The area is charming with lots to see. Many choices for where to stay-in the towns or out in the countryside. It’s up to your preference.

it isn’t that the guides provide more facts or specific history that you might not know, it’s that they can relate stories of individual or culture in the town. They tell some uplifting stories and of course many tragic ones.

Yes and Bayeux is a great place from which to take guided tours by locals to D-Day sites and many pick up from hotels. There are several different ones - lots has been said here about them - if interested make a separate post about them and you'll get loads of great insights.

I am now looking into train to Caen, rent a car there and lodging around the Bayeux area. Hoping to get to Caen noon to early afternoon so we can do the Caen Memorial before heading to Bayeux. Have to ask DH if he prefers the WWII tour or we do it ourselves. We have 4 full days in the area so tentatively 1 day MSM, 1 day WWII tour, 1 day drive around to see cathedrals/small towns/beach, 1 day play it by ear. Thank you all for helping me with my plans!! Much appreciated!

Am I correct in understanding that you are thinking of arriving in Paris, taking a train to Caen, visiting Caen, and then renting a car that day? Where will you be before arriving in Paris?

When in Bayeaux, don't miss the Bayeaux tapestry. Since you mentioned biking, if you decide to do a tour you might want to look into biking tours for the WWII sites. We saw some while there. As mentioned above, consider getting the Michelin Green guide for Normandy -- it's a big help. Have a great trip!

Taking train from Brussels to Gard du Nord. Hoping to leave Brussels early - 7:00-8:00

We are not renting the car just for the day. We'll rent it at Caen and have it for the duration of our stay at the Caen/Bayeux area.

Still consider renting car at Caen and touring around there few days and going to MSM and staying a night - glorious MSM all lit up at night - see from mainland where there is a gaggle of hotels and inside the island too - way different than mobbed daytime scene. Then drive to Rennes return car at station and blast via TGV back to Paris.

Thanks for clarifying, KatarinaL35! I can't speak to the feasibility of your plan, but this additional information should help those who know the area best provide good guidance.

Good advice