I'd like to get from CDG to Caen where I have a rental car. What's the best way to do this? There are two of us. I want the car to tour around Bayeux, Rouen, etc. but don't want the hassle of driving in Paris once we're finished in Normandy. Should we take a train or rent a car from CDG? We would want to drop the car before we head to Paris to spend a few days there.
If you'll be landing after an overnight flight from North America, I suggest you take a taxi from CDG to Gare St-Lazare (50 euros) and then a train to Caen, where your car rental office will probably be close to the station. Depending on how many of you there are, you might save money in Paris by taking the RER "B" train to Gare du Nord, then Metro or taxi to Gare St-Lazare, but you'll have to deal with luggage at each transfer.
What I wouldn't recommend, after an overnight flight, is driving from CDG to Caen. Unless you're one of the rare people who sleeps well on planes. It would be very stressful and risky for you and others on the road. But if you're flying from elsewhere in Europe and jet lag isn't a factor, then you might as well drive and save the trip into Paris.
Thanks so much for your quick response!
The train from Paris to Caen is the way to go. The rental car agencies at Caen are across the street from the train station.