The best bars and cafés Calvados

At Sparkle, the gloom stays at the door, making way for good humour! Sisters Tessa and Alyssa had the bright idea of taking over the WarpZone and turning it into a sparkling, colourful place! The concept: themed bar with consoles, board games and lots of evening entertainment (St. Patrick's Day was well worth the detour!). What we really like is the pop culture spirit, even in the names of the (good!) cocktails. A choice of burgers and snacks to top it all off, so you can recharge your batteries and excel at the latest games. To your controllers!

A hyper-atypical address set apart from the rest, it's party time every day at Catherine's! Catherine is the first name of Adrien's mom, the young owner of this popular spot, perfect for an after-work aperitif! To share... or not (!) you're in for a treat! For those with a sweet tooth, there's even prime rib! And we love the old-fashioned yet charmingly cosy decor (doilies, lamps with Mamie's frills), just as if we were there! And this terrace under the trees overlooking the statue of Duguesclin... just perfect this Cathou!

This boutique is a delight of delicatessen and decorative products, made in Esat (Etablissement et service par le travail pour l'insertion des travailleurs handicapés). It's also a tea room (with a complimentary chocolate, yum!), giving the sales staff a chance to familiarize themselves with customer service. The atmosphere is ultra-friendly and the prices very reasonable: the snack comes with ten artisanal cookies, including Sablé de Caen, or cookies. This "Gourm'handi'ses" is a sure-fire hit on every visit!

A rock atmosphere in a decor inspired by Art. Son from French rock to mythical groups in a space of over 140 metres. On its stage, the Pub hosts regional music groups and more, at the rhythm of a concert a month. Players play darts, billiard parties, dice and poker. Also, musical DVD and sporting events.

Small explanation on the choice of name: it's just a big Australian mosquito. Rest assured, no itch in sight, if it's not the one to spend a good evening. Ross's Ross and Co. The facade is at first glance as to the interior, a rough wood atmosphere! In the wall, the slate of the consos declines cocktails and other shots. Manche inspiration and immediate embarkation for New Zealand, Australia, England or Ireland by militiamen revenue. Caïpis and mojitos revealed, shots of evocative names, and an inescapable house: the jager-bomb that puts the fire at the bar in its own sense as well as figuratively. On the evenings, Wednesday and Thursday evening on the students who are hungry for the Ambush. Even though Ross has not yet had the gift of being able to be present at his two establishments at the same time, it is Maxime who welcomes you here. Let's hope that these few lines have succeeded in… piquer your curiosity!

The aptly named Bar des Sardines is located right on the port. It's a cozy, hushed establishment, with sofas and armchairs that invite you to relax. Here, it's bar service, and in marinière! Between 2 beers or cocktails, you can nibble on rillettes de la mer, platters of charcuterie and cheese or... sardines, of course! The bill can quickly become quite steep. But the atmosphere is just right! Concerts, DJ sets, tattoo evenings and stand-up comedy are all great invitations to party. Let's make the most of it!

A real treat! Les Docks is both a cosy wine cellar and a delightful tapas bar, where you can also grab a bite to eat at lunchtime. The place is small, friendly, original and a stone's throw from the beach. Romain, a globetrotter and former chef at some of the world's top hotels, notably in Polynesia, provides a colourful welcome. Feeling peckish after a swim? You'll love the tapas. Depending on what's available and the chef's mood! A recommended place for a drink, a sip of rhum arrangé, whose jars decorate the window, and a nibble with friends.

Let'sboard, shipmates ! Hoist the Jolly Roger and you're guaranteed a rum tasting. Sit at the counter or around a barrel for a well-deserved boujaron . More than a hundred choices, arranged rums with fresh fruits but also many cocktails, enough to satisfy the damsels and helmsmen. The ship (although well on land) proposes, you will have understood, a pirate atmosphere, embellished with many evenings (especially on weekends), programming to be found on the spot or on the Facebook page of the bar.

