We are landing in Paris at 9:00 and want to head west towards Normandy (Omaha Beach) and Mont St Michel. Is it easy to drive or take a train knowing that I would like to schedule a day tour for at least Normandy. I've read that taking the train from Paris to Bayeau is best but is it easy to get to the train from the airport with your luggage? Is driving a good option or would that take too long and not be an easy drive out of Paris. Thanks for your help. Also trying to find a good tour guide for Normandy. Is a tour necessary for Mont St Michel or just a shuttle from the hotel will do. Although I hear the shuttle only gives you 2-hours there. Do you need more than that?
Posted by
CA, USA
1246 posts
Wasn't that answered when you asked 2 weeks ago? https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/to-normandy-beach-and-st-mont-michel
Posted by
OP
21 posts
We are now considering to rent a car but not familiar with where the train station mentioned is and how close that is to CDG.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10633 posts
Yes, it's easy to drive and you'll be there a lot faster than if you take the RER into Paris, transfer to the Gare St. Lazare, wait for the next train, etc. Renting a car at CDG, you'll be there quicker. In fact, you should go directly to Mt. St. Michel and backtrack to Bayeaux for a tour on Monday or Tuesday. See viamichelin.com for the distance, route, amount of time to get there, etc.
In previous threads you've said that landing at CDG is the last leg of your trip before going home and that you're going home on Wednesday. So Normandy and Mt. St. Michel will take all of Sunday and Monday. You'd go back to Paris on Tuesday, turn in your car and fly home on Wednesday.
If I were doing it, I'd just go back to CDG late on Tuesday and be ready to fly out on Wednesday morning. Paris would have to be for another time.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
bp,
I wouldn't recommend renting a car immediately after a long international flight and in a jet-lagged state. That's a practice that's been likened to impaired driving. Note also that for driving in France, you'll require an International Driver's Permit which is used in conjunction with your home D.L., or a certified translation of the terms of your license. It's not really that difficult to get from CDG to Gare St. Lazare by RER / Metro, but it will take some time (probably about an hour at least).
Posted by
OP
21 posts
Thanks a bunch. Great ideas. Know to look into an international DL for Germany and France. Great to know