Joanna Calderwood Artistic Residency
Discover the creative work of Joanna Calderwood during her artistic residency in Troarn.
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Troarn
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Troarn
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the ruins of Troarn Abbey in the late afternoon for the best natural lighting and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Many local shops observe a traditional lunch break between 12:30 and 14:30; plan your shopping accordingly.
- Drive along the D675 road for highly scenic views of the lush Pays d'Auge landscape.
- If you are exploring WWII history, start your route here and head towards the coast for chronological context.
- Parking in the town center is usually free but can be tight on weekend mornings.
🍽 Food
🍽
Teurgoule
Look for this traditional Norman baked rice pudding with cinnamon in local bakeries.
🍽
Escalope à la Normande
Try this veal dish with cream and mushroom sauce at a traditional local restaurant.
🍽
Pont-l'Évêque Cheese
Pick up a slice of this famous soft cheese at a local charcuterie or dairy shop.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Apple Products
Local cavistes are well-suited for buying authentic Cider, Pommeau, and Calvados.
🛍
Normandy Dairy
Visit the local markets for fresh, regional dairy products and butter.
🧘
Abbey Ruins
The grounds around the ancient abbey ruins are well-suited for quiet contemplation.
🧘
Marais de la Dives
The nearby Dives river marshes offer serene nature walks and bird watching.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Troarn is a town steeped in history located in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. It is strategically situated on the edge of the Dives marshes and serves as the gateway to the famous Pays d'Auge. The town's history is inextricably linked to the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Martin, founded in the 11th century by Roger II de Montgomery. This abbey was the religious and economic center of the region for centuries. During World War II, Troarn gained strategic significance during the Normandy landings when British paratroopers were tasked with destroying the bridge over the Dives to block German reinforcements. Geographically, the area is defined by marshy landscapes and the rolling hills of the hinterland, favoring livestock farming and apple production for the famous Calvados brandy. Troarn has managed to preserve its historical identity despite the extensive destruction suffered during the war.
- Location: Normandie, France
- Top sights: Manoir de Bures · Haras de Troarn · Burger King Play King
- Nearby: Giberville (7 km)
- Population: ~5.609
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 54 | 56 | 43 | 58 | 54 | 54 | 58 | 48 | 73 | 74 | 79 |
Geography
Facts
- Abbey foundation: 1059
- Commune area: 11.53 sq km
- Distance to Caen: approx. 15 km
- Elevation: 2 to 67 meters
- Key monument: Abbey ruins
- Region: Pays d'Auge
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:006.4 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 13–17 €Entries 15€ · Transport 0€
Your morning starts with the historic Église Saint-Paterne, setting a peaceful tone. Next, take a playful break at Burger King Play King. Midday brings you past the classic Mairie de Sannerville. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame. Conclude your leisurely stroll by admiring the charming Église Saint-Pierre before heading home.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Église Saint-Paterne
Admire the striking architecture of this historic church in the morning light, and take a moment to explore the peaceful graveyard right outside.
🚶 30'1.34 km
📍
10:30 · 45'
Burger King Play King
Let the kids burn off some energy at this family-friendly stop, where you can grab a quick bite and enjoy the spacious indoor play area.
🚶 79'3.78 km
📍
12:34 · 45'
Mairie de Sannerville
Pause at this quintessential French town hall to appreciate its classic municipal design, which stands proudly as the center of local civic life.
🚶 15'0.59 km
⛪
13:34 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame
Step inside this beautifully preserved religious site to marvel at its stained glass windows, keeping your voice low out of respect for worshippers.
🚶 16'0.66 km
⛪
14:40 · 50'
Église Saint-Pierre
Conclude your walk around this characterful church by noting its distinct stone façade, taking a few photos from the quiet street before departing.
09:00→16:006.4 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 13–17 €Entries 15€ · Transport 0€
Begin your rainy morning with a peaceful visit to the local church, keeping your umbrella close. At noon, take a dry, comfortable break at the indoor play area to enjoy a warm meal. The afternoon continues with short, careful walks between historic buildings, navigating slick pavements. Conclude your damp evening by seeking cozy shelter early as the steady rain persists.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Église Saint-Paterne
Step inside to admire the historic architecture and find a peaceful escape from the heavy rain; be sure to keep your umbrella handy on the wet entrance steps.
