Normandy questions (VERY un-camino questions)

[peregrina2000]

I know that the mods might question whether this post should even go up (and I will of course defer to the majority and abstain from voting ), since it has nothing to do with the Camino. I was going to write @mspath and @LesBrass directly and privately but then I thought there may be other forum members with info that could help.

My dad participated in the D-Day invasion and attended the 65th anniversary ceremonies. He is now 94, in good health, and hoping to get back for the 75th. We are starting to navigate the bureacratic paths for invitations, etc., and one of the officials has suggested we should get started with accommodation. Last time, though we started about a year ahead, we wound up with accommodation in St. Lo, a ways away from the beaches. That was fine, because as it turned out that's where my dad spent several weeks in tents after the invasion, but now that he's 10 years older, we are thinking that his traveling time should be limited.

SO.... I wonder if any of you in France have information on any good leads for places to stay that would be closer to the beaches. I have started with some internet searching, and the number of places is overwhelming. Having personal recommendations is always preferable, especially since my knowledge of this area is quite limited. Thanks in advance, buen camino, Laurie

 

[Purky]

I camped near Houlgate once, pretty much in the dunes at the beach, which was great but not advisable for a 94 year old. I do like the city of Caen however, which is closer to the beaches than Saint-Lô. Might be a good basecamp for multiple trips to the five beaches where the Allied forces landed. Bayeux might even be better, but I've never been there so can't comment on that.

 

[mspath]

Laurie,

I could easily help with WW1 Memorial Day service in May 2018 since some of that battle occured on our hill overlooking the Marne. Hence our b &b is fully booked for those dates

However I am less familiar with WW2 75th commemoration plans for autumn 2019. This tour or this one might offer some useful suggestions/tips for your father.

Once you know where he would wish to be I would be happy to try to help further.

 

[SabsP]

I pm'ed you some links, including Bayeux hotels/ bed&breakfasts.

 

[julia-t]

Bayeux is likely the most convenient and accessible location for the beaches.

I only stayed there once, in the Best Western Hotel, which no longer seems to be there, at least under that name.

Hotel de Brunville is well recommended. Have a look on tripadvisor as a first action, then if you know your dates booking.com is good for letting you know what's available. However, bear in mind that each hotel/inn/B&B only allocate a certain number of rooms to booking.com (and other websites such as expedia and trivago). It's always worth contacting the hotel directly, and you might even get a better rate.

Airbnb could also be worth considering if you are up for self catering.

 

[Jill81]

Some friends of mine stayed at this B&B when touring the Normandy beaches. It is 150 yards from the sands of Gold Beach . . . Good memories of their visit I’m told.

http://normandybeach.co.uk/

Hope this helps . . .

 

[julia-t]

PS I know you've posted on Fodors in the past - have you asked this question there? The forum has changed a lot over the years, but there's still some very valid, useful and helpful advice to be had.

 

[LesBrass]

@peregrina2000 I'm so glad that others have been able to offer advice as sadly I know nothing of the area.

We use booking.com when looking for accommodation in France... we have used airbnb but found it could be sometimes expensive... I also use trip advisor.

I did also wonder if a french forum might offer some help? I don't use this but my husband says it's quite active https://www.frenchentree.com/france-forum/ there is also this one https://www.angloinfo.com/normandy/discussions.

Sorry I cant be anymore help

 

[Kitsambler]

We stayed in Deauville at an old beach resort hotel ... fairly convenient.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I camped near Houlgate once, pretty much in the dunes at the beach, which was great but not advisable for a 94 year old. I do like the city of Caen however, which is closer to the beaches than Saint-Lô. Might be a good basecamp for multiple trips to the five beaches where the Allied forces landed. Bayeux might even be better, but I've never been there so can't comment on that.

I have stayed in Bayeux at a small hotel, although don't remember the name, but I'm sure it was booked through booking.com. It is a very nice town with an interesting cathedral. If you have time, and have never been, Mt. St. Michele is really cool to visit, just to the west of Bayeux. That is amazing that your dad is still enjoying good health at 94!

 

[Rebekah Scott]

...and at Bayeux you can go see the fabulous, famous tapestry!

 

[FLEUR]

We've eaten at the Hotel Normandie in Ouistreham / Caen before catching the overnight ferry to the UK. The hotel looks reasonable but we've never stayed overnight.
Brittany Ferries website offers a selection of hotels in the area.

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks to everyone. Now I just have to find the time to drill down with all of your recommendations. You can be sure they will be put to good use! I really appreciate all the help.

 

[islandwalker]

If you would prefer a quiet spot, Gites de France has over 2000 rental houses in Normandy, many close to the beaches, and many in or just outside small villages. If you zoom in on Bayeux on the map, you will see a multitude of little green dots - these are the houses for rent. (The blue dots are B&B's.) You can rent an entire house for a week for less than the cost of one hotel room - like this one between Bayeux and the beaches that sleeps 5 and rents for 250 euros for the week. We stayed in one near Creully years ago and loved it, but I don't see it listed anymore. Happy searching!
Elaine

 

[RobertS26]

I have been to Normandy over a dozen times to study the D-Day Beaches. I always stay in Bayeux because it's centally located between the American Beaches to the west (Utah and Omaha) and the British/Canadian Beaches to the east (Gold, Sword, and Juneau). I have used three hotels in Bayeux. All three are right next to each other in the heart of the old town with parking within a 100 meters.

