normandy - home base or move around

Try to spend one night on Mont Saint-Michel. It's one of the most romantic places to overnight on the planet.

Thanks! Any suggestions/recommendations on a place?

Google 'hotels Mont Saint Michel', then read the reviews. Only be sure you choose one that's actually on the Mont and not only nearby. There are only a few. The hotel I stayed in several years ago was the Hotel Du Guesclin, but if I went back now I would try for the Auberge Saint-Pierre. Good luck!

It's pretty easy traveling around in this area, so I would not have a problem moving. I like both Bayeaux and most definitely agree you should stay on the Mont. I stayed in a reasonably priced hotel there (can't remember the name) but it was a special experience. You just leave your car on the mainland parking lot and take a shuttle across.

I agree with staying one night on MSM, the rest I would base in Bayeux. Bayeux is a wonderful, charming town, whereas Caen is a very not charming city. As an aside, the WWII museum in Bayeux was the best one in our opinion. We didn't like the one in Caen at all. We've been to Bayeux 6+ times and have always stayed at Hotel d'Argouges. We love it there. It's like a manor house, has lovely gardens, large rooms, good beds, large bathrooms, parking, a fantastic breakfast included, is very clean and the owner, Mme Ropartz, and her staff are super helpful and nice. We've done most of the DDay sites, but we also just love to drive the country roads in Normandy and explore, going from town to town and stopping where ever something looks interesting. We came upon (don't know what town) an old farm from the 1600's that was open to the public. There was virtually no one else there and it was charming and fascinating. There are also a couple of chateaux open to the public. We went to one at night, they had tours by candlelight and an hour of dancing before the tour outside in the courtyard in period costumes. It was so fun.

My wife and I stayed in Bayeux and recommend it highly. We visited Mont St Michel but did not stay overnight there; would recommend the overnight though. Consider also Honfleur, we spent one night there and it was a nice little town. Not sure if Giverny is in your plans, but also consider that, along with Reims on the way from Epernay. We visited Giverny but not Reims, the latter was the last thing cut from our itinerary on our 2010 trip. There is so much to see in France, you really cannot go wrong!

I was in Normandy in April and May. I think your plan is too ambitious. Make Bayeux your home base for two nights (Caen is too dull). For the first day, I would only do one sight on my way from Epernay to Bayeux (between Amiens, Rouen, Jumieges, or Alabaster coast--I'd go to Jumieges). Then spend two nights in Bayeux. Spend a full day touring the D-Day Beaches, returning to Bayeux. Spend your last night on the island at Mont St. Michel.

What is the difficulty with public transportation, or should visitors have a car?

Jane, Last fall we spent 4 days at the Ivy House, a ten minute walk to Utah Beach.
We had a car and it was easy to drive to all the D-Day sites. The ivy House is a series of small apartments in an old horse barn. Full kitchens too. Brit/Canadian couple run it and can offer loads of info on the area as well as providing personal D-Day tours. The location was very relaxing. J&D

My husband and I went to Honfleur from Paris our first night in....only two hour drive, and the town is beautiful. Stayed at Le Fond De La Cour B&B for two nights. Lovely couple own it, and we are definitely going back. Lots of restaurants, shops, walking path along the river Seine as it goes out to the Atlantic, etc. From there, we drove to Dauville and Trouville and walked around-only 10 to 15 minutes from Honfleur. We then did the Beuvron En Auge (listed on the cider route as one of the most beautiful villages), which we loved.....all this on the way to Bayeux. Cider route is fun - and there are tastings of Calvados, apple flavored brandy. We then drove into Bayeux for two nights - stayed at a B&B called Hotel Croix Blanche, I believe. Loved the lady who runs this place, and it was inexpensive and the breakfasts are soooo good. Visited all the D-day sites from there. Bayeux is a great place with wonderful restaurants. After that, went to Mont St. Michel - arrived at 4 o'clock when everyone was leaving, stayed at the Moutin Blanc (or something to that effect) - just okay, but the ambiance at night is awesome. Left in the morning, before crowds got there. Drove back to Paris for four nights, and the drive wasn't bad at all. If you can, try to stay in Honfleur.....lovely. Sue

Three years ago we stayed three nights at "The Churchill" in Bayeux. Good but not fancy room and fine breakfast We loved the town and restaurants and found a good D-Day beaches tour. Unfortunately, SNCF unions were calling strikes almost every day which made it a bit stressful since we had hotel reservations in several other towns. Hard to plan when the train doesn't appear and no one knows when/if there will be another that day or next. The staff at "The Churchill" could not have been more helpful and understanding of our situation. They were on the phone and computer for us whenever we asked for help as the strike situation changed almost hourly.
I highly recommend them for a Bayeux stay.

Bayeux definitely! The problem with staying at different places in the packing up and movingevery day you carry your luggage around with you until you can check into the new place (unless they can store it for you until checkin time). Bayeux was such a charming town - we were there last month and could have spent DAYS exploring all the nooks and crannies! Stayed at Hotel d'Argouges (thanks Susan!), toured the Tapestry and the cathedral one day and went on a full-day Normandy tour the next. Would have LOVED to do MSM but we did not have the time. Enjoy and Congratulations! Cici