Hello, I live near Frankfurt, and my parents are visiting me in October. They would love to go to the Normandy D-Day beaches. I'm not sure how to set up train rides or hostel accomodations. Can you help me? Thanks!

Sarah,<BR> We just returned from a great trip to Normandy (and other WWII sites, particularly Battle of the Bulge areas). An auto really helps in getting to many of the locations. If that is not possible, you can book tours out of Bayeaux or Caen. We stayed in Bayeaux for 3 nights at the Hotel De La Mathilde (tel. 02 31 92 0813). Great central location and reasonably priced.<BR> Get back to me if you want more recommendations regarding an itinerary and special things to see.<BR> Regards, Jinx Hoover

You can also pick up a half day tour from the WWII museum in Caen. We did not have advance resv. just signed up when we got there around 11 am. There are only 6 - 8 on the tour. You can visit the museum in the morning and take the tour in the afternoon.

It's a long trip, however you slice it. Figure 9.5 - 10.5 hours by train just to Caen, the largest town near the beaches (and a decent base for exploring Normandy.) Bayeux is a very attractive and historic town, also with many overnight possibilities. Stop in at the travel center in Frankfurt's main station and ask about itineraries, ticket prices, etc.; perhaps there's an overnight train with sleeping accommodations that would work for you if your time is short.<BR><BR>From Caen or Bayeux, you can do a tour - a bit expensive - or pick up a rental car for a day or two in Caen (Avis has an office at the train station there; no international companies operate out of Bayeux) and find your own way around. It's pretty rural and easy to do. There is no suitable public transport for exploring the area efficiently.<BR><BR>This website has lots and lots of private B&B options in and around Bayeux - your best choice for inexpensive accommodations, probably, and an opportunity to get a look at life in a French home:<BR><BR>www.gites-de-france-calvados.fr<BR><BR>There is also a hostel in Bayeux which might be alright and competitive in price. I've forgotten the name, unfortunately!<BR><BR>Russ

Sarah-I think that quite a few of us would be willing to help you but we need some more information.How long would the trip be;how old are the folks(are you in the military for the US?)price ranges for hotels,etc.<BR>Our family was just there visiting a few months ago so I would be happy to add my 2 cents but let us know more info.