homeschool family of 5- London/ France

May is spectacular. Renting a flat has many advantages; note that rentals typically run Saturday to Saturday, but some might rent by the night.

For D-Day, you'll want to be in Normandy. You'll benefit from renting a car to get about, and with a car you can base yourself anywhere near the beaches.

RV may be possible, there is camping in Normandy, but why take an English RV to France? Especially if you will be staying in London.

Thanks. When hubby and I went to England/Scotland we didn't even have a car. We just did the rail pass. I know that would work in London, but didn't know about the Normandy idea. Is doing both a bad idea? All my boys are such D-day nuts. Could we just do a car in France? I just threw out the RV idea because we are so familiar with it. A lot of our trips here in the states are to National Parks where we do a lot of hiking. Any hiking in that part of France?

You're right, RS guide books aren't great help when looking for family accommodations. Renting an appartment is a great alternative, especially in Normandy. Some options to find rentals:

www.vrbo.com

www.interchalet.co.uk

I don't know much about the practicality of renting an RV. You need to take into account the cost of gas for such a large vehicle (twice than in the US). And then using it to drive around and find parking in much tighter spaces than what you'd have available in the US.

Thanks for those websites. That is exactly what I needed. I see lots of opportunities around Normandy, very pleasant in the country places. We could walk to towns, go to a real bakery. It sounds heavenly. We don't like crowds.

We travel as a family of 5 as well, with children in 8th, 5th and 1st grades and when we rent a vehicle it is of the standard compact variety. Then we plan our excursions so that we rarely have to use the vehicle for more than 90 minutes without a major stop. Yes, we are crammed in there, but it is economical and sensible for the local roads and parking places. Remember, driving in Europe is different. You will almost never see an SUV or Minivan. Gas is $7-9/gal.

There is no reason to have a car in any large city. If you can base yourself in one region for a week, Sat-Sat then a cottage rental is ideal (or an apartment in the city) but these are harder to arrange for any other span of time.

I envy your ability to take the children on trips during the school year. Good for you. My wife is a teacher, so that is never an option for us.

Travel to Europe can be very educational. One thing to be sure to notice is the stunning beauty of the cathedrals, their almost 1000-year history, and the fact that they are largely unused today, except for tourism.

I agree that an apartment as a base and day trips would probably fit the bill. Have a look at the London Forum on Tripadvisor. It has a guide for dos and don'ts when renting an apartment in London.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g186338-i17-k1014578-Dos_and_Don_ts_for_short_term_flat_rental_in_London-London_England.html

You will not find that many USA size RVs (known as motorhomes) on UK roads, the more common varieties look very cosy in comparison. In general the larger ones are just too big to drive comfortably on anything but the motorway system and parking would be a headache.

Taking rental vehicles across borders can be very expensive, it is best to drop them off and pick up another one the other side.

I think this sounds like a fabulous trip. I love WWII history too. You have identified some great things to see in London. If you have time, try to fit in the British Museum -- it is fantastic. Getting an apartment would be perfect. You can take the train to do day trips.

In Normandy, a car would be very beneficial. I'm not crazy about the RV idea -- gas is just too expensive over there and I think you'd get more out of staying in a rental where you could live live a local.

There are some excellent tours of the battlfields, but they could get expensive for a family of five. You sound like a family that could do it on your own by doing lots of research. Normandy is just fantastic. Seeing the beaches and battle sites and cemetaries is very moving. As a bonus, Normandy is a really wonderful place even without the WWII history. Pretty countryside, nice towns, great food and wonderful people. If you can squeeze some time in Paris too, I think you would enjoy it. There are a lot of people, for sure, but it really is a spectacular city with tons to do.

I'd recommend renting a place in the general Bayeux area, somewhere between Bayeux and the coast.

The WWII museum in Bayeux was our favorite.