Trip to Normandy - Advice & Ideas Please
 

I've done a search on this but can't seem to find many details.

I'm planning a trip to Normandy (VFR) to over-fly the D-day beaches, do a day tour of the essential sights, have a couple of nice meals etc.

The trip will probably be a Thurs - Sat.

The flight out will probably be via L2K and I was wondering if anybody had done any similar trips - airfields to visit (or avoid), hotels to stay in and if it's not asking too much any tours recommended.

Don't ask much do I

Any info appreciated, including things to avoid.

Thanks,

Cricket

PS - also posted on Flyer - just in case you think you've seen this before.

Use Accor hotels. They allow you to cancel up to 4pm on the day of arrival without any penalty ;) Great for taking the pressure off when you're flying VFR and stuck with weather ;)

Belle Ile is a lovely little island which isn't too much further on than Normandy.

Best food in the area is St Malo

Best food in the area is St Malo

Or try Honfleur (via Deauville). After many visits to Dinard/St Malo, I took advice to try Honfleur last summer and was very impressed!

I doubt you can wrong for food along this coast.

I would try and stay in one of the more attractive towns Honfleur / Deauville (or Trouville if you want cheaper but walkable!). Caen is a French equivalent to Cumbernauld (concrete wilderness!) but Bayeux is pleasant if a bit touristy. The towns to the NE of the Seine estuary are not that pleasant -either ferry towns or small. L2K is OK as is St Valery.

Great view on arrival into Dinard for St Malo.

Rouen (PPR reqd) is a fantastic place to visit, with large airport.

Great sightseeing along coast between Deauville & Dieppe, but be meticulous to know where prohibited (power station) zones are. Keep well clear.

Travelling up Seine towards Paris can be great trip, especially if can take your time. Spent some time exploring in a Cub & is the way to do it! ;):O

Be really careful with the nuclear power station zones. They WILL go after you if you go through one of them.

I am going to do a similar thing later in the year. I intend to go direct to Abbeville and use it as a base. There is a motel (basic but OK) and restaurant on the airfield, the landing fee is a few Euros (2.80! for a microlight). Overnight parking is free. If you want to camp next to the aircraft that is fine with them. The motel/restaurant is up to speed on the weather/aircraft US/change of plans etc and doesn't usually get stressed if you cancel or change late on the day. You will need to give 4 hours notice for customs purposes, by fax.

Rans6Andrew

Did this a few years ago (on a motorbike rather than a plane) but we did an excellent one day tour with Battlebus Home Page - D-Day Tours, Normandy Tours, WWII Tours, Battlefield Tours. Well recommended.

If you stop at Le Havre I really really would recommend overnighting at Le Manoir Bray (Le manoir). You might need to check weight and balance after the amazing breakfast though :O

Finally, remember that 1944 isn't the only time we've been to war in this part of the world. Don't forget to visit the tapestry at the Bayeaux Cathedral as well.

R5

I agree with all of the above.
Another worth while trip is LaCoupal (not sure of spelling) at St.Omer.
This is a bit north and not a lot happens except at weekends,but this is actually my favourite airfield in the whole world! The people are very friendly,there is a lovely memorial on site and it is steeped in history having been the main stageing post for all British aircraft in the first World War and used by a crack German fighter unit in the Second World War.

The museum at LA coupal is where the V weapons were developted and well worth a visit. They have headsets available that give a running commentry ( in english) as you walk around and even have a cinema inside running war time films.

Oh and by the way,the beer is good at ST.Omer!! Nice restaurant on site,or go just up the road and sample the cusscus!

Camp under the wing or loads of hotels,nice market square with Cathederal and lots of eateries!
:ok:
La Sappinier reccomended for a hotel.