glsebs

We will be visiting Normandy in Sept. We will be in Honfleur for two days at the Ferme St. Simeon and then planned to drive to Chateau D' Audrieu near Bayeux for two days. These are both Relais Chateaux properties and pricey. I have read some negative reviews of Chateau D'Audrieu on the Fodors Hotel Rants and Raves and would like to stay elsewhere, especially since we are paying top dollar to stay there. Can anyone recommend a lovely hotel in or near Bayeux to use as a base to see the D Day beaches and cemeteries...any 4 or 5 star properties in this area?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

StCirq

Check out the Chyteau de la Bellefontaine, just a stone's throw outside Bayeux. I don't know how many stars it has, but it's a lovely manor house with huge bedrooms and charming gardens within walking distance of the main sites of Bayeux. It was wonderful to come back to at night and relax in the gardens and get a good night's sleep in a peaceful setting. There is no pool or restaurant, though, if those things matter.

Huitres8

I would recommend staying at the Hotel Notre Dame in Bayeux. Located across the street from the lovely Notre Dame cathedrale in the heart of Bayeux, this husband and wife-owned property features cozy rooms with bathrooms and wood accents. They have a restaurant on-site with simply wonderful meals that can be included in your room rate for a set fee.

cigalechanta

We were at the St Simeon but you will have more fun dining with the locals and less heeled group along the water cafes.(there are a few great shops there also to buy those cotton stripe typical normandy/brittany pull overs)

AnnM

We stayed at the Chateau de Sully just outside Bayeux and found it excellent. The grounds are lovely and surrounded by peaceful countryside. We stayed in the annexe and had a pleasant room with a large bathroom. The meal we had in the restaurant was truly superb. They are part of the Châteaux & Hôtels de France chain, website http://www.chateauxhotels.com/public....php?langue=uk

Powell

I second St. Cirq's recommendation of the Chateau Bellefontaine. It is a great setting and you can walk in to town.

We liked the Lion d'Or restaurant in town. Do not miss the 900 year old tapestry.

We journeyed here in 2001. Visting the American cemetery at Coleville-sur-Mer is one of the most inspiring events of my life.

Good luck!

redsoxgirl

Hotel Notre Dame was closed indefinitely when I was there earlier this month. The restaurant next door, the Petit Bistro, said it closed late last year. If you want to be in town, I like the Churchill and the Lion d'Or (although I think the Lion d'Or is overrated). Being in town is nice, especially after spending long days walking and driving. I've heard good things about Bellefontaine, but you'll need a car.

StCirq

Actually, you don't need a car for the Bellefontaine. It's either 600 or 800 (I forget which, but believe it says on its website) from the cathedral, which is essentially in the middle of town. It's about a 7-minute walk to the tapestry, also right in town. From the rose garden in front of the chateau you can see the top part of the cathedral. Sure, if it were pouring out you might not want to have to walk into town in the rain, but you definitely don't "need" a car.

redsoxgirl

I stand corrected! sorry!