We wanted a simple and friendly moment around a good glass of wine. So we went to the Vaugueux, where we pushed the door of a charming little establishment. Marc, Hugo and Claudia, and their portraits drawn on the mirror behind the bar, welcome us in this warm place. Together, they opened this simple and authentic bar to share. To enjoy a good bottle or simply a drink, they propose a large selection of wines and cocktails but also plates to share (or not !).

It's "the" neighbourhood bar par excellence! Here, usability is not lacking. The boss always has little attention for the regulars, but also for the newcomers! As well as being a pleasant bar, the Baritone is also a brasserie that is worth a visit! Its small dishes at midday compete with freshness and degoûts, always at very affordable prices. A place Embracing so… without false note!

The Suite… clearly displays color. Large terrace at the entrance (very… rue Ecuyère). Inside, the green anise parallels the zebra and zinc flirts with the apparent stones. Stéphane left Modena to offer a rather successful lifting. If you prefer intimacy, direction the floor (attention at the last step) with a very cosy small room. If you don't want to have a drink, you'll find a nice little card, with sandwiches, burgers, small salads, and what to get a fain without getting ruined. On the drinks side, the map makes a beautiful part of champagne. This-says the house also offers cocktails and a selection of wines with glass. If everyone is welcome, it is rather «branchouille», advice to zintéressés…

In the middle of Écuyère Street, here is a nice "place". And the "place" that customers prefer in this "place" is the terrace. Always taking an assault when the sun shows the end of its nose, you have to be lucky or diplomatic to get there. On the map, you will find everything you need to drink, with or without alcohol, at reasonable prices, but also to eat at midday, thanks to a well done and rather with card. In short, a place to discover if you have not already established your neighbourhoods.

This is a small district bar, as indicated by its name. No extravagance at the program, although the th, beige and red, tape in the eye and not pass unnoticed at the corner of rue Saint-Jean and Le Havre. The location is ideal for a small black or a good foam. At lunchtime you will be able to restore it: The head of the scene decorated a dish of the day, different kinds of sweets and salads. The beautiful days can also take advantage of the "small" terrace. For rehearsals, I know, it's a little little bit, sorry!

This small tavern is held by one of the great figures of the night caennaise, the famous Raymond. It is thanks to this plumber, a training butcher, that the Caennais can be proud of a drink that the rest of France would envy them if she knew her, namely "Ambush." Raymond served this cocktail already when he held the bar on 23, rue Ecuyère. Since then, "Ambush" has taken on all the bars of the city. If you don't know, it's THE cocktail to discover on Caen. The other boss's speciality is "Nuclear". Needless to say, it's very hot and Raymond will look at you differently if you finish it. A counsellor only to the brave of you. The evenings are no longer lively and drink in this cozy bar where the generational divide does not feel. Everyone talks to everyone. Here the word party really means something.

Jacob has character and knows how to give his bar. The boss offers a simple and détour welcome to the colours of his Ethiopian origins. It offers the traditional dishes of the brewery and the snack at any time of the day, those that African flavours interest will be able to order an order of Injéra, Ethiopian speciality based on meat and vegetables framed in a big thumbnail that they will be happy to taste at table or counter. Jacob has his followers: the students opposite (Victor-Lépine), the people of the Sainte-Thérèse district (the Kactus is located on a one-way street, 200 metres from the Lux Cinema) and the local inhabitants are ready to make an edge to find a unique atmosphere here.

Le is a classic and well-kept hotel. Its classy decoration, in the Belle Epoque atmosphere, is the image of the choice shops located in this same neighbourhood (the parking passes opposite the famous church St. John). In fact, not far from here, the famous Pâtisserie pastry, where it is possible to spoil itself in a garden over time. During the day, we come here to drink a tea, in peace, away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. For lunch, the very friendly Équipe team also offers a quality brasserie service and manages to renew daily its choices of dishes of the day! An effort that we can only applaud!

You can't miss the Café des Mist. Its terrace is open all year round, enjoying the shelter of the arcades where you can enjoy Sunday the bal of the walkers of the market and take a look at the possible rarities to find in the nearby brac. Inside, a friendly and warm atmosphere: You can enjoy the comfort of the big benches and to change the ideas to the flat screen on which to continuously pass variety clips. The footeux will also have their 90 minutes to accompany the Malherbistes (in their exploits?) at the time of the games retransmission. These animations provide a great deal of passage to the Café des Mist, including the afternoons, since you can eat it at a good price!

