If you want to start at Caen the Memorial is the best bet.

If your plans aren't fixed I'd recommend staying at Bayeux. It's a more human size place and you have more choice of minibus tours.

I agree with the above poster. We stayed in Caen in June. Nice but Bayeaux is more manageable, and a great se,ection of tour operators. We took Battlebus and loved it. Also, the Tapestry isin Bayeaux - a must see!

Also another vote for staying in Bayeux, and not Caen. Very cute town, very scenic. My mother-in-law (age 70) thought it was a huge highlight of our trip. Take the Battlebus tour which is a small group (no more than 10, in November it might be more like 4 or 6 people!) so it will be easy for your mom. Your mom (and you!) will enjoy walking around the town of Bayeux, seeing the cathedral, and visiting the Tapestry.

Another vote for staying in Bayeux. Do try to see the museum in Caen though, it is excellent! I was in the area a year ago with our teenage daughter and my mother. We stayed in Bayeux at the Churchill Hotel and did the one day American Highlights tour with Battlebus. We were all kicking ourselves for not doing the 2 day tour, it was that good! The tapestry in town is good, as is the cathedral.

If your mum is not too spritely a minibus tour might be a bit difficult. You have to bend down as you step up into the bus. It's a bit more expensive but a driver guide would be more comfortable and tailor the trip to your wishes and fatigue. Or rent a car (50€) and an audio guide or a private guide. If this is the one visit you'll be making make the most of it.

Cdb Tours can pick up from your hotel

www.normandy-battlefields.org

Or you can pick up Battlebus in Bayeux.

I agree with the posts, that say Bayeux is a better base than Caen