouse, nestled in the heart of the city, welcomes you in a warm and authentic setting to prolong the experience of the Caen Millennium. The walls of this 16th-century mansion have seen many generations and invite you to take a trip back in time.
Imagine waking up in a cosy room, decorated with care, and enjoying a gourmet breakfast. Then set off to discover Caen’s hidden treasures, before returning to relax in the guest house.