Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux

About

The Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux in Caen is a 17-hectare floral park created in 1994 on the site of a former landfill, transforming an industrial scar into a haven of nature and beauty. Inaugurated to mark the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings, it symbolises peace and renewal. Its centrepiece is a vast rose garden with over 15,000 blooms representing 570 varieties from medieval species to modern hybrids. Visitors can wander through themed gardens dedicated to Caen’s twin cities, a boxwood and yew maze, perennial borders, and a miniature model of Normandy. The park also features a small animal farm showcasing regional breeds, children’s play areas, picnic spots, and panoramic viewpoints over the city. Committed to sustainable gardening, it uses natural mulching, pesticide-free weeding, and beneficial insects for pest control. Open daily with free admission, the Colline aux Oiseaux offers a serene escape where history, ecology, and community meet in a living landscape.

Caen France

Location

Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux in Caen is a sprawling 17-hectare landscaped park located on Avenue Amiral Mountbatten, northwest of the city center near the Mémorial de Caen. Created on a former landfill site to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, the park combines environmental restoration with family-friendly attractions. It features themed gardens, including a mesmerising rose garden with over 15,000 roses spanning 570 varieties, a boxwood and yew maze, and several floral test gardens. The park also offers a children's play area, a small animal farm showcasing Normandy species, minigolf with a tearoom, and picnic spots, making it ideal for relaxation and exploration. Visitors enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Caen from the hilltop, while nearby cultural landmarks such as the Caen Memorial, Château de Caen, Museum of Fine Arts, and Musée de Normandie are all easily accessible, enriching the area with a blend of nature and history.