🚶 30'1.34 km
📍
10:30 · 45'
Burger King Play King
An excellent indoor retreat for a rainy day; let the kids enjoy the dry play area while you shake off the water and warm up in a comfortable setting.
🚶 79'3.78 km
📍
12:34 · 45'
Mairie de Sannerville
Observe the municipal building's subtle details from safely under your umbrella; watch out for very slippery sidewalks in this open plaza area.
🚶 15'0.59 km
⛪
13:34 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame
Seek shelter inside the beautiful nave for a quiet, dry break; be aware that the interior stone floors can become quite slippery from wet shoes.
🚶 16'0.66 km
⛪
14:40 · 50'
Église Saint-Pierre
Conclude your walk by sheltering inside this peaceful and historic church; carefully wipe your shoes at the entrance to prevent slipping on the hard floors.
09:00→16:006.4 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 13–17 €Entries 15€ · Transport 0€
Start your frosty morning viewing classic stone churches, bundled up tightly against the chill. At noon, warm your frozen fingers in a heated indoor spot while grabbing a bite. The afternoon brings stark winter light over the town's heritage. As the early sunset arrives around 5 PM, head indoors quickly to escape the rapidly dropping evening temperatures.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Église Saint-Paterne
Start your frosty morning viewing this classic local church; the ancient stone interior traps the cold, so be sure to keep your thick scarf and coat on.
🚶 30'1.34 km
📍
10:30 · 45'
Burger King Play King
A wonderfully heated spot to warm up your frozen fingers; grab a hot drink to thaw out while the kids safely burn off some energy indoors.
🚶 79'3.78 km
📍
12:34 · 45'
Mairie de Sannerville
The stark winter light gives this town hall a stern beauty; wrap up warmly as the wind can bite fiercely when crossing the open public square.
🚶 15'0.59 km
⛪
13:34 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame
The subdued winter light filtering through the windows is striking; step inside for a serene moment and a much-needed shield from the biting outdoor wind.
🚶 16'0.66 km
⛪
14:40 · 50'
Église Saint-Pierre
Finish your tour here as the early winter sunset rapidly approaches; ensure you have thermal layers properly zipped up for the chilly walk back in the dark.
09:00→15:169 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 16€ · Transport 12€
Kick off your cycling journey amidst the noble horses of Haras de Troarn. A short ride takes you to the historic Manoir de Bures for a glimpse into the past. Midday sees you pedaling towards the beautifully preserved Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame. After viewing Église Saint-Pierre, spend your afternoon enjoying the exciting outdoor activities at Eole aventure.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Haras de Troarn
Experience the rich equestrian heritage of Normandy at this active stud farm, but remember to stay behind the fences when observing the horses.
🚲 8'0.88 km
🏛️
10:03 · 80'
Manoir de Bures
Discover the grandeur of local historical architecture at this impressive manor, looking out for the intricate details on the main entrance gate.
🚲 38'5.82 km
⛪
12:01 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame
Step inside this beautifully preserved religious site to marvel at its stained glass windows, keeping your voice low out of respect for worshippers.
🚲 7'0.66 km
⛪
12:58 · 50'
Église Saint-Pierre
Conclude your walk around this pleasant church by noting its distinct stone façade, taking a few photos from the quiet street before departing.
🚲 13'1.64 km
📍
14:01 · 45'
Eole aventure
Dive into an afternoon of outdoor thrills at this adventure park, where you should definitely try the cable wakeboarding for an unforgettable experience.
09:00→15:169 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 16€ · Transport 12€
A wet morning ride to the local stud farm begins your day. Paths approaching the historic manor might be muddy. The afternoon offers relaxed cycling between quiet churches. Riding to the adventure park demands extra caution on slick country roads. High-quality waterproof gear and responsive brakes are absolute essentials for this damp itinerary.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Haras de Troarn
Watch the majestic horses in the gentle drizzle; bring a sturdy raincoat as the open agricultural areas can get quite muddy for cycling.
