If you go to Normandy

Getting there: The drive from Paris to Bayeux, the town nearest Utah and Omaha beaches, is about 162 miles — just under three hours. Get detailed directions in English from www.mappy.com; bring a Michelin map. Ferries run from Portsmouth, England, to Le Havre, Caen or Cherbourg; Air France flies from Paris to Caen, Cherbourg, Deauville, Le Havre or Rouen; trains from Paris make over a dozen stops in Normandy. Fares and schedules are at www.normandy-tourism.org.

Local attractions: In Caen: World War II museum (Memorial de Caen) and twin abbeys built by William the Conqueror. In Rouen: churches and square (where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake). At Mont-St.-Michel: the 8th century island monastery. In Bayeux: 900-year-old tapestry (at the Centre Guillaume le Conquerant, rue de Nesmond). Utah and Omaha beaches and the American Cemetery are near Bayeux, as is the famed Ste.-Mere-Eglise church, where a model on the church depicts the paratrooper who was suspended there by the strings of his parachute.

Auberges L'Aigle D'Or: Restaurant at 68 rue de Vaucelles, Pont L'Eveque. Prix fixe menu ranges from $31 to $55. Contact www.laigledor.com or call 011-33-02-31-65-05-25.

La Ferme Saint-Simeon: Luxury hotel and restaurant at rue Adolphe Marais, Honfleur; 25 rooms, $181 to $544 ; prix fixe menu, $118. Telephone 011-33-2-31-81-78-00.