Chess players gave them an appointment over time. The photos of clients taken at special evenings are attached to the walls, the opportunity to find people who are known (folder sometimes). Despite the change of owners, the retro-déco has not changed for at least ten years (one can take an old shot…) and recalls the Paris of the 1900 s, that of Toulouse Lautrec and Aristide Briand, with its old (Black Chat) posters, its large mirrors and its fine art deco lamps. A library corner has been arranged with some lyrics, not far from the poster of the three large (Ferré, Brassens and Brel). Black and white photos at the Doisneau complete the whole. Music is never too strong, which makes it possible to hear. Large terrace for smokers, or for lovers of the sun (it occasionally happens in Caen, if so).

From a certain hour, this place is fast crowded! In the "Séma", as used by the regulars, no déco in the eye, but an original setting that lends itself very well to glasses among friends late in the day! But not comfortable sofas, but seats in height! Stool for everyone. Brick walls, a collection of pieces and notes by here, some mirrors by this. The decor is planted. Side of the atmosphere, it's definitely rock! It's a pleasure to listen to classic AC DC, Led Zepp or Stones. 80 ' s or soul evenings, everything depends on the customer. The celebration program is displayed above the bar at affordable rates.

Pillar of the counter of the Arcisse de Caumont street with (almost) as many years on the counter as regulars, welcome to the Garsouille! The furniture is made of bricks and mortar and all generations meet there. It is a little the bar of the artists, the students in Fine Arts have their habits there. The music is eclectic and DJs play regularly. On the terrace, you can sit or lean against the high tables to drink a draught of Goudale, the famous ambush (Caen's beverage par excellence to be discovered urgently!) or a house cocktail.

A muy caliente atmosphere for the French! The decor is modern, with a Sunday flea market feel, while the music is, as you may have guessed, French! Out with the international, avis fervent defender of the language of Molière! It's the identity of this bar, and fashions and trends be damned. You can also come here to watch a Stade Malherbe match. But also, and above all, for the karaoke, which is an essential part of the bar's identity. To say that it contributes to the atmosphere would be an understatement... it sets the mood. No less than 6,000 songs!

El Camino: a must for café-concert fans! Pierre-Emmanuel and Morgan, at the helm, have preserved the "extra something" of the place: 3 to 5 concerts or shows a week, 1950s decor. This music bar, nestling at the foot of the Vaucelles church, is a meeting place for friends, families and locals alike. The basement room hosts a varied program of concerts. On the catering side, aperitif boards are available to accompany your evenings!

Fabien and Guillaume opened the Feeling K-Pa in July 2011, a very gay-friendly bar open to lesbians and neighbours who love them. Contemporary and colourful interior, clean lines, light lighting lights. The consos are at affordable prices, the festive atmosphere… A place not to miss!

What a joyful mess! Bright colors galore, furniture and walls included (with this big fresco of the Caen graffiti artist Wakse), La Pagaille is also a bar with several facets: for the aperitif, for eating and for the night birds! A nice cocktails menu (more than thirty), draft beers... and on the food side, there is also a lot to offer. Their homemade nibbles to share make your mouth water. Between giant sandwiches, corn dogs, cromesquis, plates of Iberian cold cuts, there is enough to fill you up. Festive atmosphere guaranteed!

Looking for a place to relax and unwind, in a peaceful garden sheltered from the wind and all eyes? Rendezvous at Les Dunes. It's the perfect address! Come and enjoy a hot drink with a crêpe or pastry in the tea room. Everything is homemade (crumble, tart, cheesecake...), and the sweet treats are made according to the cook's daily whims. As well as having a great time, you'll be refreshed for the end of the day and full until dinner!

We'd like to introduce you to Le Mug, a cool, cosy place where people like to take their time. In the morning, breakfast with viennoiseries from Pain Vivant - a great start! At lunchtime, we're treated to a whole host of goodies - well worth the detour! Risotto with smoked bacon or homemade bun with pulled pork, yum! We had one tiny spot left? We went for the banana-chocolate crumble! Suffice to say, all the pastries were mouth-watering, a great excuse to come back for a snack!

