Car Rental in Normandy Region?

Liza,
Normandy is almost 12,000 square miles, so relying on a ride share to tour the area isn't likely. Hiring a private driver to take you places would be really expensive. By Normandy, do you means just visiting the DDay invasion sights, or other parts of this large area? A car rental is the best idea. What we have found to work for us is renting a car outside of Paris, as you suggested, and returning it in a different location on the return to Paris. However, in some smaller locations the rental companies are limited in their car choices and their operating hours. I would take a train to a larger city to get the car, such as Rouen or Caen. then begin my driving exploration. I would head back toward Paris on the next to last day and drop the car before getting to Paris and take the train from there. The options for this, especially the return, are more plentiful.

Let the forum know what you are hoping to include on your Normandy excursion, and contributors can perhaps give you more specific advice. For example, I would definitely include Rouen, maybe Honfleur.

Have fun planning your travels!

Thanks for the info! We are planning to visit the D-Day sights, primarily. Also staying in Etretat for a few days to relax. The only trouble we're running into is that rental places are closed when we would want to return the car (Sunday) so we would have to figure that out.

But traffic is generally quiet and the area is easy to navigate? As someone who has only driven in the US and Canada, it's a bit hard to imagine. As mentioned, the traffic laws are a concern - but we're not crazy drivers, so we're assuming if we just drive slow (or speed limit) we should be fine.

Liza,
Driving in France (except for the large cities like Paris, Marseille or Bordeaux) is not difficult at all. Familiarize yourself with traffic signs, rights of way on the (frequent) roundabouts, the very strict speeding rules, and you shouldn't have a problem. Get an IDP (International Driving Permit...NOT a driving license) from AAA (about $20.00 plus a photo, also available at AAA for a small fee) for everyone who will be driving. Make sure your state driver's license is current.

We usually take smaller (D) roads to enjoy the countryside, but the big highways (A autoroutes) will usually have toll stops. These should take a credit card. We have never used the transponder lanes, so I can't advise about that.
Common sense road rules are pretty much the same as in the US, I find. For us (we are a bit old school) we get a Michelin paper map for the area and plot out our full route ahead of time, nothing some towns or sights we find intriguing and route ourselves through them. (We are not usually just point-to-point drivers.) But that is up to you.

Driving in Paris is intimidating. Avoid it if you can.

IMO the best place to stay for the DDay beach sites is Bayeux. However, coming from Paris, I would take a train to Rouen, stay at least one night (if you get there by mid-afternoon). See the clock, cathedral, wander in the medieval quarter and enjoy a nice meal. Pick up your car next morning to start your Normandy exploration. We drive on D982, along the Seine river to Bayeux. A stop at the Abbey of Jumieges is very worthwhile and unforgettable (spend about an hour or two there). You will get to Bayeux in the afternoon. You can drive to the sights yourselves or take a tour or two. For me, two full days there is plenty, but some posters are more familiar with the area and cover more territory. They can advise you better. I do suggest exploring the lovely town of Bayeux and visiting the museum and cathedral there. (This could be done on arrival in Bayeux, depending on what time you get there.) Alas, the tapestry is unavailable at this time. Make sure your lodging has some parking available or nearby.

The drive from Bayeux to Entretat could be leisurely, stopping aong the way at any number of towns, churches, abbeys, etc. As to car return, perhaps Le Havre (a bigger town) would have better options for open car rental returns. I would check that out, plus train options for your trip back to Paris, where I assume you are headed. W
hen you decide how many nights you want in each location you can check out the Le Havre option. It is only 30 minutes or so from Entretat.

Have you gone to Auto Europe to compare car rental options? They are a good, reliable place to see what's out there for car rentals.