I am looking for suggestions for a place to stop between leaving Paris and arriving in Bayeux. We will have a car, so anyplace along the way that might be a nice place to explore for an hour or so, or longer in there is a great lunch place, is what I am looking for. We have never been to this area of France before, so everything in the area is new. We like small quaint villages, or anyplace with shops to stroll around. Considering Rouen, but don't want to fight traffic or get lost in a city. We will be spending the next few days in Bayeux to see some of the WWII sites. Any suggestions? Thanks.

There are restaurants on the harbor in charming Honfleur. Even if you don't stop there for lunch, make sure you visit Honfleur enroute to Bayeux.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumi%C3%A8ges

Jumieges Abbey is smack en route - overlooking the Seine and there are small towns near it with typical French restaurants.

Thanks for the suggestions. I was already considering Honfleur, so am glad t know it would be a good choice. I need to look into Jumieges Abbey, I have never heard of it. Looks like a nice area to stop in.

We will be traveling on a Monday. Are restaurants open for lunch in the smaller towns on Mondays?

Some photos and commentary if that helps. We spent a week in the area (day in Rouen and the rest in Bayeux). We did see Jumieges as well as Honfleur too.

http://ukfrey.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/normandy.html

Have fun.