Hi,

After a week in London, my family of four will be head to France for a week to visit the D-Day sites, Mont St Michel, and Paris. Our first day in France will be Good Friday and we will split our time evenly between the two areas. (We have been to Paris twice before, our main purpose is the D-Day sites this trip, but can't resist going to Paris for a few days - love it there.)

Is there any advantage/disadvantage to either area in terms of crowds and closings (of sites/museums or restaurants) over the four day period Good Friday - Easter Monday? Trying to decide where to start this portion of the trip.

Thanks for any advice!

We went with little ones a few years ago - we decided to do the Fat Tire Bike Tours on Easter Sunday afternoon. Even though they minimize the amount of time in the roads, I was more comfortable going on a day with less traffic.

Since we didn't want to fight the Easter crowds at restaurants it was a great activity!

Surfmom,

Thanks for the info! So it sounds like you did not have an issue finding places open over the holiday weekend? That's good to hear.

Also, I see that you are headed to Italy - we went several years ago when my kids were the same age as yours now - 9 & 11 - it was fabulous! You'll have such a great time.

The 'high season' in France runs from Easter to the end of August. The whole of August is the busiest time when most French people are away. However, Normandy caters well for tourists and you should be fine around Easter. Mont Saint Michel will be busy then (not my cup of tea). Of course, you could come and stay with me at my B+B (Chambre D'Hote), http://automaxionltd.com/brochures/ChambreDHote.pdf

Steve

Good Friday is a normal working day, so that would be the best time to get to Normandy before the weekend rush clogs the roads (the roads will be clogged Friday evening and Monday evening). If you head back to Paris on Sunday, the roads should be clear.

Thanks all!

As I am nailing down the itinerary, we have decided to be in Paris first, and then up to Normandy.

Steve, your B&B looks great but I think is a bit further than we want to be from the sites as we only have a few days and lots to see, but perhaps next trip when we can spend more time.

ooh, sorry, I forgot to reply. We did not have a problem finding things open - that I remember.

In fact, on our most recent trip, there were bonus things open in Sweden - a special Easter egg hunt (spot the gold one in each room) in the Royal Palace, special demonstrations, baking, etc. at Skansen, and the opening of the climb to the top of the City Hall tower.


One thing to throw out - how long are you spending in Normandy?

We did a small van tour with Roel Klinkhammer (sp?) of Victory Tours. I think he could handle 10 people max ? We only did the half-day tour, but wished we could have spent more time. I recommend him - he was great!

Also, will you be visiting Etretat? We were there in July and the fog didn't clear until about 3pm. It feels like the White Cliffs of Dover - in France - with huge limestone cliffs on either side of the town in the harbor. I think the kids would have fun climbing the two cliffs (there are well-worn and much used paths).

Definitely think about Fat Tire - it is one of those things that my kids still talk about!