Bonjour, My husband and I will be traveling through Normandy next month and I have one free day I don't know what to do with. We are going to be visiting Versailles on a Sunday. On Monday night we will check into our hotel in Bayeux. We need to choose a place to stay Sunday night that is along the route. Options, I think, are Giverny, Les Andelys or Honfleur. Seems like each of those places has only a few hours worth of attractions, and we can certainly make pit stops along the drive to Bayeux. Suggestions for locations or a mini itinerary? At this point I just need to commit and make reservations.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
For me, I would go on to Bayeux and settle in. The entire drive is around 4 hours; YMMV, of course. It's a beautiful town to wander in in the evening, and you'll have your entire next day there. I don't know how long you're planning to stay in Bayeux, though...Of course, it would be nice to stop along the way in all of those places you mentioned, too. Choices are hard! I'm sure someone out there has made this (nearly) very drive, and will be along shortly... Christine, we're having a Sacto Helpline Get-Together this Sat the 18th at the Paneras Bread in Natomas; the whole scoop is found under the "General Europe" heading! Please come by if you can!
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10196 posts
Having made the drive, I'd opt for an overnight in Honfleur on the way to Bayeux. Saint Catherine's church is unlike any other in France, the harbor and setting are lovely. If you have time, both the municipal art museum and the Eric Satie house are interesting. You could also stop in Giverny on your way there. It's a short drive from Honfleur to Bayeux.
Posted by
the Island, Canada
173 posts
I really was expecting something else from the title of this post...
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
Me too.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
Christine, the drive to Bayeux is very doable and if you have no desire to go anywhere other than Normandy, I would go on Sunday, directly. However, going the other way, we stopped in Rouen and Honfleur for short walk arounds. Both are well worth seeing. The reference to St Catherine's in Honfleur is good advise. I don't have a reference in front of me, but I assume that it is the wooden, "inverted ship" church. Spectacular in its way. If I were planning your trip, I think I would stay in Rouen and explore upon arrival if time permits. If not, in the morning and Honfleur on the way to Bayeux. Bayeux is charming, but, in my opinion, not so much as either Rouen or Honfleur. Oh, in Rouen, do not stop with the Joan of Arc church and the cathedral. Keep walking. The clock, town hall, and half timbered building beyond are wonderful.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California, Usa
2 posts
Thank you, all! Sounds like Bayeux is the plan. C
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
It's interesting how we all have different perspectives and experiences... none are right or wrong... I like Bayeux way better than Honfleur and Rouen. I would go directly to Bayeux. I loved walking all over town, even the residential area, I found it all very charming. The WWII museum there is the best one imo.