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Colline aux Oiseaux: A Floral Oasis Reborn

Discover Caen's floral paradise: Colline aux Oiseaux, a 17-hectare park offering themed gardens, panoramic views, and family-friendly activities.

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Rising from a history as a municipal landfill, the Colline aux Oiseaux (Hill of the Birds) has been transformed into a sprawling 17-hectare park, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and panoramic views of Caen. The park features themed gardens, a rose garden with over 15,000 roses, a miniature Normandy, and animal park.

A brief summary to Colline aux Oiseaux

Local tips

  • Visit the rose garden in the spring for the best colors and fragrances.
  • Explore the miniature Normandy to see the region's landscape in a unique way.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated picnic areas.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Caen city center, take the Twisto bus line 6A, 6B, Ligne 3, or NOMAD 116 towards Hérouville Saint-Clair. Get off at the 'Colline aux Oiseaux' stop, which is directly in front of the park entrance. A single ticket costs €1.60 and is valid for one hour. Alternatively, take the tram to the 'Université' stop and walk for about 15 minutes following Avenue de l'Amiral Mountbatten.

  • Taxi

    A taxi or ride-share from Caen city center to Colline aux Oiseaux will cost approximately €9-€11 and take about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Direct the driver to Avenue de l'Amiral Mountbatten, 14000 Caen.

  • Driving

    From the A13 highway, take the périphérique Nord (northern ring road) and exit at Sortie (Exit) 6 towards 'Caen Nord/Mémorial'. Follow the signs for the Colline aux Oiseaux. Free parking is available at the park. There are also 10 parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility.

  • Walking

    The Colline aux Oiseaux is approximately a 52-minute walk from Caen Station. Head northwest. From the Caen Memorial, the park is a short walk away.

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Discover more about Colline aux Oiseaux

The Colline aux Oiseaux is a testament to ecological renewal and imaginative urban planning. What was once a 20-meter-high heap of waste has been transformed into a sprawling 17-hectare park, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and panoramic views of Caen. The park's story began in 1923 when the city acquired land to dispose of household waste. For five decades, the site served as a dumping ground, eventually forming two significant hills. By the 1970s, with the expansion of Caen, the landfill was no longer a suitable solution. In 1973, the opening of a waste incineration plant marked the end of the landfill era, and a new vision for the site began to take shape. In 1994, the Colline aux Oiseaux was inaugurated during the International Floralies, celebrating the 50th anniversary of D-Day. The name, a nod to the site's past, recalls the countless birds that once flocked to the landfill. Today, the park attracts around 450,000 visitors annually, drawn to its diverse attractions and tranquil atmosphere. The park is designed as a mosaic of themed gardens, each offering a distinct experience. The rose garden, a highlight, boasts over 15,000 roses representing 570 varieties, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. Visitors can wander through arches and pathways, immersing themselves in the colors and fragrances of this meticulously maintained collection. For a touch of whimsy, the park features a yew and boxwood maze, inviting visitors to lose themselves in its verdant corridors. The 'Normandie miniature' offers a unique perspective, showcasing the region's landscape on a scale of 1/1000th. Other gardens include the French city garden, the twin-city garden, and a perennial garden, each contributing to the park's rich tapestry of horticultural delights. Families with children will find plenty to keep them entertained. An inclusive playground provides a safe and engaging space for children of all abilities. The park also includes a small animal farm showcasing regional breeds.

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