France
 

Some thoughts please on a good travel book for Paris and Normandy (accomadations, dining, etc.)

Michelin Green Guide, but where in France are you going? There are specific guides to every region.

uh, Fodors??

Michelin Greens are tops! Yes get the detailed ones for regions you are going to -especially great for road trips.

I like Fodors the best for an overview. I also use Rick Steves for transportation links and a general understanding of areas (he's selective, which can sometimes be helpful and other times be too limiting). But I don't use his recommendations for hotels, particularly; I usually prefer nicer places than he does. Though if you don't care much about your room, go for it.

You can also Google the regions you are most interested in - Basse Normandie, Haute Normandie - for example.
Tourist information is readily available on these tourist websites, and is probably more up to date than guide books, which take an average of 2 years to go into print.