Looking for Historical lodgings near D-Day Beaches, Bayeux, St Mere Eglise or St Lo
 

My friends and I are looking for some historical lodging near the D-Day landing Beaches. We will have a car and will focus on the landing beaches, Mont St. Michel, Bayeux and perhaps the Somme. May do a day trip to Paris, not sure. We are true history lovers and would like a place that shows us something about French life, easy walks in a village setting after a long day of touring.

Not sure exactly what you mean by "historical" because France is chock-a-block with beautifully old restored houses and châteaux that had historical interest and are now lodgings, but for what it's worth, we very much enjoyed our stay in the Château de la Bellefontaine in Bayeux a few years ago - beautiful old manor house with large rooms, spacious grounds, running stream, rose garden, view of the cathedral, quiet, and a pleasant 7- minute walk into the town center.

Another possibility is the private Château de Cottun, operated by its owner as a B&B. Have a look at the excellent web site:

www.chateau-de-cottun.com

I found some inexpensive lodging on the Karen Brown website and eurocheapo.com. My daughter and I are going to stay in Rouen, Caen and a B&B outside Mont St. Michele. Check out the Karen Brown site. I was amazed at hoe many good deals there was!

How about Maisons de Bricourt. Germans took it as a headquater and fierce battle took place on it's lawn. www.relaischateaux.fr/bricourt It's a bit expensive, but if you are looking for an historical lodging, this may be a beautiful spot even if only for one night.

If it's historical lodgings you are looking for, you might try the Chateau d'Audrieu, between Bayeux and Caen. It's an elegant hotel, part of the Relais and Chateaux chain.

Its historical connection is that here on 8 June 1944, 24 Canadian and 2 British prisoners of war were murdered by members of the 12 SS Panzer Division (Hitler Youth). They were among 175 Canadians murdered by the Hitler Youth in the days following the landings. You can read about it at:
http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub...orials/audrieu

Ch. d'Audrieu is a charming place. i spent several days there...so much history in the whole area really.....

Hotel Chanteclair in Arromanches might vaguely fit your requirements. It predates 1944, and stands mostly unchanged from pre-war days.

Best wishes,

Rex

The Maison de Bricourt is very nice, with a wonderful restaurant, but it's not in the desired location--it's over in Brittany, near Cancale.

FYI, Relais et Château is not a chain; it's a loose federation of individually-owned and operated hoteliers. Qualifying for membership in the group takes some doing, as standards are very high. Some of the best hotels we've ever stayed in are in the group, such as the Auberge des Templiers (Burgundy), Georges Blanc, and Domaine des Hauts de Loire.

Haven't stayed there yet, going in July, but check out www.ranconniere.fr in Crepon. It is very old and the rooms look gorgeous for a good price (although not cheap). Supposedly has a really good restaurant and is near Arromanches although not walking distance. I have seen nothing but good reviews from travel books to message board comments.

We took my Dad to the Ferme de la Raconniere for his first trip to the D-Day beaches. We all loved it. Our rooms had all of the French Norman character that anyone could want. The sun was out so we had drinks outside, and then ate our meals inside at the restaurant which has very good regional food.

We stayed at a B&B near Villers Bocage (listed in gites-de-france) not far from Caen, that was a farmhouse over 200 years old. It was convenient to all the sites you mention, and major roadways, and we loved the quiet location and the friendly host and hostess.
http://www.gites-de-france-calvados.....asp?gite=5408