Caen Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Digital Resources

These online tools are valuable for planning and during your visit.

Essential Apps

Twisto (Caen Public Transport)
Download for real-time schedules and route planning. It is a valuable tool for navigating the city.
SNCF Connect / Trainline
Use for booking and checking national and regional train schedules across France.
Google Maps / Maps.me
Valuable for navigation; Maps.me offers offline map capabilities. Download maps before your trip.
Google Translate / DeepL
For translation and language barriers. These apps feature text, voice, and camera translation.
TheFork (La Fourchette)
For discovering and booking restaurants in Caen, often with discounts.

Additional Apps

Uber
For ride-sharing services, where available. Check the app for driver availability.
HappyCow
For finding vegetarian and vegan dining options, presenting reviews and directions.
Connectivity Check
Confirm your mobile plan or local SIM functionality upon arrival.
Booking Confirmations
Double-check all your reservations prior to travel.
Weather Updates
Monitor forecasts to pack appropriately for your visit.

Useful Websites for Planning

Caen Tourist Office

The official source for local information, events, tours, and practical advice. This website contains current information and official guides.

Normandy Tourism Board

For broader regional information, suggested itineraries, and event listings across Normandy. It assists in planning day trips.

Mémorial de Caen Website

For detailed museum information, opening hours, and online ticket booking. This website is important for visit planning.

Social Media & Digital Content

Social Media Accounts

Follow official accounts for Caen Tourist Office.
Connect with the Mémorial de Caen online.
Find Normandy Tourism on social platforms.
Receive updates, news, and event notifications.

Podcasts and Vlogs

Discover podcasts about D-Day or French history.
Explore travel vlogs featuring Normandy and Caen.
Gain additional insights and context for your visit.
Elevate your understanding before and during your trip.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

General France Guidebook: A comprehensive guidebook has good coverage of Normandy and Caen.
D-Day Specific Guidebooks: For in-depth exploration, consider specialized guides.
Maps: A detailed physical map can complement digital navigation, especially with limited signal.
Free city maps are often obtainable from the Tourist Office.

Books for Understanding

History: "The Longest Day" by Cornelius Ryan (D-Day), "Band of Brothers" by Stephen E. Ambrose (Battle of Normandy).
For a comprehensive historical account, consider "D-Day: The Battle for Normandy" by Antony Beevor.
A book specific to the museum is "The Memorial De Caen: The Peace Museum."
Culture: Books on French culture and etiquette can elevate your understanding of local customs.

Local Publications

Local newspapers or free tourist magazines.
These often present useful event listings.
They provide local insights.
Find current restaurant recommendations.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

Important Numbers

General European Emergency: 112 (works from any phone, free of charge)
Medical Emergency (SAMU): 15 (for ambulance, severe medical issues)
Police: 17 (for crime, security issues)
Fire Brigade (Sapeurs-Pompiers): 18 (also responds to road accidents and medical emergencies)

Hospital & Clinic Locations

CHU de Caen Normandie: Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, Caen. The main university hospital.
Clinique de la Miséricorde: Rue des Roquemonts, Caen. A private clinic with various medical services.
Always have your insurance details ready.
For non-emergencies, seek local pharmacies for minor ailments.

Embassy & Consulate Information

Most foreign embassies are located in Paris.
Check your country's embassy website for emergency contact numbers and consular services.
Keep their phone number handy for assistance with lost passports or medical emergencies.
Contact your embassy for official travel advice.

Lost Document Procedures

Report to Police

Immediately report lost or stolen passports or IDs to local police.
Obtain a police report for replacement documents and insurance claims.
This step is useful for official records.

Contact Embassy / Cancel Cards

Contact your country's embassy or consulate for emergency travel documents.
Immediately contact your bank to cancel lost or stolen credit/debit cards.
Take immediate action to prevent fraudulent activity.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Stay Informed

In case of severe weather warnings (e.g., extreme winds, localized flooding).
Follow instructions from local authorities via news, police, or hotel staff.
Stay informed through official channels.

Safety Measures

Seek safe indoor shelter immediately.
Listen to emergency broadcasts.
Contact family and friends when safe to do so.

Language Learning Resources

Language Apps

Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone present structured lessons for basic French phrases.

Online Videos

Numerous free French language lesson videos are available on YouTube for pronunciation and vocabulary practice.

Phrasebooks & Guides

Complement app-based learning with a physical phrasebook for quick reference.

Important: Lost Documents

In case of lost or stolen documents, immediately report to the police and then contact your embassy or consulate for assistance.

Caen Travel Resources