Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) are ideal - fewer crowds than summer, better weather than winter, and the beaches feel less touristy. June can be packed around D-Day anniversaries if that matters to you.

The 2-day D-Day discovery tours and full-day beach tours are popular enough that booking 2-3 weeks out is smart, especially if you have a specific guide or group size in mind. Check before you go for exact availability.

Yes, especially for D-Day. A driver with a car beats public transit for connecting the scattered beach sites and inland destinations like Mont-Saint-Michel or Rouen, and guides add real context to what you're seeing. Group tours exist but most bookings here skew private.

The city center is walkable and has local buses. But reaching the D-Day beaches, Etretat, Honfleur, or Mont-Saint-Michel independently is doable but time-consuming - most visitors choose a guided tour or private driver to maximize their time.

Transportation and a guide are standard. Food tours include tastings (calvados, cheese). D-Day tours include battlefield stops and often museum visits - check before you go for what's covered and what costs extra.

The 2-day tours accommodate groups of 1-8 people, and food tours can work for families who want kids to experience regional specialties. Mont-Saint-Michel and the beaches appeal to most ages. Check accessibility and age restrictions before booking.

Direct transfers for up to 7 people are bookable through SimilarTours, taking roughly 2.5-3 hours. The train station also has regular service if you prefer public transit.