There is no train service from Bayeux to the small towns on the coast, and bus service is limited, although the region has been experimenting with a D-Day bus line during the summer months. To see the D-Day sights, many Americans take organized tours from Bayeux in motor vehicles, and if that’s what you want, there are several outfits that will cater to your needs at every price level.
However, there is another, more delightful idea: la petite reine, otherwise known as the bicycle.
There is only one bike rental outfit in Bayeux, but it’s a full-service one. Locvélo has a large stock of high-quality cycles, including e-bikes and kid-sized bikes. The prices (in 2024) are reasonable: €28 (US $31) per day for a sturdy “trekking” bike and €45 (US $50) per day for an e-bike.
Because of their power-assisted propulsion, e-bikes are by far the preferable option for seeing sights faster—your route will be at least 17 miles—and with less strenuous physical exertion.
Locvélo rentals come with helmets, side bags, repair kits, and combination locks so you can secure your bike while you tour on foot. They also come with the helpful advice of owner/cyclist Jean-Baptiste and his right-hand-man Justin, who will enthusiastically help you organize your itinerary with the GPS-powered info on an app (Komoot) that tells you where to go so you don’t need to stop to look at a map to find your route.
Find picnic goodies for your bike ride at Bayeux’s open-air market (Saturdays at place Saint-Patrice or Wednesdays on rue Saint-Jean), or pick up a sandwich at one of the bakeries in the town center, like Boulangerie Capucine, an organic bakery. You can also take oyster breaks at one of the beachfront restaurants along the route.