As a local operator of tours, activities & day trips from Bayeux for a number of years now, we certainly have some very helpful tips that we would love to share with you.
1. As you must be aware, each year in the beginning of June, the Normandy destination is one of the most popular in France as it is the time when commemorations of the Normandy landings take place. Of course, it is one of the great times to come to the region to participate in the many festivities that towns and villages put in place. The down side to this is that the region is overcrowded and moving around is made very difficult. Most sites are closed to the public especially when officials are around. If you really want to be there at this time of the year, plan ahead and don't hesitate to call upon incoming agencies like ours to organize your stay in a smooth and relaxed way.
2. As much as Normandy is associated with the D-Day landings, there are many other attractions that are really worth a visit in the area. Certainly, Mont Saint Michel quickly comes to mind but other great visits include the charming small town of Honfleur or the Pays d'Auge area with its stunning landscape and exquisite food, cider and brandies. For history buffs, following the trail of William the Conqueror is a great option to discover numerous sites and the Impressionist Route in Normandy will please all those that are fascinated with the paintings of artists such as Monet, Degas, Renoir Pissaro and many more.
3. The Dairy destination of France! The region is home to 6 different products that benefit from the AOP (Protected Appellation of Origin) label. These include cheeses such as Camembert, Livarot and neufchâtel but also butter and creme from Isigny. There are other dairy products that are made in the region such as the Pavé d'Auge, Boursin and Petit-Suisse invented in Normandy in 1850.
Foreign visitors when coming to France are usually eager to pair local cheeses with wine and so they should be. However, please remember that some cheeses like Camembert, Brie or Blue cheese are made with unpasteurized milk or raw milk. To a stomach that is not used to this rich, saturated fat product combined with wine can have some sensitive side effects including digestive upsets. Our tip, take it slow at the beginning of your travel and let your stomach get acquainted.