History and description

Stade Michel d'Ornano was built between December 1991 and June 1993 at a cost of $22.7 million. It replaced Caen's previous ground, Stade de Venoix, and was one of the first modern stadiums to be built in the 1990s. On June 6, 1993, Saint-Michel d'Ornano Stadium officially opened with a friendly match between SM Caen and Bayern Munich (4-1).

Over the years, the French national football team has occasionally played an international match at the stadium.

In 2016, the stadium underwent a $1 million refurbishment that replaced the green seats with blue ones.

How to get to Stade Michel d?Ornano

The Stade Michel d'Ornano is located east of Caen, about 2.5 kilometers from Caen's city center and 4 kilometers from the main rail station. The walk from the eastern part of the city centre takes just over an hour. Alternatively, bus 8 can get you to the stadium from St Pierre square in the centre. Take the bus in the direction of Beaulieu Brazza and get off at stop Stade d'Ornano. You can also take bus 2 from the city centre in the direction of Venoix Gallieni and get off at stop Gallieni, which is the last on line 2.

From the main rail station, first make your way to St Pierre in the centre (by foot or bus), and take bus 8 or 2 from there. Alternatively, take bus 3 in the direction of Carpiquet, get off at stop Bernard Palissy, and walk 5 to 10 minutes to the stadium (via Rue Claude Chappe).

Trains run frequently and the journey is comfortable. Caen has frequent train connections to Paris (Paris St Lazare station), as well as local links to Rennes and Le Mans. The train journey from Paris takes about two hours, and trains run frequently. The travel is comfortable, and you'll be able to get around quickly and easily.

The nearest airport is Caen-Carpiquet Airport, which is just outside the city. Bus 3 that connects the airport with the city centre also passed close by Stade Michel d'Ornano. Deauville airport (50 kilometres) isn't too far either, but it is currently only serviced by a single Ryanair flight and getting from the airport to Caen by public transport takes about just as long as the journey from Paris.

Address: 23 Bd Georges Pompidou, 14064 Caen Cedex 4

Eat, drink, and sleep near Stade Michel d?Ornano

The Stade Michel d'Ornano is located in a quiet residential neighbourhood. While it may be possible to find occasional cafes or restaurants in the city center of Caen, it is likely better to eat and drink in the more pleasant neighbourhoods near the stadium. If you want to stay as close as possible to the stadium, there is a small B&B right opposite. The larger Hotel Ivan Vautier (expensive) and Hotel Crocus (cheap) are alternatives only 10 minutes walking from the stadium and possibly appeal to those travelling in by car.

Otherwise, if you're not staying in or around the city centre, you're more likely to stay elsewhere. Click here for a overview of hotels in Caen.

Caen Tickets

Tickets for SM Caen matches can be purchased online, at the club shop at the stadium, or through one of the regional sales outlets. If tickets are still available, they can be bought at the gate on the day of the match. Caen doesn't often sell out, but booking in advance is advised for high-profile matches.

Tickets prices depend on the opponent, but lower-tier seats start at 10.00 pounds and go up to 20.00 pounds for more prestigious matches. It is much more expensive to buy tickets on the day, so it is recommended to book in advance.

Stade Michel d?Ornano stadium tours

Caen offer guided stadium tours that include the dressing rooms, VIP areas, dug-outs, and pitch. The tours last for ninety minutes. Tours run monthly at 3pm on Wednesdays. The cost is $5.00 on the official website.

Relevant Internet links

The Stade Malherbe Caen website is the official website of the stadium, while Tourisme.caen.fr is the website of the Caen tourist office. Twisto.fr provides public transport information for the area.