Will be in Basel and would like to travel to the Normandy region to tour the landing beaches and other sites. First thought was the train but it appears we would have to do connection in Paris with a change of stations and not sure if that would be too complex with scheduling. Another option would be to fly to CDG? or alternative and take a train from the airport to Bayeux. Husband is not wild about renting a car although that is my inclination, but if we could do it easily by public transportation I will defer. Looking for suggestions.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4827 posts
Have a look at rome2rio for your various options. It boils down to train(s), plane/train, bus, or self drive. The train will be your fastest option. It would be a train to Paris (Gare de Lyon) followed by the Metro or a taxi to Gare St Lazare for the train to Bayeux. If you flew to CDG, you would still need to get into Paris for the Bayeux train. Driving would take the longest, and you'd be looking at a huge drop off fee because you will be in a different country.
Posted by
Green Bay
20028 posts
The transfer from CDG to St Lazare is no picnic either. You could take a taxi, but then that is also an option from Gare de Lyon to St Lazare. But the No 14 Metro line is quick with elevators at both ends.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11300 posts
Changing in Paris is not that bad. We did it last spring traveling from Colmar to Bayeux. Just be certain you have enough time for the change which is easily done by Metro. In our case -- and I think in yours -- you will arrive at Gare de l'Est and depart Gare Saint-Lazare. We allowed 90 minutes so we could pick up lunch. Editing to correct my misstatement: You would take RER E between the stations with a short walk. Otherwise you need to take the MEtro and change trains.
If indeed you arrive at Gare de Lyon, you can take Metro 14 or RER A with no changes required.
Renting a car in Switzerland and returning it in France would be very expensive. Where will you go after Bayeux?
Posted by
Green Bay
20028 posts
Laura, the TGV Lyria from Basel arrives at Gare de Lyon, although could be Paris East, but it's the long way. No 14 Metro is a straight shot.
Posted by
OP
Upstate NY
99 posts
Sorry if I was confusing, I wasn’t planning on driving from Basel, I was investigating trains (most likely) or possibly flying if it was more time efficient from Switzerland (but with check-in times probably not) and then renting a car once in France.
If the train connection isn’t that bad we will investigate that option and go straight to Bayeux. We have two nights scheduled there, I might try to extend that one more night if possible. I am also interested in Honfleur and Rouen and Giverny which we can do as a day trip once we are Paris. Any other suggestions for the area? Total trip can be 8-10 nights And we have been in Paris several times so don’t need as much time as a first timer (but we definitely want some time there!)