Part one:::We are traveling to London then Paris and intend to spend two days and one overnight in Bayeux (DDay) before taking the ferry back to England. We have come across a mess for transporation. Please HELP US!!! We will leave Paris on March 21st, taking the 8:45 or 10:10 train to Caen. We would like to go straight to the Musuem there (highly recommended) but don't know what to do with our luggage for the afternoon. We then need to get from Caen to Bayeux for the night at the Churchill Hotel. Then up the next morning to take an Overlord tour for the day, then somehow back to Caen (ferry port) to take the overnight ferry across the Channel on the night of the 22nd. Two real options that I have researched:
One is to take a train to Caen from Paris ($92 for both of us) then rent a car in Caen, 2 day rental, return the car the night of the 22nd at the ferry port. Solves the bag problem, but cost is $250. Also a waste the second day since we will be on a formal tour. Total transporation (not counting accomodations or admission fees) for trip would be roughly $350 total. More money, but would save all the back and forth in lost time. Lots more flexibility!
I think I would drop the stop in Caen just to see the museum. The museum in Bayeux is also very good and it gets you into town where you can drop off your luggage at your hotel and not be so rushed.
Take the train to Bayeux & drop off your luggage at the hotel (if room isn't ready they'll stow it for you). Do a return trip to Caen by train (it's not more than a 20" train ride). The Peace Memorial museum is open 'til 7PM. Should be plenty of time... no car needed. If run into problems, Bayeux is a great little town to spend the whole day in.