New owners but the regulars can be reassured, the Antirouille remains the Antirouille, a small and welcoming bar far from the crowd with audio cassettes on the wall! Taken over by Jean and Léo, the relaxed and timeless atmosphere of this bar is always present. Concerts, Beaujolais Nouveau tasting, funky evenings, so many occasions to feast at reasonable prices. For the rest, we come here for a chat or why not to hit the cardboard. And for the amateurs, the table soccer made its great return, we say that...

This restaurant and tapas bar smells of Spain, its nightlife and typical dishes! Pushing open the door of this 100% Spanish restaurant (we love the interior courtyard!) is like plunging into a little piece of Spain, with a friendly atmosphere and a spirit of sharing. The menu, featuring tortillas, empanadas, albondigas, cheese platters and typical charcuterie, is right up there. To accompany this homemade cuisine (which can also be enjoyed at lunchtime), the place offers sangria, wines and Spanish beers, always with an Iberian accent.

Loft had become a place for not very fréquentable… The sub-Prefect of the city took the decision, after several interventions by the gendarmerie in the establishment and the approaches, to close its doors to the public for almost a month. The bar Les Voiles Rouge is now open but often closed doors. And the owner has not changed.

An establishment which is a bar, a tobacco shop, a cigar cellar, a PMU and a restaurant at lunchtime (offering a not very elaborate menu, of course, but very affordable, it can help). Thirsty pilgrims stop by chance, regulars by love of the game. The rooms overlooking the pedestrian street of Mortain are preferred to the space dedicated to PMU broadcasts, even if the flies tend to nest there. They are deserted in summer in favor of the terrace, although the metallic furniture is not very attractive. As for the service, it is indifferent.

History to finish the evening in beauty, so go to Dover Pub and take your time, it closes at four hours! Established since summer 2007 by Charlotte Delabrousse, formerly the Cotton pub. A good child atmosphere with many people. Different beers each week. Patience, Charlotte anticipates some changes in time, that happiness!

The good thing about this place is that it's easy to recognize the team - they don't move around much... or at all! From the top of his Arbuste, Jo, who now also markets at Place Saint-Sauveur on Fridays, is a passionate artisan who swears by high-quality 100% organic beans. On site or to take away, he offers several exceptional vintages, as well as a special beverage every month. Latte, flat white, cortado, mocha or chai latte? Artisanal roasting is the key to sublimating coffee beans, and Jo knows how to vary flavors and aromatic profiles!

For lovers of beauty, good food and greenery, there's a summer restaurant and tea room in the Jardin des Plantes Orangery. For the first time, Caen's green lung is hosting a place to relax and enjoy a snack. You'll love it! Inès and Axel concoct fresh tartines, salads, gazpacho, club sandwiches, milkshakes, ice creams from Ferme du Bois Louvet, cookies and smoothies. New: hot dishes will be introduced between now and September to warm up cooler days. After l'Aromate (rue Gémare), this couple is not short of panache!

An address not to be missed, located in the historical and trendy Vaugueux district. On the program of the Gavroche: tapas, pizzas to share, wines, vintage wines, cocktails... A menu prepared in-house with fresh products. Italian inspiration, but also seafood or salmon gravlax, for this bar of friends where the atmosphere is assured. Without forgetting the decoration, from the flowery vintage to the retro on the floor. Romuald and Justin, two lovers of good food, are at the helm and they prove it once again!

On the heights of Clécy, in the heart of Norman Switzerland, and 40 km south of Caen, the small village of Saint-Omer is located on the route des Crêtes, offering breathtaking views of the loop of the Orne and the Pain de Sucre. This is already a good reason to sit on the terrace of this ultra-friendly bar. You will find it just next to the Plaine Altitude paragliding school. This new place allows you to take a break after a hike or a flight, around an organic craft beer La Lie (brewed 5 km from there!), dishes and appetizers. And a concert on Friday evening!

