Help needed with Paris/D-Day Beaches/Bruges itinerary

I think it's a good plan. I wouldn't add MSM into the mix as much as I love it, 2 nights in Bayeux isn't even enough to see everything there (WWII museum in Bayeux - the best one imo, the Bayeux Tapestry, the town itself, and all the D-Day sites). We've stayed at Hotel D'Argouges in Bayeux many times and really like it a lot. The hotel is like a manor house with beautiful gardens, parking, and very friendly owner and staff. It's in RS France book.

Forgot to say we stayed at the Crowne Plaza in Bruges and it was great. It's in RS Belgium book.

Sure. After you get done with the tour, don't stay in Bayeux that second night - - instead drive an hour and a half to MSN - - its better after the mob leaves, anyway, and night is best of all. From MSN it's five hours to Lille instead of the four from Bayeux. Bayeux is an easy three hours from Paris, so you'd have time to poke around the two museums there the day you arrive. If you leave early enough, you can even poke around in Rouen for a couple of hours - - this little jog would add less than thirty minutes to the driving time.

If you really want to see MSM, I'm with Ed. ADVICE: make your Bayeux hotel reservation ASAP! Even if you haven't made a decision on MSM yet, check cancellation policies - you might be able to reserve for 2 nights, then later cancel the 2nd one in favor of staying in MSM...but Bayeux can get booked up very quickly! And good job on your plans to drop the car off in FRANCE to avoid those horrendous drop-off fees.

Hi Jill, If you want to do MSM you can do it as a half day trip, they have mini-van tours leaving from the Churchill Hotel (which seems to be the most popular hotel in town). You should definitely go to MSM quite early in the morning. Doing a full day D-Day tour and a half day to MSM that would give you a half day to do the Bayeux Tapestry, etc. Personally, I loved Bayeux. Quaint little town with really great bakeries. As for Bruges accommodations, I would highly recommend the Eden Rose Guesthouse. It is about a 20 minute walk to the old town centre, it is gorgeous and the hosts really go above and beyond to give you all the tourist information you need. €135 for our 2 nights including (yummy) breakfast and taxes.

I like your plan. I loved Normandy so much (more than Bruges, which is quite lovely) that I would skip Bruges and spend four nights in Normandy. That way you would definitely have time for Mont St Michel. But if you really want to see Bruges, and I could see why you would, I think your itinerary is very good. If you try to see Mont St Michel with your existing plan, it will make for a lot more rushing around. I don't think it's worth it, but that's a decision you'll have to make. I hope you have a great trip!

I thought Bayeux was absolutely lovely, and we really enjoyed strolling around the towns streets as much of the architecture is from the 1500's, and 1600's. We also loved our B&B, Hotel de Sainte Croix. Beautifully decorated, huge bed, huge bath, and fantastic breakfast offered. I still remember the dreamy chocolate tart the hostess made and served and this was a couple of years ago! Prices are reasonable too, they have doubles for 86 euro per night (just checked). For families traveling they have rooms with extra beds.
http://www.hotel-de-sainte-croix.com/index.php?page=single_article&name=accueil

Jill,
I think you would be more pleased if you spent more nights in Bayeux or vicinity. We toured for 3 days and spent 4 nights. Wonderful. We stayed at the Churchill (wonderful rooms and service, wonderful location), but I know there are many great hotels and BnB's there. But make your reservations for tours and accommodations soon. This is a hugely popular destination.

Thank you everyone for your help!

For Bruges, the Absolut Verhulst is excellent B&B. Read about it @ TripAdvisor and RS Amsterdam, Bruges, and Brussels.