🚲 8'0.88 km
🏛️
10:03 · 80'
Manoir de Bures
The historic manor looks moody and atmospheric in the rain; take extreme care on the wet approach paths as accumulated leaves can be very slippery.
🚲 38'5.82 km
⛪
12:01 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame
Seek shelter in this lovely church to dry off your cycling gear; the quiet, dry interior is absolutely well-suited for a restful rainy pause.
🚲 7'0.66 km
⛪
12:58 · 50'
Église Saint-Pierre
A quick stop to admire the classic architecture; beware of dangerously slippery cobblestones when dismounting and parking your bike outside.
🚲 13'1.64 km
📍
14:01 · 45'
Eole aventure
Check which park activities remain open during heavy showers; definitely bring a change of dry clothes in your panniers if braving the outdoor elements.
09:00→15:169 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 16€ · Transport 12€
Brisk winter cycling kicks off the morning at the stud farm. Frost blankets the open fields surrounding the old manor. Afternoon brings chilly but insightful church visits. The early sunset around 5 PM strongly limits outdoor adventure park time. Thermal baselayers, windproof jackets, and thick riding gloves are mandatory for this freezing route.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 45'
Haras de Troarn
The horses look impressive bundled in their thick winter coats; wear highly insulated cycling gloves to combat the freezing morning wind chill on your ride here.
🚲 8'0.88 km
🏛️
10:03 · 80'
Manoir de Bures
The bare winter trees frame this manor beautifully; keep your cycling pace up to stay warm on the heavily frosted and exposed country lanes.
🚲 38'5.82 km
⛪
12:01 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame
Step inside to escape the biting winter wind; the peaceful ambiance is a stark, welcome contrast to the freezing conditions you face on the bike.
🚲 7'0.66 km
⛪
12:58 · 50'
Église Saint-Pierre
Notice the crisp architectural lines against the grey winter sky; be extremely mindful of black ice patches near the entrance when dismounting.
🚲 13'1.64 km
📍
14:01 · 45'
Eole aventure
Enjoy a brisk walk around the park before the early sunset plunges it into darkness around 5 PM; thermal cycling wear is an absolute must today.
09:00→16:4714.7 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 26€ · Transport 3€
Begin your drive at the serene Église Saint-Paterne. Swiftly visit the local town halls of Banneville-la-Campagne and Sannerville to appreciate their civic architecture. Spend midday marveling at Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame, then head to Eole aventure for some energetic fun. Wrap up your day exploring the grand Manoir de Bures and the active Haras de Troarn.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Église Saint-Paterne
Admire the striking architecture of this historic church in the morning light, and take a moment to explore the peaceful graveyard right outside.
🚗 16'3.78 km
📍
10:16 · 45'
Mairie de Banneville-la-Campagne
Take a brief look at this functional yet scenic town hall building, which perfectly reflects the quiet, administrative heartbeat of the commune.
🚗 8'1.39 km
📍
11:09 · 45'
Mairie de Sannerville
Pause at this quintessential French town hall to appreciate its classic municipal design, which stands proudly as the center of local civic life.
🚗 5'0.59 km
⛪
11:59 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame
Step inside this beautifully preserved religious site to marvel at its stained glass windows, keeping your voice low out of respect for worshippers.
🚗 10'2.21 km
📍
12:59 · 45'
Eole aventure
Dive into an afternoon of outdoor thrills at this adventure park, where you should definitely try the cable wakeboarding for an unforgettable experience.
🚗 22'5.82 km
🏛️
14:06 · 80'
Manoir de Bures
Discover the grandeur of local historical architecture at this impressive manor, looking out for the intricate details on the main entrance gate.
🚗 6'0.88 km
📍
15:32 · 45'
Haras de Troarn
Experience the rich equestrian heritage of Normandy at this active stud farm, but remember to stay behind the fences when observing the horses.
09:00→16:4714.7 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 26€ · Transport 3€
A dry, comfortable morning drive takes you to the local churches and town halls. A rainy afternoon at the adventure park and manor requires good wipers. Watch for large puddles on the rural roads. Your car provides the perfect mobile shelter between destinations, allowing you to observe the town's architecture safely through the steady raindrops.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Église Saint-Paterne
Park close by to quickly dart inside this historic building; a large umbrella is well-suited for the brief but wet walk from your warm car to the entrance.