The cheapest is the Hotel Rhine Mathilde. However, it has tight spaces and may not be suitable for your father at his age.

The next recommendation is the Hotel Churchill. It's lobby is covered with rare D-Day photographs (the original owners searched for photos that had never been included in any books). While it's public areas are more spacious, it still is a very old building with some mobility issues.

The last recommendation is the Villa Laura Hotel. It's the most expensive but it's brand new. It's rooms are the size of hotel rooms that we are used to in the United States. The owners are really special people who were born to run a hotel. It's public areas are spacious, the hallways are wide, the elevators are large by European standards and there are no impediments for a someone with mobility problems. In fact, I bet it would comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (something that is rare in rural Europe).

 

[FLEUR]

More details in addition to my previous reply

Hotel le Normandie in Ouistreham, and www.brittanyferries.co.uk

 

[Lurch]

No idea on accommodations, but thank your Father, for me, for his service and willingness to put his life on the line for future generations.

 

[PloddingAlong]

...and at Bayeux you can go see the fabulous, famous tapestry!

I was just going to mention the Bayeux Tapestry! Tells the story of an interesting earlier invasion which went the other way!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I was just going to mention the Bayeux Tapestry! Tells the story of an interesting earlier invasion which went the other way!

Yes, it's so interesting, lovely, and l o n g!

 

[Charles Stephens]

I know that the mods might question whether this post should even go up (and I will of course defer to the majority and abstain from voting ), since it has nothing to do with the Camino. I was going to write @mspath and @LesBrass directly and privately but then I thought there may be other forum members with info that could help.

My dad participated in the D-Day invasion and attended the 65th anniversary ceremonies. He is now 94, in good health, and hoping to get back for the 75th. We are starting to navigate the bureacratic paths for invitations, etc., and one of the officials has suggested we should get started with accommodation. Last time, though we started about a year ahead, we wound up with accommodation in St. Lo, a ways away from the beaches. That was fine, because as it turned out that's where my dad spent several weeks in tents after the invasion, but now that he's 10 years older, we are thinking that his traveling time should be limited.

SO.... I wonder if any of you in France have information on any good leads for places to stay that would be closer to the beaches. I have started with some internet searching, and the number of places is overwhelming. Having personal recommendations is always preferable, especially since my knowledge of this area is quite limited. Thanks in advance, buen camino, Laurie

I am looking forward to going. I will be traveling their to perform with the University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band at the ceremony.

 

[peregrina2000]

I am looking forward to going. I will be traveling their to perform with the University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band at the ceremony.

Sounds like an amazing trip Charles. Do you already have your schedule for the trip? I hope I will be listening to you play on the beaches. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Charles Stephens]

Sounds like an amazing trip Charles. Do you already have your schedule for the trip? I hope I will be listening to you play on the beaches. Buen camino, Laurie

Our schedule is pretty intense. Here is the link: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/a82e75_6571e5ac95f94af59e329b275b6dce24.pdf
So far there are over 400 going. I’m really looking forward to that and my Camino this summer with my sister.
Buen Camino
Charles

 

[SCT]

It sounds like a wonderful trip! We spent a week on the D-Day beaches several years ago and stayed at Arromanches the entire time. It's right on Gold beach and we found that it made a good central headquarters for exploring the other beaches. We stayed at the Hotel de la Marine which we enjoyed. The rooms were small however, but it looks like it has been renovated since then. I'm sure there are other places in Arromanches as well. I am in awe of all those who participated in the D-Day landings. Please give your dad our grateful thanks!

 

[mspath]

Laurie,
Here is a current piece from The Telegraph which may be useful for planning your father's 2019 trip.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/spain-france-driving-routes/normandy-ww2-sites/

Carpe diem to you both!
Margaret Meredith

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks, Margaret,
As far as I have been able to discover, all of the hotels in the area are already fully booked. That was our first choice just because who knows if my dad will be in a wheelchair by then. He can´t do stairs anymore when walking, but walks ok on flat surfaces with a cane. Now my search is turning to small places, but that is a bit more complicated. I have found one place with what seems to be an accessible room, but it is very far from the beaches.

I am also going to follow up on @islandwalker´s suggestion to look into booking an entire house. That could be a very good option, so long as we can find the right place! Thanks, everyone.

 

[mspath]

Laurie,

Try Googling these terms;

AirBnB,
Normandy beaches,
Wheelchair accessible,
2019

In recent years a French law was passed to provide appropriate lodging for all disabled/handicapped travelers in public accommodations.
More info in www.angloinfo.com/how-to/france/healthcare/people-with-disabilities