Where to Stay near Normandy

What is your approximate budget? Our favorite small city in Normandy is Bayeux. We've stayed in several hotels in Bayeux from the Lion d'Or to the Hotel de Brunville to the Novotel. The city is one of the most charming with the most hotel choices in this area with easy access to D-Day sites.

We love Hotel D'Argouges in Bayeux and have stayed there many times.

I've looked at the different hotels you suggested so far. Either they weren't available, didn't have rooms for 4 or were too expensive. Right now we have a reservation in La Maison du Bocage, which we thought was a good location when we "were" planning on going to both Normandy and Mont St. Michel. Now that I see we don't have time for Mont St. Michel, that seems like it's out of our way. Our budget is limited since we're on an 18 day trip. I'm looking at Hotel Le Bayeaux as maybe a better alternative. Also, since we aren't going to MSM now, do we really need to rent a car vs. taking the tours? It doesn't look like we'll get to Caen until 6:38 PM, we'll have the next full day to do the beaches and need to head back to Paris (for Switzerland) the following day (morning). Thanks for your help!

I liked the Hôtel Reine Mathilde in Bayeux. They have a quad room.

The Hôtel Reine Mathilde was my first choice, it's booked. What about the Hotel Le Bayeaux?

Cheryl from up the road: We had a most memorable stay at a Norman castle converted into a B&B, La Ducrie (http://www.la-ducrie.com/). It is just outside St. Lo in a small village called Le Hommet d'Arthenay. Joe and Vivienne are the ultimate hosts who make you feel immediately like family. Joe offers personalized tours of the Normandy beaches as well as Mont St. Michel (we had a car so we saw the Mont on our own, but we really enjoyed Joe's extremely informative WWII tour.) The prices are extremely reasonable and by all means have Vivienne prepare dinner for you - she is a gourmet chef who really wowed us. You'll really love this place! Regards, Roy (from down Fredericksburg way)

In the past we've stayed in Ste Mere Eglise and at a campsite near Ravenoville-Plage. In June we'll be staying at the Hotel le Vauban in Carentan. Good reviews at TripAdvisor, and very attractive rates. No web site, though, so a call to make arrangements is necessary. Carine speaks English, but other hotel personnel apparently do not, so brush up on your French! Carentan is a good intermediate location for exploring the Airborne drop areas on the Cotentin peninsula, Utah Beach, Pointe-du-Hoc, and Omaha Beach areas. The Canadian and British beach areas are a short drive away, as is Bayeux.

Cheryl, Have you checked out any of the B&B's in Bayeux? They tend to be less expensive and not as much in demand as the hotels.

Le Tardif, a B and B right in Bayeux, kitty corner from the big Cathedral. We walked there from the train. It's right out of a romantic novel with a beautiful room, dining area and a garden in back. We walked to dinner and around town. The WWII sites are out a ways so you will need a car. Bayeaux is a place you can see easily in an afternoon. It seemed to be mostly a town for jumping off to the WWII attractions. I liked it. Have fun!

...but DO eat at the Reine Mathilde...

Try B and B Le Petit Matin in Bayeux.

I have stayed at a B & B near Bayeaux two times in the last two years that is wonderful. Le Ferme du Pressoir is a 300 year old farm outside of Villers Bocage about 15 minutes from Bayeaux. I first read about it in Rick Steves guidebook. Web site is: www.bandbnormandie.com I highly recommend it!