Overnight stops in Normandy

Take the train to Caen and have a car already reserved at one of the 4 rental agencies, right across the street from the Caen RR station. Head for Bayeux, about 15 miles, where there are hotels, the 1066 Tapestry of William the Conqueror, the great cathedral, a D Day museum, and you are only 15 miles or so from the Normandy Beaches. Check out www.bandbnormandie.com, where we stayed 4 wonderful nights, just 10 miles south of Bayeux and on the outskirts of Villers-Bocage. A delightful working farm B&B with easy access to drive to Mt. St. Michel, the D Day beaches, or just drift along the back roads, shopping then stopping to sip a glass of Calvados and munch some local cheeses. Odile and Jacques and sons will show you a world class B&B. We rented at Caen because the rental agencies there are open Sautrdays until mid afternoon I think and agencies in smaller towns are not open at all on weekends. Good luck!

Personally, I would suggest you stay in Bayeux. Arrive on day 1 and get lodging. Take a Battle Bus Tour on day 2 and then you can depart on day 3. Here is a link for the Battle Bus Tours: http://www.battlebus.fr/ You must make reservations well in advance.

JB Thanks so much for your input. Attempting to make reservations today! Love this Travelers Helpline! Marilee

Agree that you should take the train into Caen and pick up rental car there, as the agencies are right across the street from the train station. Definitely stay in Bayeux, it is a short drive and a lovely town.

I would suggest an overnight in either Rouen or Honfleur, then be sure you visit the other one. Les Petit Andeleys, located on a lovely pastoral loop of the Seine is also a good stop both for King Richard's Castle and overall ambiance. You could stop at Giverny on the way back to Paris if you kept your car until you were closer to Paris. The distance if you drive Honfleur-Rouen-Les Petit Andelys-Giverny-Paris outskirts is about 140 miles.