Trams in Caen (1860-1937)

Public transport began in 1860 with a horse omnibus service; in 1895, the Compagnie des Omnibus et Transports à chevaux was created to provide an organised urban transport service to the inhabitants of Caen.

The network of 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) narrow gauge lines spread over 11 km and all three lines opened in 1901, connecting the Route de Falaise (La Guérinière), Caen-Ouest Station, Saint Pierre, Place du Canada (Saint Martin), La Maladrerie and Venoix.

The depot was situated on the Eastern side of the Bassin Saint Pierre, in the city centre of Caen, with the tram lines crossing the Calvados' line to Ouistreham.

While the tramway closed on 23 January 1937, the tracks remained for several years after that.

The company operated a fleet of single car trams as well as trailers.