Caen

Urban Riverfront

Population: 109k

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: Yes (tramway de Caen (Twisto tram))

Bus Access: Yes (Twisto bus network)

Weather: Caen experiences an oceanic climate typical of northwestern France, with mild winters and cool summers, frequent rainfall throughout the year, and moderate temperatures.

Caen is a historic city located in the Normandy region of northwestern France, serving as the capital of the Calvados department. The city is renowned for its rich medieval heritage, featuring impressive architecture including the Abbaye-aux-Hommes and Abbaye-aux-Dames, two magnificent 11th-century abbeys founded by William the Conqueror and his wife Matilda. Caen's old town showcases charming cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere. The city experienced significant destruction during World War II but has been carefully reconstructed while preserving its historical character. Today, Caen is a dynamic urban center with a strong academic presence due to its university, modern museums including the Musée de Normandie and the D-Day Museum, and a bustling commercial district. The city serves as an important transportation hub with good rail and road connections, making it accessible to visitors exploring Normandy's beaches and historical sites. Caen's blend of medieval charm, wartime history, and contemporary amenities makes it an important cultural and economic center in the region.

Podcasts

Episode 2: Finding the Good Life in France

In this episode, Josh talks to Janine Marsh, publisher of The Good Life France. After buying a house in the French countryside on a whim, she turned her love of France into a bustling business she never even dreamed of having!

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Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Talent Passport, Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS)

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Long-stay visa for visitors, which allows them to live in France for up to one year

Obtaining a residency in France involves several steps and can vary in complexity depending on the type of visa applied for. The Talent Passport is a popular choice for highly skilled expats, which is valid for four years and renewable. It is designed for various categories of professionals including researchers, artists, and business founders. Another common option is the Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), which allows expats to live in France for up to a year without the need for a separate residence permit. Upon arrival in France, holders of this visa must validate it within three months. For digital nomads, the Long-stay visa for visitors is a suitable option. This visa does not permit employment in France but allows individuals to reside in the country for up to a year. Applicants must prove they have sufficient financial means, health insurance, and accommodation. The process generally starts with an application submitted to the French consulate or embassy in the applicant's home country. Required documentation typically includes a passport, application forms, photos, proof of financial means, health insurance, and a letter explaining the purpose of the stay. Some visas may require additional documents such as a job offer, proof of professional skills, or a business plan. Once the initial visa is granted and the individual arrives in France, they may need to undergo a medical examination and apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) if planning to stay longer than the visa's validity. The difficulty of the process can vary, but France has made efforts to streamline visa applications for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. However, navigating the French bureaucracy can still be challenging, and proficiency in French is often helpful. It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of the intended move date and to consult the official French visa website or a professional for the most current information and guidance.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Caen is moderate, making it more affordable than major French cities like Paris while offering good value for housing, dining, and services. As a university city with a diverse population, Caen provides reasonable rental prices and accessible amenities for residents across various income levels.

Weather

Caen experiences an oceanic climate typical of northwestern France, with mild winters and cool summers, frequent rainfall throughout the year, and moderate temperatures.

Healthcare in Caen

Caen has strong healthcare coverage for a city of its size, including major hospitals and specialist services. The main public hospital network and nearby clinics provide a broad range of emergency and routine care.

Schools in Caen

Caen has limited but available international school options. The main option is the International School of Caen, which offers English-language education following an international curriculum for expat families.

Several schools in Caen offer bilingual French-English programs, particularly at the primary level. These programs are integrated into the French public and private school system, providing dual-language instruction to prepare students for international education.

Restaurants in Caen

Caen has a solid dining scene with a good mix of traditional Norman cuisine, casual bistros, crêperies, and international options. The city offers plenty of reliable mid-range choices, with especially good access to seafood, cider, and regional specialties.