Would like to add an overnight stay or 2 nights to our sidetrip to the D-day beaches but will not be able to drive. (Highlights of other trips to Europe have always been the smaller cities or towns rather than the capital so I am looking to add that to the week in Paris) So what would you recommend ? Open to short bus tours but was really thinking of using one town/city with rail access to Paris and then doing tiurs recommended here. Is Bayeux the best option for an 80 yr old who just wants to see the beaches, a 15 yr old boy who will probably looking at his Ipod and a 56 yr old who is not as adventurous ( see no driving) as she once was. Thanks
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Diane, Bayeux would be a really good choice, as it's quite central and close to the beaches. While there you could see the famous Bayeux Tapestry and if time permits also the WW-II Museum. You could choose either a half-day tour or a full-day. However, unless the 15-year old is at least somewhat interested in the history, it might be difficult to keep the attention span for a full-day tour. Perhaps he'd be more interested in the history if he watches The Longest Day (or other movies) prior to the trip. The Gun Batteries at Longues sur Mer are included on some of the tours, which were used in the filming of The Longest Day. He might appreciate the fact that the Guns there and in other Bunkers were shooting at kids not much older than he is. A visit to St. Mere Eglise is also interesting (Pvt. Steele is STILL hanging on the side of the Church Steeple). Be sure to point out the Paratroopers in the stained glass windows of the Church. With the guided tours, typically the participants get out of the Vans at each site and the Guide provides information on the events that took place there. I suppose the 80-year old could sit in the Van, but he/she would miss the lecture. Happy travels!
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
One day I hope to make it to Normandy. I bookmarked an excellent trip report from last year on Trip Advisor. Of interest is that for three or more people a private tour may be about as economical as a group tour. Here's the link.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187179-i607-k4177524-Paris_to_Normandy_for_a_D_Day_Tour_Our_Experience-Normandy.html#30710763
Posted by
san diego
33 posts
My 14 year old daughter and I stayed for two nights in Bayeux (March 29-30). We took the train from Paris directly to Bayeux, and waled from there to our lodging..the Hotel Reine Mathilde. There are taxis at the train station, however. We then did a half day tour with Overlord, which was probably about all my daughter could handle.