The Caen millennium: one city, a thousand years of history

In 2025, the city of Caen celebrates an exceptional event: its millennium. Founded in 1025 by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, this city with its rich history has stood the test of time to become a veritable jewel of French heritage. Here’s a look back at a thousand years of history and culture.

William the Conqueror, the future King of England, was behind the founding of Caen. Strategically located between the Seine and the English Channel, the city quickly became a major political and economic center in Normandy. Under the Duke’s impetus, emblematic monuments were built, such as the Château de Caen, a true symbol of power, and the Abbeys aux Hommes and aux Dames, masterpieces of Romanesque architecture.

Over the centuries, Caen has played a crucial role in major historical events. The Hundred Years’ War, the Wars of Religion and the Second World War left their mark on the city. In 1944, during the Allied landings, Caen suffered heavy destruction. But the city achieved a remarkable renaissance, thanks to ambitious reconstruction work that enabled it to retain its identity while entering the modern age.

Today, Caen is renowned for its cultural dynamism. Museums, theaters, festivals: the city is brimming with initiatives that highlight its rich past while looking to the future. The Caen Memorial, dedicated to peace, is an emblematic site that attracts visitors from all over the world.
To celebrate this millennium, a series of exceptional events are planned: exhibitions, historical re-enactments, conferences and shows. These festivities will highlight the city’s unique heritage and its evolution over the centuries.

Despite its venerable age, Caen is a young and dynamic city, focused on innovation and sustainability. Its universities, urban projects and ecological initiatives bear witness to its ambition to remain a benchmark in Normandy and beyond.
This millennium is much more than a simple commemoration: it’s an opportunity to pay tribute to a city that, for a thousand years, has combined tradition and modernity, resilience and innovation. A thousand years of history, a thousand years of emotions, and a thousand more reasons to love Caen.