Caen-Ouistreham port, Normandy partners with B&A Europe to develop cruise facilities

The Nouveau Bassin allows for cruise ships up to 145mtr long and 24mtr wide, with passengers able to reach Caen’s historic and commercial centre in less than 15 minutes.

‘After launching the promotion of our niche destination in the heart of Normandy, and developing dedicated services for cruise lines and their guests, 2022 is our record year in terms of number of calls,’ explained Morgan Pravos, cruise promotion manager, Caen-Ouistreham Normandy Cruise.

‘We are now looking forward to working with Luis de Carvalho [CEO of B&A Europe] and the BA team to analyse our potential for the future, to take the next step in developing cruise activity and approaching the optimum experience for our guests.’

Cruise facilities

The first project involves developing new and efficient cruise facilities at Nouveau Bassin, located in the city centre of Caen, which will be integrated into the master plan for the entire area of Caen Presqu’île being planned by Dutch architect firm MVRDV.

Study

A cruise market study to evaluate the potential of this Nouveau Bassin area – the location of a possible new quay receiving cruise calls at Ouistreham seafront – comprises the second project. The evaluation will seek to determine what the region of Caen can sustainably do to improve the experiences of cruise passengers and cruise lines.

Destination

Caen-Ouistreham is the closest port to explore sites and beaches connected with the D-day landing such as the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, the beaches from Sword to Omaha and Utah Beach or the American cemetery in Colleville/Mer. It is also home to the villages of Pays d'Auge, their castles and cider and calvados distilleries.

The region’s medieval history is linked to William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy and King of England. Cruise passengers can visit sites that tell the story of the Bayeux Tapestry, as well as Caen Castle and two abbeys.