Wanting to drive towards Brussels from Bayeux and looking to stop for a night at a French town on the way for a night (not Paris) then catch a train to Brussels. Any recommendations on a town to do this is in? Really open to anything. Thanks.

Most towns you stop will have you return to paris and then to brussels, unless you make it to Lille.

I was also going to suggest Lille, or perhaps Arras. Cities along the coast like Dunkirk were badly affected by the war and rebuilt in an unfavourable style. Both Lille and Arras are pretty. With Lille you have the advantage that there are more direct pathways into Belgium. You can also leave your car in Lille.

Lavandula

Lille, Arras, Calais, Dunkerque, Amiens

Unfortunately, Amiens would require you to go back through Paris.

Bayeux to Lille is very doable by car. Only 4 hours or so on the toll motorway, longer if you take a scenic route.

The scenic route on the RN1 along the coast is lovely.