Normandy Dream.

European travel tips relevant to your questions are in several articles at https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sleeping-eating and other sections under the Travel Tips heading.

td,

Although you're a History Major, I'd still recommend taking one of the excellent local tours, as the guides are exceptional and I suspect you'll learn something new in the process. One of the guides there is a frequent consultant for the History Channel. The tours are not cheap, and you'll need to book well in advance. If you want information on some excellent local guides, post another note and I'll list a few of the guides.

Rather than bouncing around to different towns, it would have been more efficient to use a "home base" location such as Bayeux. Each change of hotel wastes valuable touring time!

Is this your first trip to Europe? If so you might find it helpful to have a look at Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip, as that covers many of the questions you have such as packing lists, food, etc. It would also be prudent to have a look at the France guidebook, as that also has a lot of good information on things like transportation, car rentals, etc.

A few more thoughts.....

• FOOD - yes, it's easy to pick up items at local markets if you'd rather have a small meal. There are lots of restaurants including the large chains such as McDonald's and Starbucks, so you'll have a range of places to choose from.
• RAIN GEAR - it's always a good idea to pack that, even for travel in summer.
• MONEY - are you planning to use ATM cards to obtain cash as you need it? Are you planning to take any credit cards? If so, be sure to notify your financial institutions that you'll be travelling in Europe so they don't freeze your cards. Aside from hotels and food, it's difficult to provide an estimate on how much you'll need for daily expenses, as everyone's travel style is different. I don't buy a lot of trinkets when travelling, so probably spend less than €50 per day.
• OTHER - are you travelling with any electrical / electronic gear? If so, be sure you check EACH device to ensure that it's designed for use on 220 V. electrical systems. You will of course need Plug Adaptors appropriate for France (the two pin Euro style for non-grounded appliances).
• PASSPORTS - don't forget to check the expiry dates!

The wind+rain combination is tough for a lightweight folding umbrella, which is what I've typically taken on trips to northern Europe. I'd watch the internet for up-to-the-minute weather projections right before departure and consider taking a full-size umbrella if many rainy days seem likely and you aren't planning to take hooded raingear. Your trip is fairly short, so it's not like you'd be carrying that umbrella around for months. And if you have a rental car for part of the time, the umbrella can live there when you don't need it. That weather report prediction will tell you whether you may want to have a rain jacket or poncho.

I always wear a broad-brimmed hat for protection from the sun, even if its cloudy. I've come to depend on a hat that cinches under the chin for windy days. It's a real pain to have to hold you hat on your head to keep from losing it. My hat is fairly waterproof, so it's helpful in a light rain, too. Yes, it looks a bit dorky. I do not care.

I can't possibly eat two full restaurant meals in one day, and a long lunch, especially, can cut into valuable sightseeing time. I travel with a small serrated knife (buy in France if you are not checking luggage) and the flexible plastic top to a carry-out container that's the size of a small dinner plate. I slice bread, cheese and fruit on the plastic top, then I eat off of it. This is most convenient if I can run back to my hotel with the provisions, but a rented car would work for this, too.

I also carry some plastic utensils; that way, I don't have to try to get them from a bakery if I buy a gooey pastry. You can pick up a set of very sturdy plastic or lightweight metal utensils in the outdoor section of a Walmart. If you depend on regular plastic ware, take several sets because forks in particular may break.

If bread and cheese seem a bit dull, keep an eye out for shops selling prepared food items like chicken or seafood salad. They are likely to be very good anywhere in France.

There's not much trouble that can befall you that can't be fixed with a quick trip to a local store, though you're right that it can seem a bit burdensome on a really short trip. I like to take a few OTC medications just in case a problem crops up at an inconvenient time. Europe doesn't have drug stores that are open all weekend on every third corner.

I definitely recommend taking sunscreen. It's easy to forget about that when you're traveling, until after you've gotten burned. You won't need much.

I'm also a big proponent of tossing a few zip-top bags--both quart- and gallon-size--into the suitcase. Among many other uses, they are good for isolating wet clothing.

Be sure your shoes are comfortable, and check clothing to be sure buttons aren't loose and seams/hems aren't about to fail.

I haven't traveled to France recently and don't know how often you'll run up against small hotels, restaurants and shops that don't take credit cards. I encountered a lot of them in other European countries last summer. But you can normally get euros very, very easily out of an ATM, so it's just a matter of being sure there's enough money in the checking account. I use a credit card when I can and prefer not to carry a lot of cash around, even though I use a money belt. I don't pay transaction fees for ATM withdrawals, so I hit the machines as often as once a day. If you are stuck paying ATM fees, you'll want to make fewer but larger withdrawals. You and your father should each have at least one ATM card. The machine may offer to calculate the withdrawal in dollars. Do not do that. The exchange rate will be very poor.

