Hi all:

My family of 4 were in Normandy just a couple of years ago and we would not be heading back if it were not for my son, who wants to spread his grandfather's ashes there (it was a long-time goal of grandfather to go to Normandy but he died suddenly July 1). So we're going back and taking my mom. I know the typical tourist things that we will repeat - Bayeux Tapestry, Omaha Beach, Caen museum, Honfleur (1/2 day max). Last trip we rented a house on the hill above Honfleur for the week and I want to stay in a different locale, maybe slightly more central and relaxing. We'll be coming from Eindhoven in the Netherlands by car and we'll be headed back to Paris. I'm completely open in terms of how to drive (we don't mind meandering) and smaller villages we might stay in and/or visit (I am open to staying in the same place or splitting between 2) and restaurant ideas - although I think Normandian cuisine is spectacular in general. We're also likely to rent cottages so we can cook - but flexible here. This is not ideal and I think my mom would prefer to go elsewhere that time of year but my step-father would love this and we'll give part of his ashes a wonderful send-off. Sorry for rambling but if any off the beaten path suggestions / ideas, please send them. I trust you all!

You perhaps should check on the legality of scattering ashes. It isn't legal everywhere, and may need persmission.

If you don't ask, nobody will say no.

We spread some on the beach for a Navy Chief, we had a small amount with us. We put some on the very top of the Zugspitze, Jim Morrison's grave, Ireland and a couple other places he requested. The travelling funeral. We have some for Sardinia, his last duty station. We just do it very quickly without a fuss. In Ireland, a seal popped up out of the water. Very cool.

We did enjoy Bayeux and would think at that time of the year it might be very festive. Good places to eat. If you go will you take a picture of all the wreaths placed on the graves? Last year was the first they were able to ship wreaths from Wreaths across America. Hoping they do it again.

Not sure how much time you have in Normandy, but there are plenty of fascinating places that aren't on or near the D-Day sites: Fougères, Vitré, Alençon, the Val de Misère....depends on which direction you want to go. And of course there's always Rouen.

Thank you all. I didn’t meant for this to turn into an ash-spreading thread but thanks for the suggestions. Macross , I’ll definitely take photos of the wreaths if they are there. StCirq we’ll be there from the 27th - 1st. Not a ton of time and will spend the first two days in the areas of Caen / Bayeux and then stay 3 nights closer to Rouen. Completely open to suggestions - I love small towns, pretty landscapes, bakeries and great food all around!

That’s pretty awesome, if you think about it!!

I am planning a trip to Normandy in July and have booked a house through VRBO in Port-en-Bessin. Looks like a nice little town with a variety of restaurants, and right on the coast. Can't speak from personal experience, yet, but that's what I'm doing. VRBO has a lot of options there. It's a short drive to Bayeux, and a stone's throw from the D-Day beaches (was the dividing line between the British and American sectors).

twk--On our first trip to Normandy, we stopped at Port-en-Bessin for lunch and wandering around and really liked it

Thanks mms and ahbonvraiment !

Drive thru the hedgerows to get a good idea of what the Allies faced after the Invasion. Go to the Corridor of Death (Couloir de la mort.) My favorite places to visit were Arromanches (where the mulberries were constructed) . Pointe du Hoc, and the Museum of the Atlantic Wall in Ouistreham as well as the very moving American Cemetery in Cilleville sur Mer..

Beuvron en Auge is a fantastically beautiful village. Chateau de St Germain de Livet is surrounded by a moat. Gorgeous.

Set aside an hour for William the Conqueror's castle/fortress in the heart of Caen.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Caen