Trying to finalize my plans for a 2 night stay. We are a family of 5, 3 kids age 14, 12 and 3. We have narrowed down our choices as follows and based on research from Fodors and Tripadvisor have come up with my own ranking as follows:

Would appreciate specific feedback if you have any:

1) Ferme de La Ranconnieres - 2 adjacent rooms, comes with half board, no option to opt out of half board.

2) Chateau de Lignerolles - 2 adjacent rooms with D Day tour included by Roel from Victory Tours,breakfast included, no dinner

3)Hotel Lion D'or - one famnily room for all of us - choice of half board or not

While Lion D'or is walking and in town, we were thinking it might be really cool to stay in an unconventional accomodation like the Ferme or Lignerolles.

Definitely going to do a full day D-day tour, so option 2 seems a bit more convenient. Not knowing the area, the Ferme de La Ranconnieres is in Crepon, which I understand it 15 Kilometers from Bayeux as is Lignerolles although on the other side of town, I believe.

Would appreciate any experienced travelers providing your opinions on which way to go.

Thanks!

Chateau de Lignerolles is just outside of Bayeux about 10-15min, very easy to get to. Its nice, you feel like you live there. I did not do the tour, but my dad and husband did, and left from the chateau. They loved it. My husband is going to bring his father back to do it also. Roel is very energetic. He has tons of memorabilia in the chateau. You can see our pictures of the chateau, bayeux, and port en bessin at www.happytotravel.shutterfly.com .

I forgot to mention that Roel will also arrange the car rental if you need one.

We stayed at Ferme de La Ranconnieres while in Normandy a few years ago, and it was terrific! Nice atmosphere, friendly owner, great location for D-Day sites (which we did on our own.)

The restaurant had terrific ambience and the food was absolutely delicious. Would very highly recommend this establishment!

I was happy to see ihopp's recommendation of Ferme de la Raconniere, as I have reservations there in May for 4 (possibly 5)nights.
I too, debated about whether to stay in Bayeux or the countryside. I'm hoping I made the right decision, but in my case and from past experience traveling in France, I opted for the smaller village-type place. I'm usually tired from all day sightseeing and love to be able to have dinner right where I'm staying. And I have heard good things about La
Ranconniere. Also, you can't beat the price for the half-board! With 3 children, sounds like that would be a good choice for you, too. Anyway, let us know what you decide.

I am so pleased to hear that your plans may include staying at Ferme de la Ranconniere. We stayed there 2 years ago on the recommendation of an innkeeper in Arromanches. We had been traveling throughout Normandy (in May) and arrived in Arromanches late in the day...not a good idea in heavy tourist areas, I know. No room at local hotels. The innkeeper suggested we stay at the "farm" just up the "road to Crepon". He was sure there was still a room available. Well, this turned out to be the best hotel of our 2 week visit to Paris and Normandy. It is a short drive down a narrow country road. Before we arrived at the Farm, I complained to my husband that I did not want to stay at a farm. I had visions of chickens and cows, and was not in the mood for roughing it that night, I was exhausted. Suprise as we drove up to the lovely stone walls of the Farm. It is a beautiful spot. Rooms are lovely and dinner was fantastic. The cost of the room and dinner for both of us was very reasopnable. I believe it was €110 each. Divide that up into an estimated room cost and an estimated gourmet dinner cost and it becomes very reasonable. There is a childrens menu for the kids. It is just a short drive from Arromanches and everywhere else in the area. You will not be disappointed with the half-board aspect. The inn was built around the year 1400, and has tons of charm. Keep in mind that nothing in Normandy is a great distance from the next sight. We never had a reservation in Normandy and we always found our room in the morning wherever we went. This time, it worked in our favor to be shut out of the downtown Arromanches hotels. There is also a nice little hotel in the town of Crepon. I don't remember the name but it is the only one in that little ancient town. Have you been to their web site? www.ranconniere.fr Do you have to stay in one spot for 2 nights? We did a self guided tour but I bet you can arrange one through the farm too. Bon Voyage

WE had one of the most wonderful meals of our travels at Lion D'Or; I hope wherever you stay you can enjoy a dinner there.

We've stayed at the Ferme de la Ranconniere and it's a great place. The restaurant is good. However for two nights I'd be a little concerned that your older children might be bored in the evenings. It IS a farm. Therefore, nothing close by.

The Chateau de Lignerolles looks to me from Web searching less fine in room decor but I have a hunch (nothing more than that) it may be better for your family. At Ranconniere, the staff was not much visible. More of a feel that we had been welcomed into someone's well appointed home (we stayed within the farm complex; there also are rooms in an annex, but then you are are bit down the road from the restaurant) and once welcomed, were pretty much on our own. This was fine with us and I'm sure we could have received help or advice if we had needed it or asked. But I'm guessing you may see more of your hosts at Roel's place, not to mention the convenience of staying at the starting point of your D-Day tour. Same downside about nothing nearby, however. And you cannot take evening meals there, which cuts both ways. You'll have your choice of Bayeux area restaurants, but will have to drive to and from them.

Have you read Trip Advisor reviews of the Lion d'Or? We're involved in planning a fall trip for six people, with D-Day touring, and thought of that hotel, where we've dined. The comments on the lodging disuaded us. We lobbied for the Churchill, wholly because it's in town and we do not like the idea of driving after dinner.

However, we were overruled and while it's not final it look like we'll be staying at this place two kilometers from Bayeux:

http://www.chateau-de-sully.com/

Oddly it does not get many mentions in posts about lodging in the Bayeux area. I realize this may not fit your needs but include it for general interest of people reading this string.



http://www.ranconniere.fr/