I was in Cherbourg a few years years ago, when the U.S.A. had just started bombing Iraq. I was cursed, sworn at, shouted at in French, sworn at behind my back in English, cheated by the Ferry -- 100 Euro to make a two-hour crossing to Pourtsmouth. I was going to spend some days there hiking, and enjoying France, but the one night in a hostel was enough. I left the next day for Portsmouth and when I landed, I got down on my knees, and I kissed the soil of England. Never was I ever happier to be off the continent. Cherbourg does have an excellent baguette shop however -- best baguettes I ever tasted. Cherbourg is a good city to pass on your way to anywhere else.
That cathedral in Bayeux is magnificent. Great arcitecture. By far the greatest cathedral in Europe.
Get a phone card. Or buy worldwide cell card. Pay phones don't take cash around Bayeux or at the Normandy beaches.
I loved Bayeux! It is a delightful town with a fascinating history. Definitely worth a visit!
Cherbourg … I had an experience in Lyon at the time of the U.S. invasion, being sworn at for being American -- and I'm English. I still love France though, and remember that a few idiots don't make the entire country.
Robert Rême Hostel in Caen … I stayed for only one night, because they were full. No miracle, it's a fantastic hostel. Easy to find with the help of the maps in front of the train station. The price is (no joke) eleven € (!) per night, excluding sheets (two €) and breakfast (two-fifty €). It offers four-bed rooms, with shower and toilet in different rooms within the four-bed room. A kitchen with heating plates and cleaning facility for the dishes. Lockable cupboards are in the rooms, too. Best price for maximum offer I got on my trip through France! But reserve! There are not many beds there, but it's worth it!
HI - Cherbourg/Octeville Hostel in Cherbourg … This is a friendly and helpful hostel. It is very neat and clean, in fact, we are going back there again this year. The only thing is, there was never enough bread left for us in the mornings.
Family Home Hostel in Bayeux … Visited this hotel in 2003. It is a real family hotel -- for kids and groups it is ideal. Breakfast is served in a beautiful room and is very good!!! The hotel itself is partly in a 15th century building which enhances its character.
Centre Duguesclin Hostel in Pontorson … A nice hostel, Very clean and cheap!! It's near Mont Saint Michel... really wonderful!
Centre D'Accueil Municipal in Bayeux … I had the pleasure of residing at the Centre D'Accueil Municipal for four weeks. The hostel is very clean and the staff is very friendly. I didn't fully appreciate its simple living style until I toured more hostels and hotels throughout France. The rooms have a small closet, and small bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower (one must put their leg out on the toilet from the shower to shave). The room is a small square with a small bed (easy for making-up), desk with chair, and large window that opens out and gives a wonderful breeze. There is no air, of course, and the heat source is a single radiator. Clean linens are provided weekly and the staff will give extra blankets upon request. Each hall has a small kitchen with stove, refrigerator w/freezer, table/chairs, and wash sink. There is a meeting room with chairs and tables if you desire meeting up with others for a chat. The front doors are locked nightly and you are given a code for entry. The store for groceries, and any other…
Au Bon Accueil in Mont St. Michel … This B&B is clean, nice, and quiet. If you're looking for tranquility and good night's sleep, go there. We were disappointed to find that the owners were English instead of French, as we were expecting French hospitality and culture (not their fault but ours because we didn't find that out before we book). It's too quiet for us and it's not conveniently located with restaurants, supermarkets like in Pontorson (our fault again because we come from the city). The owners are helpful and friendly but couldn't answer our questions as they came to France only two to three years ago. Also they don't dine out and couldn't give any advice on the restaurants nearby. On the whole it's really very good value for money. Also they speak English and it's convenient if you're English-speaking too.
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