First time to this part of France- help with itinerary

Not a good idea to drive a car right after an international flight (fatigue, jet lag), so taking the train to Rouen and renting the car there after getting a good night’s sleep would be much better.

Hi kcdav, sounds like a nice trip! There’s a lot to see in Rouen and you might consider staying an extra night there. We visited the Cathedral, the interactive Joan of Arc Museum, and the Joan of Arc church. Lots of charming streets and shops.

Not a good idea to drive a car right after an international flight (fatigue, jet lag), so taking the train to Rouen and renting the car there after getting a good night’s sleep would be much better.

My thoughts exactly. Train to Rouen, rent a car there (you don't need the car in Rouen, just rent one when you are heading onward).

Bayeux for 4 or 5 nights sounds like a bit much to me...it is a good base city if you want to take one of the private Normandy beach tours from there, but since you will have a car, there are more convenient bases to consider for parking overnight, like Arromanches-les-Bains...

How many nights do you actually have in Europe? I concur with not driving that far after an international flight. I would train to Rouen and pick up the car when you’re ready to leave.

We spent 4 nights in Bayeux last year, our second time there, and kept busy. We did a D Day tour one day and further exploration on our own the following days. With the amount of time you have and the number of places you are going I think 3 nights there would be sufficient.

Am I correct in assuming that SMS is Mont St. Michel (MSM)?

We spent 3 nights in Dinan and used one of our days to do a day trip to St. Malo. We enjoyed St. Malo but we’re happy with staying in Dinan. I would give it 3 nights.

We spent 4 nights in the Loire, our second time there. I would give it 3 nights to allow 2 full days of sightseeing. You may be able to pop into a chateau on your drive from Dinan to where you are staying in the Loire. You could drop your car in Tours and take the train back to Paris. There is a direct TGV train to the airport in 1h47m from St. Pierre Des Corps (Tours).

Most importantly, in addition to not driving directly upon arrival I strongly suggest you be in Paris by the night before your departure day. Anything can happen, whether in a car or by train, to delay your journey. If you don’t want to stay in the city there are airport hotels and other places a short distance from the airport. You should be at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight.

Sounds like you have a very fun trip planned! We are actually in France right now finishing up a similar trip. We also suggest that another day in Rouen would be well worth it. Rouen has 3 beautiful yet very different cathedrals right in town. That’s in addition to the contemporary Joan of Arc church. Having this experience set the stage for our learning for the rest of the trip. 2-3 in Bayeux May feel just right.

We did Paris one night, Rouen 2 nights. Then got our rental car. Then went to Etretat for an afternoon. Then Bayeux 4 nights. MSM on our way to Dinard. , Dinard 3 nights. Went to st Malo from Dinard. Drove to Chartres. For 1 night. Returned the car there in Chartres. Then we took the train into Paris for our last week here.

Have a great trip!

If you are going from Rouen to Bayeux, there are several sights worth seeing en route—including Abbaye de Jumièges, Honfleur and several of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. But these could all be done without doing an additional overnight. I think there is plenty to do with 4–5 days in the greater Bayeux area. I usually spend a week in that general vicinity. But I would think if you cashed in a day to spend a day in St. Malo that would be nice too. It is fairly close to MSM (and you are doing a great thing by being there at night). Bon Voyage!

Great advice all. Now easiest way to get from CDG to Rouen on Sunday around noon?

Pharma Phil's recommendation of the Abbaye de Jumieges is a good one. The whole "Route des Abbayes" is a beautiful drive, and all along the Seine, past Villequier (where the Victor Hugo museum is) is peaceful and well worth the time spent en route.

thanks Judy, What is the easiest way to get from CDG to Rouen via train?

SNCF is not showing times for trains on Sunday October 1st. Message saying they don't have schedules that far in advance?? How far in advance will the schedule be posted?

I found itineraries from Gare St Lazare to Rouen on Oct 1. Train trips take about two hours. They leave often. You would need to take a fixed-price taxi from CDG to the gare. Rouen is a lovely city...visit the beautiful cathedral and wander under the clock to the streets lined with half-timbered buildings. And be sure to drive west along the Seine River and the Route des Abbayes to visit Jumiege. You will be enchanted!

Any thoughts on returning the car in Angers? I'm not always finding the option of p.u in either CDG or Rouen and dropping off in St Pierre