Trip advice for Normandy 2023

[Darrin]

Hello all,
after some trip advice for attending Normandy in early June 2023.
The normal travel sites do not have info on vehicle gatherings for enthusiasts etc.
Planning on driving (hire car) there Sunday afternoon 28 May and departing Thursday afternoon 8 June

Where are some of the commemoration areas & events this year?
Best places for vehicle gatherings and any swap/sales areas?
Any organised events/gatherings?
Advice on places to stay?
Any other interesting places not on the usual tourist brochures?

Appreciate any info from those that have been recently (post Covid).
Thanks

[pgcf]

Darrin,

I've been there for the anniversary and also when it was more quiet in July.

I hope you already have reservations for a place to stay. You need to be prepared for a lot of congestion and waiting in traffic. There will be events at the beaches, Pegasus Bridge, Ste. Mere Elise, etc., you just have to decide where you want to go based on times and traffic.

It is easy to find someone that speaks English if you don't speak French.

The EU and UK clubs have their own gatherings and are very welcoming.

Check out the MVT Facebook page for insights about UK groups. The BMVT (Belgian) Facebook page is a good place to start for the EU. Also the French and Dutch. All my friends that go have a routine and renew their reservations annually.

I'm not on any of these sites. Another place to check is French Normandy D-Day 2023 Festival web sites.

When you are there simply ask about swap meets, etc., the regulars know if and where they are.

I hope this helps, enjoy your trip.

Peter

[John M.]

I have been to Normandy twice, both times stayed in the Chateau De Quineville. Its a beautiful place with a lot of history. If I went back again I would stay there. https://chateau-de-quineville.com/en/

[commander bond]

A lot depends on which of the beaches are you most interested in be it British Canadian or American and remember they stretch over 65 miles
and it is the busiest time over there also there is a lot of military meets and sale events on all week where you can pick up some wonderful bargains also the French have a lot of vid grenier and the like on they are like car boot sales well worth a visit also remember in Normandy it dose not go dark till 10.00pm hotels are dear unless you travel out from the beaches we are going to be there from around the dates you posted so maybe hook up

[DWesol]

Darrin,
I’ve visited Normandy only once, as part of a tour. In June 2022. Post Covid. We stayed at the Novotel in Caen for three nights. It was nice. The rooms were pretty basic. Clean and comfortable. Had a nice restaurant on site. No air conditioning, if that is important. We did not need it. It was warm, but with a nice breeze.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Revie ... mandy.html

We ate at this restaurant in Caen. Steak, Frites and calvados. Excellent.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_ ... mandy.html

I would like to return for another visit. When I do, I will take a look at the smaller chateau hotels closer to the beaches as John M recommended.
Dan