Normandy Beaches Self Guided Tour
 

I have been researching 'day tours' from England to the Normandy Beaches. What I have found are day tours originating in France; because of our full travel schedule we don't have the time to devote to travel from London to Paris, an overnight stay in order to take part in a tour and then back to London).<BR><BR>I am hoping that someone on this forum will be able to give me some first hand information on the availability of a self-guided (audio??) tour of the beaches as well as travel (I am assuming from Dover to Caen)to France. So far I have been unable to find any kind of information ... hope someone will be able to help.<BR><BR>Thanks.

oops ... I know I meant Calais.<BR><BR>duh<BR>

I am visiting the Normandy beaches in April, but am staying for several days in Bayeux, where several tour companies are based. I found one site online based in England: http://www.normandybattlefields.com/.

For a day trip, I think there are cheap flights from London to the area (Bayeaux?) on one or more of the new discount airlines. I think that would be much more practical than ferry, car, or train. Sorry I don't remember which airlines do that run, maybe try Ryanair or Easyjet.

I just got back from touring with Normandy beaches with my parents, in their 70's, dad WWII vet...We booked our tour with Victory Tours, http://www.lignerolles.homestead.com/
Stayed in their chateau B&amp;B in the French countryside, Chateau de Lignerolles, and took a private, full day tour in his van. It was wonderful! Can't say enough about it. This is my second time on their tour and I've sent other people to them with rave reviews! He speaks English and other languages fluently, gives a very informative tour and takes you places that commercial tour companies don't go. Check out the web site. I wouldn't go on one of the big bus tours.
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We used the Michelin Green Guide to Normandy to see the beaches. Plus you can buy good guide books at various shops in the museums.

CeeJay, Calais to Caen is about 350km (200 miles)and the D-Day Beaches are over 55 miles long. Apart from a private flight there is no simple way. To be honest; you are trying to bite off too much. Normandy is about the size of Maryland. Do it justice and come back and see it another time. And, be able to enjoy the experience.