Normandy Help!!

So, you want to start in Bayeux, go to Arromanches, St. Mere Eglise, Mont St. Michel, and back to Bayeux ... all in one day? You would need to rent a car for that -- plus, given the time it would take you, even if you're not looking for "in depth," I would not recommend it. It's just too much for one day.
I'm not aware of any tours that would offer all 3 of those sites in 1 day. Do a search on this site, and at trip advisor, for Normandy tours, to get more names, and start calling or emailing. You might also let them know that you're already scheduled to be in Bayeux, so perhaps could get on a waiting list for cancellations. If worst comes to worst, there's plenty of wonderful things to do in Bayeux. It's a very scenic small town, with it's own museum detailing the Normandy invasion, the Bayeux tapestry, a gorgeous cathedral ...

I would check with the Bayeux Tourism Center or your hotel and see if they could help you arrange to have a car and driver or private tour.

Pattie, I'm not entirely clear on your proposed trip. If I'm reading correctly..... > you'll be spending 3 nights in Bayeux (2 days or 3 days total?). > you have a tour booked for the first day. What sights does that organized tour cover? > A Bus route that follows WHICH path or train? Will your organized tour not be going to St. Mere Eglise? > Are you firm on visiting Arromanches or would other sites also be of interest? If you could provide some clarification, it would help. Although you're leaving in a week and a half, do you have time to attend the next meeting of the Denver RS group. They may be able to offer some suggestions. Good luck and happy travels!

Pattie, WHICH tour are you taking on the first day - one based in Bayeux? As you're visiting Longues sur Mer, I'd suggest packing along a small flashlight. If you want to have a look inside the Command Bunker on the edge of the cliff (used in the filming of The Longest Day), there's no lighting inside and daylight isn't sufficient in some parts. That site is only a short distance outside Bayeux. A few thoughts on your other plans...... > Unless you're really "definite" on seeing it, you might consider skipping Mont St. Michel this trip as it's some distance from Bayeux. There is a Bus that leaves from the Churchill Hotel, but a trip there will take the better part of a day, which would leave no time for the other places you wanted to see. Just a thought..... > I'd suggest keeping St. Mere Eglise on your touring list. In addition to the historic Church (also prominently shown in The Longest Day and Pvt. Steele is still hanging from the Bell Tower), there's an excellent Airborne Museum there, housed in two buildings which have roofs shaped like a parachute canopy. It's worth at least a few hours (IMO). Cheers!

Thank you, I did check with the Tourism in Bayeux and they gave me a list of Taxis. They also told me it was possible to go from Bayeux to Arromanches, to Sainte Mere Eglise museum to St Mont Michel in a long day. Is the Arromanches museum and the Arromanches 360 the same thing? If not are they within walking Distance of each other? Is it worth the trip to see the movie? What is everyone's feeling about visiting Sainte Mere Eglise +/or Mont St Michel. Since I have never been to any of this, plus it is a surprise for my husband, who only thinks we are going to Paris....I would like to pick and choose carefully. because I know there is so much to see in that area and we have limited days. I have a tour the first day of the Caen Museum, American D-day beaches (Longues-sur-Mer, American Cemetery, Omaha Beach, Pointe Du Hoc). Second day completely open........ My third day is Battle of Normandy Museum and the Tapestry and back to Paris.
Pattie

Patti, We were in Arromanches April 2012, did not do anything in there other than a good meal and walks on the beach. There is a museum at the edge of the beach right in downtown and on the hill above 360 theater. Two different places; you could walk between. Do a search for both Arromanches Museum and 360 Arromanches and you'll get info on both. On a clear day.....no prettier place than Arromanches, and you can see a lot of the remains of the Mulberry Harbor without either museum or movie, though I wish we'd done the museum at least. We were balancing WWII museums and scenic touring plus dodging rainy days! If you have to cut from your busy day, I'd cut Mere Eglise. The church has several stained glass windows of paratroopers, donated by the men who served there, I believe. Mt St Michel is really worth some time and would rank first of the three places with us if you want a different experience other than WWII. Next: Arromanches, last Mere Eglise. Have a great time.....please report back on Trip Reports!

Patti, Sounds like a wonderful surprise. Unless you plan on going back to that area just to visit Mt. St. Michele there is no way I would be that close and skip it. I did that on first trip to Normandy with a 15 year old grandson and regret it now, as I took another grandson a year later and made the trip to MSM and wish I had made the effort the first trip. I definitely think an overnite is worth it for MSM, but if that cannot be worked out I would still go.

I have been to the arromaches landing museum 3 times (took university students). I love it and would gladly go back again. We went to the 360 degree movie experience the first time we were there and never wanted to go back again. Not worth it in my opinion.