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Staying near the Normandy Beaches

We will be going to the Normandy Beaches with our 4 teenage grandchildren. Does anyone have recommendations of a place (cottage, etc) where we could all 6 stay together? We prefer not to cook, so we would need to be close to restaurants. Also, we would like to get a tour guide that would come to get us at our location. Thank you in advance!

Posted by
260 posts

We stayed in Bayeux and used Overlord Tours and they picked us up at our hotel. We stayed at Hôtel d'Argouges. It had morning buffet that was good, free parking, WiFi etc. If you plan on doing a tour we were really happy with Overlord!

Posted by
16270 posts

I left Bayeux a few days ago. I stayed at the Hotel Rhein Mathilde. They have one or two apartments that may be large enough for six. It's in the center of the town with lots if restaurants and shops.

I also took a full day tour with Overlord Tours. It was excellent. Their pickup point in Bayeux was about 50 yards from my hotel. They also offer private tours in small vans that can go everywhere. It might be cheaper to do that than the with other people.

Posted by
104 posts

We stayed at this WONDERFUL rental in Arromanches-les-Bains in July. Here’s the review I put up on the forum:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france-reviews/excellent-home-rental-in-normandy-france

I cannot recommend it enough. It will have plenty of room for your group and you’ll be right in the heart of it - with unbelievable views of Gold Beach. The only downside might be the location of the bathrooms - depending on the mobility in your group. If you can all do stairs, I cannot think of a better rental for Normandy beaches.

Wherever you end up, have a great time! Make sure you stop at the little church in Angoville-au-Plain. It was an unexpected highlight for us!

Posted by
28062 posts

Bayeux is a town where your grandchildren (even if young teenagers) should be safe on their own, and there's stuff to see right in town (tapestry, cathedral, historic center) or a 10-15 minute walk away (invasion museum). The longer you're planning to stay, the more important it could be to have those local options.

Posted by
5 posts

I definitely second arromanche. My husband and I stayed about a ten minute bike ride from there and it was so charming .

There are many little restaurants, a small grocery, museums, all walkable. Plus you are right on the water

We went to Bayeux for the afternoon to see the cathedral, tapestry museum, and walk. This would also meet your criteria but just a different vibe. It is a small french city vs Beach village.

For me, I'd pick arromanche as there are cities I prefer to Bayeux. Both will meet your criteria .

What a special trip to share with your grandchildren! Have a wonderful time!

Posted by
496 posts

We were also recently in Bayeux. I agree I would think teenagers would enjoy this small city vibe. Fun shopping street with eateries of all sorts. Saw lots of families…children and teens walking around. Very active, safe feeling community. We found Hotel Reine Mathilde to be a very convenient local. We stayed in older upper floor of hotel. Clean and pleasant. There is a nearby annex with “family rooms.” We enjoyed meals in their restaurant. Nice outdoor eating area. Overlord Tour pickup was a very short walk away. Perfect way to experience what Normandy offers.