Edited to add: You'll each need a washcloth. European hotels almost never provide them. Choose something colorful that won't get mixed up with the hotel's (likely white) towels.

Spending two-three days in each location staying in different BnBs. The last 48 hours will be in Paris so dad can see the sights, then we'll fly out from their.

2 comments here. First, unless you are going the nite before, the "48 hours in Paris" may turn out to be significantly less than that amount of time to explore if it really means the morning of the 1st day in Paris you take the train or drive in, drop your bags at your hotel, etc. And even if is really 2 full days, if there is room to extend your trip and add more time in Paris I'd suggest doing so; it really is one of the remarkable cultural capitals of the world and you won't exhaust things to see after 2 days (or 2 weeks). Also I'd suggest taking some of the excellent walks by Paris Walks.

Second, the distance from Arromanches to St. Mere Eglise by car is only about 40 miles. For the nominal savings in time by staying in 3 towns compared to staying in some central location like Bayeux or a B&B you have the hassle of packing up every 2nd or 3rd day. The locations you picked aren't like overcrowded sites such as Mont St. Michel or Italian hilltowns where you get the magical experience of having it to yourself once the daytrippers clear out. Maybe you have some other reasons for wanting to stay in these towns, but absent an explicit desire to do so I'd suggest staying in just one place.

The take away from my research is a car to get around

I strongly recommend bringing a gps in addition to the Michelin maps. On stretches of a rural road without signs or when approaching a less-than-well-marked-intersection the gps still knows where you are, unless you're also looking for an adventure in map-reading as well as exploring Normandy. You can rent cars with a gps, but for the add-on price for a week you'll break-even or better by bringing your own. And you can practice with it before you go so you're sure how to use it. Be sure to take it with you whenever you leave your car. The cautious also wipe the mark off the windshield so thieves aren't tempted to break into your car to see if its in your glovebox. And returning to a previous theme about changing locales every 3rd day, I'm always a bit nervous when making sightseeing stops during the day with all our luggage in the trunk.

You have already rec'd some excellent advice. As far as weather goes, I would dress in layers. I like to bring a light fleece jacket for warmth, and both a rain jacket and pants for rain (like what you would wear hiking). I consider it a good trip if I don't use the rain pants -- but if it is really rainy, I'm prepared. The rain jacket doubles as a windbreaker. I like a folding umbrella too for a light rain with no wind. Definitely bring a sunhat and comfortable walking shoes.

Picnics are a delight in France. It is easy to buy food in small quantities. Stop in a boulangerie for bread, a cheese shop for cheese, maybe a charcuterie for deli type meats and maybe little salads. I keep a bag of supplies as we go. Add some fruit. I like yogurt, my kids sometimes like to get a slice if pizza. I think you find it easy to stop and pick up supplies. Picnics will save you money and time.

I also travel with an assortment of plastic bags for leftovers, sandwich bags, qt and gal size.

We use Michelin maps on France which are wonderfully detailed. We don't use GPS but that's a matter of personal preference.

Have a great trip!

You've gotten lots of good advice already, so I'll just add a couple of thoughts. Since you're doing this on your own, have you checked the tide tables? That will give you a reference point when looking at the beaches. Also, anything you can find regarding Google street view, Google Earth ahead will help with directions- it can be hard to keep your bearing when things are not well marked.

We did the trip in April and swore by silk long underwear. It's light weight but protects from the wind and cold, even at night if your B&B rooms are cold. It doesn't add bulk, but it sure works.

This will be an amazing trip!

The previous advice to stay in one spot and use it for a base is good advice. Many stay in Bayeux and it's easy to drive to the sights you mentioned, we've done that in fact. Check out www.bandbnormandie.colm for a B&B we used and drove to everything. We took a day long tour of the beaches then returned with our rental car the next day and spent another 4 hours in the American cemetery above Omaha Beach. We stopped in the little villages along the way and bought bread, cheeses, meats, and wine for cheap picnics. We've arrived two ways, once from Paris via train to Caen and fetched our rental car from across the street from the Caen railroad station. Another trip we took the ferry from Portsmouth, UK to Quistreham, the ferry port, and the bus into the Caen RR station. We drove the 15 miles to Bayeux, then to our B&B outside Villers-Bocage, just east of Bayeux. Take lots of photos

The previous advice to stay in one spot and use it for a base is good advice. Many stay in Bayeux and it's easy to drive to the sights you mentioned, we've done that in fact. Check out www.bandbnormandie.colm for a B&B we used and drove to everything. We took a day long tour of the beaches then returned with our rental car the next day and spent another 4 hours in the American cemetery above Omaha Beach. We stopped in the little villages along the way and bought bread, cheeses, meats, and wine for cheap picnics. We've arrived two ways, once from Paris via train to Caen and fetched our rental car from across the street from the Caen railroad station. Another trip we took the ferry from Portsmouth, UK to Quistreham, the ferry port, and the bus into the Caen RR station. We drove the 15 miles to Bayeux, then to our B&B outside Villers-Bocage, just east of Bayeux. Take lots of photos.

