We will be in Normandy about June 7th. Has anyone had experience of being there this time of the year and being able to find a place to stay without reservations? We want to experience the see what you can find when you get there but I am concerned about going there this time of year. Do I just need to take a deep breath and sit back and see what I can find?
Thank you
Posted by
2081 posts
hi, I was there in March, but considering that June 7 is probably a special day for them up there, i would suspect that finding anything "convenient" would be booked. i would find it interesting to know how it works out for you too. happy trails.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
June 6 is the anniversary of the Invasion. I think most, if not all, places will be booked, depending on where it is you plan to go in Normandy. My favorite place to stay is Hotel d'Argouges in the charming town of Bayeux. Check to see if they have availability. We love staying there.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
386 posts
I was there last year over D-Day anniversary, but had made reservations ... at Le Relais de la Tour Louise in Bayeux nights of June 5-6. Lovely B&B right in town, amazing views of church. If at all possible, I recommend making a reservation. But if the date is up in air, if you end up there the 7th or 8th, I honestly don't think you'll have a problem. Many folks will have left by then, and odds of last-minute cancellations are good, too.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Make reservations. This is no time of the year to wing it in Normandy.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7161 posts
I think it could be risky to go on the fly at that time of year but I'm sure you can always find something at the last minute, just maybe not in the town you wanted or maybe not in the price range you wanted. At least this year is just another anniversary, next year being the 70th anniversary (all kinds of big doings) it will be impossible without reservations. If you do make reservations in advance and plan to stay in Bayeux, I can second the recommendation for Le Relais de la Tour Louise. I stayed there last July and it was so nice, owner was extremely pleasant and helpful and the location was perfect. I would definitely stay there again.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Teri, That's not a real good time of year to be visiting Normandy using the "spontaneous" approach. There will be 69th Anniversary ceremonies and events taking place throughout that area, so accommodations will be at a premium and may be hard to find. It's possible that you could find accommodations by "winging it", but you'll have to consider that it may take some time, you may have to take what you can get (at whatever price) and you may have to stay some distance from the location you want. If you were planning to take any of the D-Day tours in the area, I've been told by tour firm staff on previous visits that they usually take a few days off during the ceremonies, as the Guides also want to attend. Good luck and happy travels!