It is clearly the address to be tested urgently for the amateurs of beers because here, they are local "crus", you read well! What's more, one of these beers is brewed on site. That's a mouthful, isn't it? It's true that Ross knows a thing or two about hops and malt as he created his own craft brewery, Brewmaker, not far from here, in Saint-André-sur-Orne. You will also be able to taste beers from around the world, cocktails, wine and other craft spirits. And for the small hollows or the aperitifs, it is tapas with local products!

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Café Marius is sure to please! Yes, you'll have to shell out the cash, and the place isn't cheap, but its unexpected, elegant, green and peaceful roof terrace, accessible from the "Par Hasard Maison" decoration boutique (which is also worth a look), promises an unbeatable view of the town and the beach. You won't want to leave until aperitif time, when cocktails and nibbles are on offer. A great discovery, at Deauville prices!

Don't forget this address! In homage to the Beach Boys song featured in the film Cocktail, the Kokomo (without Tom Cruise, of course!) offers a long list of recipes for the aforementioned beverages! In association with Scottish brewer Brew-dog, you can also enjoy some great "mousses". It has to be said that owner Jorge Dias knows his stuff: he already owns Le Préau, a Mecca for good Caen parties. And if you're feeling peckish, there's a selection of appetizers to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites!

Tired of rue Écuyère or rue Saint-Sauveur? These Trois Marches are well worth the detour! Then head for the lower part of the Vaugueux, and this charming neighborhood bistro. Here, you'll find a wide range of cocktails, wines and beers, as well as snacks from Malo Taqueria. Here, the atmosphere is perfect, whether by the fireside on winter evenings or to the sound of music on lively evenings. It's a place to enjoy life to the full, and their "vivanterie" has definitely won us over!

With its seventies-influenced decor and raw, natural materials, this audiophile venue was conceived as a crossroads. A contraction of "boum", synonymous with festivity, and "bap", Korean for meal, its name is an invitation to feast and have fun all day long. Bistro at lunchtime, afternoon snack or bar in the evening: at any time of day, their cuisine offers flavors from abroad with local products. With friendly staff and original cocktails, all you have to do is choose: party in the evening or chill out on the terrace?

"Miami beach à la sauce crème fraîche", the tone is set! Part hotel, part restaurant, part bar, The People is a hybrid venue run by Emilie and Alexandre and their super-dynamic, welcoming team. A mix of Florida vibes, Italy and Normandy, that's the atmosphere! As for the bar, with its cocktails, beers, tapas and themed evenings, it's sure to be a great time. While you can telework on the ground floor, when the weather's fine, head for Caen's only rooftop on the ^6th floor, for a breathtaking view!

What if we took a little height on the Trouville seafront? This Cabane Perchée, with its young, relaxed and offbeat style, awaits you for lunch, a moment of chill, sunbathing or a snack facing the sea. From the rooftop, you can enjoy a drink or a cocktail, accompanied by tapas (egg rolls, homemade fries with truffle gouda gratin...), a poke bowl or a plank (with lomo, chorizo and Bellota ham for example). All this with a breathtaking view of the sea wall and the beach. Very nice, trendy and, from now on, unmissable!

From 5pm onwards, the doors open to reveal a convivial, lounge-style decor with sofas and old armchairs, and even a tree in bloom! We'd love to share tapas, pizza or a charcuterie and cheese board. As for cocktails, prepared in-house, you can choose between a classic, an inventive one or the cocktail of the month. If the evening lasts, because the music is good, good, good, the menu plays the gourmet card... We opt for the Angus entrecôte: 300 grams of tender meat served in strips. Tonight we share everything! Even our favorite spot in Caen!

It's always the right time to push the door of Gloriette! Because, in addition to being able to have lunch there, to do your shopping (not cheap but at the same time the brands are famous), you will also be very well there at tea time, around a hot drink (notice to the amateurs, the mocaccino is unctuous as in Italy!). In a clear, calm, vegetal and inspiring atmosphere, you can work or write, as we did. And why deprive yourself of the pastries on the counter? The cinnamon roll and the cheesecake are worth the detour.