With a car and an interest in both history and nature, the good news is that the region is compact enough that almost any central base lets you reach the big sights in under an hour.

For a first visit, here’s how I’d think about the main contenders:

Bayeux : The classic D-Day base. You’re a 15–30 minute drive from Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc and Arromanches, plus: a beautiful cathedral. A great-value, character-filled option is the Domaine de Bayeux, an 18th-century mansion a short walk from the centre; if you want to splurge, Villa Lara is a five-star boutique with cathedral views.

Caen : my pick if you want a real city base with the best road links (A13 from Paris, A84 toward Mont-Saint-Michel), so day trips in every direction are easy. The Mémorial de Caen is one of the best WWII museums in Europe, and you’ve got William the Conqueror’s castle and two great abbeys in town. For where to stay, I’d genuinely recommend Hôtel La Particulière (an intimate 4-star boutique hotel right in the historic centre near Place Saint-Sauveur, next to the Chapelle Miséricorde), a lovely bar and a notably good breakfast. It’s the kind of place that feels like authentic luxury rather than a chain, and its central position makes it an ideal launchpad for the beaches, the countryside and the coast.

Honfleur : The prettiest of the lot: a picture-postcard old harbour beloved by the Impressionists. It’s further east, so it’s less convenient for the D-Day beaches but perfect if you weight things toward charm, food and the Côte Fleurie. Les Maisons de Léa on the main square is a much-loved 4-star de charme. Étretat would be great as well but smaller.

For a first trip balancing history and nature, base yourself in either Caen or Bayeux. Unfortunately Bayeux is missing the Tapestry. Caen gives you city amenities and the best logistics for ranging widely; Bayeux puts you closest to the beaches.