La Gitane sur Caen

The only cafe open at the railway station at 10am. Inside can be hot but the cool terrace outside is almost entirely inhabited by chain smokers, none of whom appeared to have a drink. To be fair, a cheerful little place but for the cloying thick smoke.

It's a good bar/tobacconist with a friendly welcome and good services (lottery, horse racing, drinks, tobacco). The managers are professional and friendly. It takes skill to manage the crowds around Caen train station, and the owners deserve credit for that. I can't comment on the food as I don't eat there.

The owner wasn't very friendly. €8.20 for an Orangina and a 20cl glass of lemonade.

The tobacco shop is great, except for all the people offering you drugs every two minutes, smoking right in front of it – it's not great, be careful if you're a girl!

Super friendly managers, good shopkeepers, lots of choice