Just a question: Is it not possible to visit the beaches a few weeks later in the week of June 6th? I know it will be more busy there, but you can meet veterans you can have an interesting and learning talk with.

Don't overlook the human aspect of your trip while you focus on the history. The people of Normandy are warm, kindhearted, generous, and in my experience, friendly and often still voice appreciation toward Americans from the war. Allow yourself time for conversations with residents -- you'll very likely learn history of the area, war, and people that textbooks haven't taught you. Reiterating what others have said: Pick one central base (I also recommend Bayeux) ... It will also make it easier to meet and talk with townspeople.
I've been to the area several times and one experience that stands out: being at Omaha Beach cemetery at the end of day when the flag is lowered and taps is played.

Hi,

At which university are you studying? Main area of concentration? Time wise and geographically? Are you just focusing on Normandy events in WW2? The US aspect or which? If so, there are a lot of places/sites connected with those events you could track down...Compiegne, La Roche Guyon, La Cambre, Beauvais, Bayeux, Caen, Saumur for the tank museum. Getting a rental will increase you flexibility a lot in getting to sites.

http://www.visitdday.com/about.html

We will be doing a day with Chris in June. (He also runs a B&B, and will pack a lunch for the tour day to save time.) I agree with the others about taking a tour. Even though you have a strong background in military history, having a guide may provide you perspective you wouldn't otherwise get.

A few things not mentioned already:
It is very important to greet the clerks of each establishment you enter with a friendly "Bonjour Monsieur/Madame." Not to do so is considered very rude. You will get much better service if you remember to do this every time. And then "au revoir monsieur" on your way out.
It is customary now to call all women above about 12 years of age madame. Mademoiselle has largely been dropped for all but young girls.

You will need to ask for the check in restaurants as they do not automatically bring it when it looks like you are done.
RS has several excellent packing videos on youtube.
Regarding food, we try to eat modestly for all but one meal a day. If you are staying in B&Bs, you will likely be provided a light breakfast, so you only need to budget for two meals. We have found that we save money by eating our "big" meal at lunch most days, and then go with something light and inexpensive such as crepes or a picnic from the market for dinner.
There are several free apps available with maps and the like to make getting around easier.
I recommend that you book back in the older posts in this forum for other suggestions on clothing, packing, etc. There was an excellent thread a few days ago on most important things to take and leave behind.

I think you will have a great trip. A few things from our similar trip in May a couple of years ago:

Weather: At the end of May, we had very chilly/rainy weather almost the entire week we were in Normandy. However, when it wasn't raining it was pleasant. So I would take light rain jacket and then layers underneath for all variations. We took rain jackets with hoods and hats because we didn't want to deal with umbrellas getting in and out of the car.

Touring: My DH has a degree in history and his area of concentration is WWII. He knows pretty much everything there is to know about WWII. But still we hired a guide and feel like we got so much more out of the experience. We hired a private guide who is booked solid through May this year, but I would really recommend at least looking into a reputable guide. The conversations about where things happened, when and why were amazing and it was money very well spent.

Melody

Bonjour! You have gotten great advice from the forum. I do agree, even with your educational background, you would really do well to book a tour. I would recommend Dale Booth, if you can get him at such short notice. My husband and I had a private, day long tour with him and it was amazing. His insight (or that of any highly rated local guide) would only enhance your visit and allow you to actually relax with your father and enjoy the tour. I am sure you could teach the tour guide a thing or two as well. As far as picking a central muster point, I really don't mind moving around every two or three days. Your Dad might. Travel is hectic and changing your sleeping location so often may be a bit stressful. I love Bayeux and that's where I would recommend you stay. I recommend a light breakfast in your BnB or hotel, picnic type lunch, and local restaurant when you settle in for the evening. Always dress in layers for this area because it can be unpredictable. I never carry an umbrella, I usually start off with one but I photograph so much that I almost always lose it or it breaks because of the wind. I find that carrying/wearing a rain jacket with hood in my backpack is my best tactic. Most important of all, please enjoy this lovely area and leave enough time for Paris.

Au revoir!