Travelling to Normandy, France?

Question

Hi all,

I'm from Canada and planning to go to visit the landing beaches and museums in Normandy. I heard Bayeux is the best base city to get access to those WWII sites. However, i'm still wondering if it is better to rent a car at Bayeux to visit the landing beaches in terms of convinience (e.g. available parkings along the beaches) and budjet (e.g. cost v.s. taking buses). Any suggestions will be appreciated...

Answer 1

Make Caen your base for exploring Normandy.

There is an excellant public bus system that will take you to most of the Normandy Landing sites, the cemeteries, memorials and museums. A one day bus pass can be purchased for 17.70 euros

Free bus timetables can be acquired from the main tourist office in Caen on the Place St Pierre and a map of the bus routes can be found here: http://www.busverts.fr/_hiver/plan.asp

Answer 2

I did that trip about 10 years ago and we rented a car, spent a night in Caen and a night in Bayeux (definatly don't miss this town).  We rented the car in Giverny (just north of Paris, home to Monet's gardens) and then drove up to Normandy.  Having the car also allowed us to spend a day/night on Mont St Michele in Bretagne and it was one of the most amazing places I've been in Europe.  However, driving in France can be a bit tricky because their street signs are different from our and, obviously, all in French.  Have a great trip!

Answer 3

If you have the time, then take a couple of weeks and backpack the beaches.  I did that in 1984 and it's a memory I'll never forget... There is even a guide book you can get in Europe that will let you take a self guided tour.

Answer 4

I agree with making Caen your base. There is a great WWII museum in Caen and its close to the beaches. I prefered to rent a car because you can go at your own pace and have the freedom that is given to you with a car. Plus, some bus tours can be pricey.