Normandy sidetrip from Paris
 

Normandy-After reading some of the posts, it seems prudent to have an overnight stay. Are there recommendations for places to stay to accommodate 4 and possibly 6 family members in a lodging that has amenities and is a good value? Has anybody used a good guide for Normandy?

I would recommend you base yourself in Bayeux. We loved the Château de la Bellefontaine on our last foray into Normandy, but other Fodorites have good suggestions, too.

For a first time visit you might want to do the bus tour that leaves from the rue de Rivoli. It makes for a long day but they do a good job and that includes a decent lunch etc.

I can highly recommend www.victorytours.com . Roel and his wife have a chateau B&B. There is a two night minimum, but the prices are very reasonable. Whats nice about it, is that you pretty much have the whole chateau to yourself, as there are only 3 or 4 rooms. I have some pictures at www.happytotravel.shutterfly.com .Roel does D-Day tours also and you get a sort of package deal if you do both.

Sorry, try this web address for Victory Tours. http://www.lignerolles.homestead.com/

My husband and son did Normandy two years ago, during our stay in Paris. They did a day tour - left from, I think, Gare du Nord around 7, and returned that evening around 10. The tour I booked included train fare, a guided tour morning and afternoon, and lunch. They loved the tour! It was a long day, but my son, the war history enthusiast, said it was the best day of his life.
Here is the link - www.normandyddaytours.com.

I'd rent a car, stop in Giverney and go on to Bayeux. You can get a good guidebook and do all the highlights of Normandy on your own-it's all very easy and very well marked with historical information, etc.

We like the freedom of a car and no tours when we go but many do not.

You're pushing it all to stay only 1 night but it's certainly doable for the highlights.