Caen

Ducal fortress founded by William the Conqueror around 1060, one of Europe's largest medieval enclosures (5.5 ha). Courtyards, ramparts and gardens open year-round, leashed dogs welcome. The indoor museums (Fine Arts, Normandy) are closed to dogs.

Abbey founded by William the Conqueror in 1063, where he is buried. Romanesque twin-tower façade, classical cloister and public gardens open to leashed dogs. Interior of the abbey church closed to dogs.

Female counterpart to the Abbaye aux Hommes, founded by Queen Matilda of Flanders in 1062 (where she rests). Walled garden and forecourt open to leashed dogs, abbey-church interior closed to dogs.

A 17-hectare landscaped park built on a former landfill, next to the Memorial. Rose garden of 14,000 plants, educational farm, garden maze. Leashed dogs welcome on all paths, free entry.

Flat 14 km towpath linking the Saint-Pierre basin in central Caen to the port of Ouistreham on the Channel. Walking, cycling, locks, view of Pegasus Bridge (D-Day). Leashed dogs, ideal early morning.

A 3.5-hectare municipal botanical garden founded in 1736, one of the oldest in France. Tropical greenhouses (dogs not allowed inside), open-air arboretum and rose garden welcome leashed dogs. Free entry.