Normandie/Bayeux

JasonPC

JasonPC

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Off to France, for the first time, next weekend. :clap:

We are staying just outside Bayeux for four days. I'm looking to visit the D-Day beaches and memorials for one of the days. Any tips from people who have visited the area as to where else to visit.? My wife has her heart set on seeing some of those pretty French villages we see on the TV and in magazines. Any suggestions? (We will be driving.) We have decided to avoid Caen as we would like to stay away from Cities. Of course, some photography opportunities would be very welcome. ;)

Also, are we forgetting anything:

adjust headlights,
insurance policy for car and all other documents,
GB sticker for the car.

Thanks in advance. :thumbs:
 
Honfleur...............

Granvilles a nice smallish seaside town too. Has a market, nice beach, good for a wander
 
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on a tip be nice and friendly to the french people, regardless of what you read in the so called newspapers they like us british people. try and speak a bit o' french if you can.
 
good advice....

they all speak english but dont like you to think they do.....
 
Off to france also in a couple of weeks, down to the loire for ten days and then back near paris for 5 days to do Disney, make sure you have a warning triangle and a full set of spare bulbs in the car as its a legal requirement, high viz vests are also becoming advisable.............in the car and to get the best places for photos at motorsport and the like events........lol

Victor

PS. you will enjoy it, france is a great country and very easy and relaxed to drive in....
 
oh and while i remember, use the toll roads when you can they are quiet, in very good condition, cheap and don't have many lorries on them
 
Houlgate is a lovely seaside town not far at all from where you are going, well worth a trip as they have some lovely buildings - thatched cottages and the like. We went there a few years ago and I have some pics at home happy to post if interested.
 
we had a memo round at work reminding people that from July 1st anyone travelling in France MUST have a Hi-viz vest although there will be a period of leaniency till Sept 1st.
 
Don't right off Caen, it's a very nice friendly city if you can get past the fact there's not much old stuff left. The Memorial is worth a visit alone. The bars and restaurants around the port are worth a visit as well. Rouen is even better, and certainly worth a drive over the Pont de Tanquerville (sp)

Harfleur & Honfleur are worth visiting, as is Lisieux further inland. My advice would be simply to get on the 'route departmentales' with a destination in mind, and see what gems you come across on the way. If you want more structure, consider getting a map for the 'route de cidre' or 'route de fromage' which will take you well into the Basse-Normandie countryside.

Don't forget a high visibility jacket for you and the missus, they can fine you for not having one now.

I'll have a think about some photo suggestions and coastal places to visit, but my brains a bit fried at the moment!!
 
The graveyards are worth a visit - both as a memento mori and for some stark but strangely beautiful photo ops.

Not 100% sure about fuel prices in France - always used to be worth going over with an empty tank and coming home as full as possible.
 
If you go to see the tapestry get there early - huge queues in tourist time (also not brilliantly signposted as I remember). I seem to remember that there is free entry for war veterans - If you're that old take some proof and see what you can get away with.

There is a big car/bus park on the edge of the centre and also a reasonable central one turn up a narrow bit by the queen matilda hotel. Nice cathedral.

Also be aware that the free audio guides they hand out will rush you through at quite a rate of knots. - you can reset them by going back to the entrance to the loop.

Pont de Normanie is quite an impressive bridge.

No shortage of pretty rural villages, pollarded trees, orchards etc.

Speed camera detectors are illegal. People flashing their lights like mad are telling you that the gendarmes are hiding round the corner with their speed guns.

I understood that the leeway on the fluorescent jackets was up until 1st October, but I've also heard of people being fined already. Poundland sell them, I bought 4 today, because I've been given conflicting info about needing 1 for the driver or for all occupants, also they are supposed to be in the cabin not the boot. If you are the only driver and you wear glasses, take a spare pair - I'm sure that the guy complaining about being hassled for only having a single pair must have seriously failed an attitude test, but I'm in favour of an easy life.
You also need a warning triangle and I carry a small fire extinguisher although I'm not sure if that's a requirement.
 
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