We are planning a return trip to France for three weeks - maybe more - in May 2025. We are looking at flying into Paris and taking a train to Brittany where we would pick up a rental car to spend 7-10 days exploring the area. We are thinking that we would then spend 4-6 days in Normandy. Then take the train back to Paris and onto the Alsace region for another 5 to 7 days before heading back to Paris. We are three active seniors - 68, 70 and 78 - and enjoy small villages, history, culture and local cuisine. While this rough outline of an itinerary looks doable on paper, those who have traveled these areas before may think it madness. Before going any further in establishing home bases and where to explore in these areas, I would like to please hear what others think of this idea. Thank you in advance.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6508 posts
Sounds like a nice trip to me. You may want to pick up a rental car for Alsace to visit the small wine towns.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7162 posts
I did pretty much the same thing about 12 years ago, only in reverse. I took the train from Paris to Colmar and after visiting Colmar and Strasbourg I rented a car and drove to Normandy and then Brittany. I ended by driving to Chartres and dropping the rental car there and taking the train back to Paris. It was about 3 weeks and it was one of my favorite trips ever. So, sure it's a great idea for a wonderful trip. I spent more time in Brittany because I had already been to Normandy. I think one base in Normandy (probably Bayeux), two bases in Brittany one in the northern area (St Malo, Dinan, etc) and one more to the southern part of Brittany and one in Alsace (Colmar, Strasbourg, or one of the wine villages) would be nice. Much depends on what places you want to see in those areas.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1356 posts
orbenbill,
Your plan sounds very reasonable and practical. I wouldn't want to waste a whole day driving from Normandy to Alsace. Not the most scenic drive, IMO. Your train ideas are what I would do as well. Have fun!
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2785 posts
Madness? No way! It sounds like heaven to me. I love all three regions. Happy planning!
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7162 posts
I wouldn't want to waste a whole day driving from Normandy to Alsace. Not the most scenic drive, IMO.
I agree that making that drive in just one day might be a drag. However if you can spare another day it can be great. I did it in 2 days with an overnight near Amiens. The next day I drove the coastal route stopping in Etretat and Honfleur before ending in Bayeux and that was an extremely scenic drive with great stops. With enough time there are great options.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6508 posts
I agree that two bases in Brittany is a good idea, Brittany is huge. For Alsace you could consider a night in Strasbourg, train to Colmar where you could pick up a rental car. W
We actually got to Colmar via train, stayed a night, then picked up a car and stayed 3 nights in Eguisheim. It was fun to stay in a little wine village.
Posted by
200 posts
I think Strasbourg is worth spending at least a full day there. As to Normandy, I second the recommendation to stay in Bayeux. It is a charming town, and gives you good access to other areas in the region, especially the DDay beaches. And it has a very nice farmers market, if you enjoy that. Plus do not skip the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. Peter
Posted by
OP
Cocoa Beach, FL
9 posts
Thank you all for all of your input. Now, the real work begins - mapping out three weeks, or more, next May.
Posted by
Bend, OR
52 posts
We have driven through Brittany twice and absolutely love it. Our favorite areas were around Quimper, the Roscoff / Morlaix region and then we stopped off in the Pink Granite Coast region on our way to St Malo. We took a day trip by boat to ile-de-Brehat which was really wonderful.
Check out Frommers 25 Great Drives in France. Excellent resource! Have fun...we are sure you will!