During our upcoming trip to Normandy this month we plan to drive from Bayeux to Honfleur for the day. Looking at Michelin map #303, it appears that there are many ways to get there and back. I would appreciate any recommendations for a scenic drive and places to check out along the way. Also would appreciate any tips on Honfleur itself -- restaurants, parking, sightseeing and any other interesting things. Many thanks for your help.

You can use www.viamichelin.com to get an itinerary, specifying a scenic drive.

Michael, thanks, I have done that and am also looking for some ideas from those who have driven in the area.

Michelin detailed maps highlight the scenic roads with a green outline.

Along the coast, Michelin gives Cabourg and Houlgate one star, and Deauville and Trouville two stars. It's been many years, but I remember being very impressed with Deauville, a fashionable resort/casino/horseracing/film festival town.

Here's a link to one of Kerouac's wonderful photo pieces featuring Deauville:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-deauville.cfm

You've got your Michelin map so learn how to read the icons and you can make up a route full of interesting places to visit and scenic drives without even picking up a guidebook. Look for the designated scenic roads and pay attention to towns with the historic château and church icons. I plan all my vacations in France just by looking at the Michelin map and using tourist office websites. Never use a guidebook. These threads have info about exploring that region.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#37142728

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#39058384

With only 1 day to explore between Bayeux and Honfleur I personally would take the autoroute A13 direct to exit 29 and then head slightly south and east and explore the Pays d'Auge region starting with Beuvron-en-Auge. You'll notice loads of designated scenic roads in that area and its cidre and cheese country.

Don't know if there is another way into town (I drove into/out of town on the same road) but if when you arrive in Honfleur the Best Western Le Cheval Blanc Hotel is on your right, turn in front of it, go around the slight curve and there is a metered parking lot on the right side of the hotel.

Here was my itinerary for Honfleur:

Harbor (Old Port - Vieux Bassin)
Church of St. Catherine (Eglise Ste. Catherine)
Eugene Boudin Museum
Erick Satie
Market Day
Cote de Grace Walk
Chapel of Notre Dame de Grace
Jetty/Park Walk
Boat Trip


2 restaurants that I enjoyed were Le Breard and La Tortue/

Thanks to all for your advice, FMT, the links you provided have a lot of URL's to explore- very helpful!