Jeff

My wife and I are pondering just how exactly we should see the Normandy coast, most especially the D-day beaches. We will be in Paris for a week and planned on doing Normandy in one day (by train). Is this feasible, or should we cancel our hotel in Paris for one night and try to get reservations in Normandy somewhere? Also we thought maybe it would be nice to rent bikes in Caen and spend the day cycling around. Does this sound like a worthy idea, it seems that the distances wont be too great. Any suggestions on bike rentals, I cant seem to find any info on the www. One last question, which beaches are the best to visit? Thanks

Kathy

In 1998 and 1999, my husband, son and I toured the D-Day beaches with Jean-Marc Bacon of Normandy Tours.(Tel. 31 92 10 70 or fax 31 51 95 99)) He runs his business out of his family's hotel in Bayeux. Here's how we did it: Take the train from Gare St. Lazare - it leaves about 9:30 in the am(you can check the time, or. Mr. Bacon can help you). You will arrive in Bayeux around 11:30 - just walk across the street - you will see Hotel de la Gare - and the BIG sign for Normandy Tours. Note: do not just show up - I called both times from the US - Mr. Bacon speaks English very well, although the rest of the hotel staff doesn't. For best results, call after 7p Paris time. Anyway, after you meet up with him, he will take you and anyone else on an afternoon tour of Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, the American Cemetary and Arromanches. He will have you back in time for the train to Paris(I can't remeber - I think it is 5:30). His minivan is spotless - no smoking allowed - and he is very knowlegeable! Best of all, he is extremely affordable - I think we paid $40 per adult, my son was cheaper).

Jeff

Thank you for the advice. The only thing about biking around Normandy is that we can choose more of our own route and get a feel for the type of countryside that was so fought over nearly 56 years ago. Maybe it is not possible to rent bikes in Caen or Bayeux; however if this is the case I think my wife and I have found a new occupation in life! ANy other suggestions? -Jeff-

elvira

Kathy, you found him! Jean-Marc was our tour guide several years ago, and the phone # I had didn't work. Thanks for posting - he was a gem. He knew all sorts of stuff about the landings; he's a real WWII buff. THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!!

Ruth

We were just in Normandy and I don't believe that you could bike to more than one or two beaches in one day, especially if you start the day in Paris. If you spend a night, it might be possible--we drove ourselves, based in Bayeux.