2025 marks the Millennium, 1000 years of history, of culture of events which built the city of William the Conqueror. For this occasion, the organizing committee has put together a colorful program with events that will be remembered.
It's time to plan your next stay in Normandy, to help you here are the key dates for this exceptional program and you can visit the Millénaire website for all the details and online ticketing.
2025 program in Caen la Mer and Ouistreham
March 20-23: Inauguration of the Millennium at the Château de Caen
After 2 years of work, the Château de Caen will reopen its doors for this occasion. Caen will begin the celebration of 1000 years of history of the city on March 20, 2025. The Château, an emblematic place, chosen for its historical importance, will solicit both the collective memory and the hope for the future of the Caennais. The Château de Caen, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, will be the scene of this event, numerous activities are planned during the weekend and once night falls the participants will stroll through the Château illuminated by the flames.
March 20-23: Tous en Scène Festival in Ouistreham
It is a project led by the town of Ouistreham and the community of Caen la Mer, supported by numerous partners including the Casino Barrière.
Programming planned for 2025:
- Piano-voice concert by Natacha St-Pier “my love story is you” on March 20 at 8:30 p.m. at the casino
- Jeanfi Jeanssens “fell from the sky” on March 21 at 8:30 p.m. in the G.Legoupil room
- “A great cry of love” March 22 at 8:30 p.m. in the G.Legoupil room
- “Queen Elton” by the Jarry Brothers on March 23 at 5 p.m. in the G.Legoupil room
March 21 to 28: History Days
Extending the inauguration of the Millennium, the History Days offer a major popular event around the highlights of the history of Caen and its territory, from the Middle Ages to today.
Within three historic sites of the city: the Castle, the Abbaye aux Dames and the University, the week's program combines scientific requirements and interactive and fun events through numerous events.
May 8: 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War
After the 80th anniversary of the landing and the Battle of Normandy which took place last year, this year we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. On this occasion the Swing D-Day Festival will begin its programming, more information will follow.
May 9: Millennium Opera Parade
On a 5km route from the Prairie de Caen to the Bassin de Saint-Pierre, the Cannes company Le Ballon Vert orchestrated this spectacular parade for more than 4 hours.
June 6: Commemoration of D-Day
Like every year, we commemorate the memory of the Landings and the Battle of Normandy on our Normandy beaches. Ceremonies will take place at the usual locations, details will arrive soon.
June 7: 1001 voices for Peace, The Millennium concert at the Zenith in Caen
The choirs and symphony orchestra of students from the Caen conservatory will perform in concert at the Zénith de Caen as part of the millennium.
More than 300 participants will perform the work of Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, The Armed Man – Mass for Peace, written in 1999 in tribute to the victims of the war in Kosovo. It is a powerful score, dedicated to peace, evoking the journey of people at war towards reconciliation.
June 14-15: Le Grand Anything Festival
After the success of the first edition on September 14-15, 2024 where around 8,000 people came to the festival, the second edition will therefore take place. This festival is aptly named, because it can, for example, offer a giant cotton swab battle, football with giant balls, hanger throwing, a giant duck battle but also a space where you do nothing and do well other light-hearted activities to have fun without taking yourself seriously. Really rubbish!
June 15: Freedom Marathon
Created in 1988, the Freedom Marathon pays homage to the events of D-Day through courses that cross emblematic sites of the Landings. Like the beaches of Juno and Sword, the Pegasus Bridge, the Ouistreham Casino etc… With more than 30,000 participants each year, it is one of the biggest running events in France, combining sport, history, peace and freedom, while putting highlight Normandy.
June 27-29: Millennium Maritime Weekend
This weekend, Caen will welcome 48 rigs, including the majestic “Belem”, representing the 48 municipalities of the Urban Community of Caen la mer. The boats will be moored in the port and on the Normandy quay, offering visitors nautical entertainment, monumental works, a route around the peninsula and a major parade at sea. An event not to be missed for boating enthusiasts.
July 3-6: Beauregard Festival in Hérouville-Saint-Clair
It is a major musical event that takes place every summer. It brings together artists from various genres, ranging from rock to electro, in a festive and friendly setting, attracting thousands of festival-goers. This year the festival will notably welcome Black Eyes Peas, Jean-Louis Aubert, Clara Luciani, Hoshi and many others, the full program is on their website .
July 9: 6th stage of the Tour de France in Caen
This year, the Tour de France will stop in a few towns in Normandy including Caen for a prologue.
July-August: Event Program of the City of Ouistreham
Like every year, the town of Ouistreham organizes several events during the summer. The program will be available soon
September 19-21: Aquanauts Caen Millennium Event Show
The port of Caen and the Saint-Pierre basin are transformed into an open stage and will host the Aquanauts, a unique show in France. Circus artists and synchronized swimmers come together to offer an aquatic show around fire, water and air.
October 18-19: Shell and seafood festival
The shell festival takes place every year in the port of Ouistreham. Many activities around scallops are offered (culinary demonstrations, scallop skewer tastings, etc.).
Take advantage of all these outing ideas during your next stay in Normandy
Just 20 minutes from Caen by car, our charming hotel is ideally located in Ouistreham to offer you easy access to all these activities. At the end of the day, you will be free to sip a cold drink on the terrace of our establishment or in front of the panoramic view from the bar . For even more relaxation, choose our Superior Sea View Room with its windows which give a splendid view of the Rive Bella beach.
Our team obviously remains at your disposal to find what to do in Caen during your summer in Normandy. Ask us and we will respond to your needs!
- from the end of the 2nd world war