Since you have a car, I would highly recommend staying in a chambres d'hote (literally means "rooms of the host" - similar to a B&B but not as fancy (or expensive) as the U.S. version and not a converted empty nester's home like the old fashion U.K. ones) when in Normandie or anywhere rural in France to get a taste of French country life.

If any one you read and speak French, head to a book store when you get to Paris and peruse through the Routard 'Chambres et Tables en Campagne'. I've stayed in around 20 listed establishments and have been very satisfied 90% of the time. The rates usually run FFR200-250 for two person inc. a basic continenal breakfast, slightly less for some. Some plaves have own W.C./shower, others are shared facilities. Some places will offer a dinner (that you usually eat with the hosts and other guests) and is usually 3 or 4 courses with wine which runs about FFr60-80/head (a bargain for what you get).

Booking shouldn't be a problem even on the day of arrival that time of the year.