🚗 16'3.78 km
📍
10:16 · 45'
Mairie de Banneville-la-Campagne
View the local administrative center from the warm comfort of your vehicle if the relentless downpour gets too heavy for an outdoor walk.
🚗 8'1.39 km
📍
11:09 · 45'
Mairie de Sannerville
Notice the civic architecture through the raindrops on your windows; drive carefully around the square to avoid splashing pedestrians with deep puddles.
🚗 5'0.59 km
⛪
11:59 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame
A beautiful sanctuary to shelter from the bad weather; the interior stone floors can be dangerously slick when wet, so step carefully after exiting the car.
🚗 10'2.21 km
📍
12:59 · 45'
Eole aventure
Even in the rain, the park has a wild charm; keep fully waterproof footwear in the trunk if you plan to step out and explore the muddy terrain.
🚗 22'5.82 km
🏛️
14:06 · 80'
Manoir de Bures
The dark stormy skies highlight the manor's dramatic old stones; keep your car's windshield defogged for the clearest, most striking views upon arrival.
🚗 6'0.88 km
📍
15:32 · 45'
Haras de Troarn
End your wet driving tour watching the horses from a safe, dry spot; remember that the rural roads back might have unexpectedly large and deep puddles.
09:00→16:4714.7 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 26€ · Transport 3€
A warm car ride on a frosty morning makes for a comfortable start. Quick hops out to town halls and churches offer historical insights without freezing. The afternoon at the manor and stud farm provides stunning winter atmosphere before the sun sets early. Watch for black ice on rural roads and rely heavily on your car heater to thaw out swiftly between the freezing outdoor sights.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Église Saint-Paterne
Leave the car heater running while you quickly step out to admire the frosty, ancient stone walls of this exceptionally quiet local church.
🚗 16'3.78 km
📍
10:16 · 45'
Mairie de Banneville-la-Campagne
The heavy frost-covered grounds give this town hall a highly scenic winter look; beware of treacherous icy patches right in the parking area.
🚗 8'1.39 km
📍
11:09 · 45'
Mairie de Sannerville
A brief stop to see the civic center; make absolutely sure you wear a warm winter hat as the cold wind sweeps relentlessly across the open plaza.
🚗 5'0.59 km
⛪
11:59 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame
The serene interior is a great place to reflect; the ancient stone walls radiate cold, so keep your winter coat zipped up tightly after exiting the car.
🚗 10'2.21 km
📍
12:59 · 45'
Eole aventure
The frozen lake and surroundings are starkly beautiful; finish your walk before the early 5 PM sunset plunges the freezing park into total darkness.
🚗 22'5.82 km
🏛️
14:06 · 80'
Manoir de Bures
The bare trees provide an unobstructed view of this historic manor; watch carefully for treacherous black ice on the narrow vehicular approach roads.
🚗 6'0.88 km
📍
15:32 · 45'
Haras de Troarn
See the horses breathing thick plumes of steam in the crisp air; a well-suited final stop from the car as the freezing winter twilight rapidly sets in.
Sights in the town Troarn (9)
Frequently asked questions
What historical monument should you see in Troarn?
Visit the ruins of the Saint-Martin Abbey, which was founded in the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery.
What role did Troarn play in World War II?
Troarn was strategically important during the Normandy landings; British paratroopers blew up the bridge over the Dives here.
How far is Troarn from Caen?
The town is about 15 kilometers east of Caen and can be reached in 20 minutes via the D675 road.
What natural landscape surrounds the town?
Troarn is located on the edge of the Dives marshes (Marais de la Dives), an ecologically valuable wetland area.
What are the local culinary specialties?
Try typical Normandy products like cider, Calvados, and cheeses such as Camembert or Pont-l'Évêque.
Troarn: where is it located?
Troarn is located in Normandie, France.
Troarn: what is there to see?
Highlights include Manoir de Bures, Haras de Troarn, Burger King Play King.
Troarn: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Troarn: why is it worth visiting?
Troarn is a town steeped in history located in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy.
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