last day in Normandy

We spent a month in Normandy recently and visited most of the places you are considering. We really wanted to go to Mont St Michel as we had not been able to see it on 3 previous quick visits to the area. We picked a beautiful weather day (had the luxury of a month) and were not disappointed. I think if you were to go there in April the crowds wouldn't be as crushing either. We went in August. Our second favorite place on your list is totally in the opposite direction. We loved the quaint, Nordic feeling harbor town of Honfleur. We sat at outdoor cafes in the drizzle and strolled around the town for hours. It was like no other French coastal town we had seen. I hope you will see the Landing Museum at Arromanches too when you are visiting landing areas. We have been there 3 times in the winter and the town is pretty closed up but the museum is one of our favorite WWII museums. Have a great trip.

Mona,
Thanks for your suggestions. I will add that museum to our list, somehow I didn't discover that one in my research. I think we are leaning towards Honfleur for our last day. By then I think we will be ready for a leisurely last day.

honfleur half day then evening at mt.st.michel would be a day full of sight seeing.

I don't think I would want to tackle both in one day. It is a 2 hour drive between them (mappy.com), the last admission to the Mont is at 5 PM in April, and I'm not sure what time the sun sets there in April. Maybe do a morning and afternoon at Mont St Michel then drive over to Honfleur for a stroll and dinner at the harbor to watch the sunset but it seems a bit far to drive for the limited amount of time you'd have. Something for you to consider though as the previous poster said.

I would find some way to work Mont St. Michel into your plans - ideally, spending the night there (on the Mont itself). No place like it anywhere else on earth, and an unforgettable experience. Don't miss it.

'last admission to the Mont is at 5 PM in April' The town does not close. That might be for the abbey, missisng which is no great loss. Mid-April sunset is around nine.

I realize that "the Mont closing at 5 PM" is admission to the abbey. I think time spent exploring the abbey is well worth the site. The "town" was a huge disappointment in August when it was a mass of shuffling people winding their way past endless gift shops and a few restaurants. Overall though the site is phenomenal and shouldn't be missed if at all possible. I'm so glad that we finally went (on our 4th trip to Normandy).

I agree totally with Mona: Mt. St. Michel, Arromanches, and Honfleur - all fantastic! Mt. St. Michel is definitely worth seeing - I wouldn't try it with the others in one day. You could do Arromanches and Honfleur together.

Mont St Michel Abbey is not as colorful and decorated as the typical cathedral, but I find it very interesting. Spend some time browsing through it. if you want to stay that side (south) St Malo is a great little (walled) town and harbor. North I prefer for the countryside (farms and apple trees) rather than their towns

Please do not miss the Landing Museum at Arromanche. It was fantastic. Be sure it is on your itenerary!