Going to be in Normandy after 5 days in London, primarily to see DDay beaches and WWll memorials. I have a room booked in Bayeux, but was wondering if it be better to stay in Honfleur and work my way down. Only 2 days max on Normandy.
Posted by
Washington DC
28096 posts
Bayeux is more convenient to the D-Day sites and museums. I'd recommend one of the small-group (van) tours of the invasion sites rather than the do-it-yourself approach.
Posted by
2541 posts
Can't speak for Honfleur, but our time in Bayeux was very nice and I would stay there again. Touring the beaches, cemeteries, etc. is a very sobering, but I think required, experience.
Posted by
11570 posts
We have stayed in both of these picturesque towns. Since you will be visiting the D-Day beaches, stay nearby in Bayeux. If you have any more time, add Honfleur.
Posted by
11570 posts
In addition the American beaches and D-Day sites, I highly recommend that you visit the British and Canadian beaches and museums too. We did them on separate days.
Posted by
381 posts
If you are going primarily to visit the D Day Beaches and WWII memorials I would say Bayeau. You can book an all day small group tour that will pick you up right in town. With that said, our second trip to Normandy was spent in Deauville with a day trip in Honfleur and it was beautiful. There are small military cemeteries all over the region, that are beautifully maintained by the French, with a notebook tucked somewhere onsite that lists every person buried, their branch of the military and their native country. It is fascinating and sobering.....
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Bayeux for the beaches AND the tapestry. Try Arromanches if Bayeux is booked -- Le Mulberry for dinner. Impressive museum of peace in Caen can take most of a day. Honfleur feels like an impressionist painting. What you miss this time you can see on your next Normandy visit. Enjoy!!
Posted by
174 posts
As others have said, Bayeaux is much better in terms of promixity to the D-day sites. Honfleur is a good hour away. Be sure to see the Bayeaux tapestry and go into the Cathedral as well. Both sites are near to each other and both are great, the tapestry especially.
Honfleur is cute but ultra-touristy and kitschy. The church there is interesting to stop into but we only spent a few hours wandering around and that was plenty. I think Bayeaux has more to offer.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I agree with post above mine. I did not like Honfleur. Ultra-Uber-Touristy and not in a good way for me. We spent two nights there which was two nights too long. Love Bayeux.
Bayeux is a charming, sweet town that feels real and authentic.
Plus, as said, Bayeux is way more convenient to DDay sites.
The DDay Museum in Bayeux is the best one of all imo.
Posted by
America's Vancouver and the First
111 posts
In additional to the tapestry and D-Day sights, don't miss the cathedral in Bayeux! Go in early evening when the sun is low and casting magical light through the stained glass windows. We stayed in both cities and Honfleur is what everyone else has said. Very cute and touristy - not worth more than a couple of hours on a tight schedule.