First timer - rent a car or take the train to Normandy

Train. There is enough to do in Bayeux for a couple of days without having a car. It is eminently walkable. Do spend at least two nights so you have at least one FULL day there.

Take a guided tour for the D-Day sites (we liked Normandy Sightseeing Tours). You'll see a lot of the countryside and it's a full day. Whatever time you have left will be consumed with Bayeux sites like the cathedral and most importantly, the Bayeux Tapestry.

Regarding the D-Day sites, we are definitely booking a private tour.

Take the train. We've done it and it's really not that hard. In addition, you will be sleepy, jet lagged, and on unfamiliar roads with unfamiliar road signs. Some people are not bothered by any of those things. But many should not be allowed near sharp instruments under those conditions -- myself included. Even a minor fender bender (or traffic citation) at the start of the trip will put a damper on the entire trip. In my opinion, driving is simply not worth the hassle.

We have done it both ways and there is no way I would ever again rent a car in Paris and drive to Normandy!!!! After that very unpleasant, not to mention stressful adventure, the next trip to Normandy we took a train to Caen and picked up a car for a week. We returned the car to the train station in Caen and took the train back to Paris. Did I mention....never again driving to Normandy, or anywhere else for that matter from CDG?????

I would spend two nights in Bayeux so that you have one full day to explore the D-Day beaches plus time in the city. It doesn't sound like you will need a car since you are booking a D-Day tour. I'd take a cab from Charles de Gaulle to the Gare St. Lazare train station, where you'll catch the train to Bayeux, since there are four of you to split the fee and it will be easier than schlepping luggage in the RER and Metro. Bon voyage.

For trips that length I prefer taking a train when possible and renting a car when you need to. If you are arriving at CDG, you will be tired and jet-lagged. Driving right away isn't responsible. If you really want to drive, give yourself a couple days in Paris to get adjusted. I still preferred a train to Rouen, then renting a car there.

T has got it right (of course). A taxi for four from CDG to Gare St-Lazare will cost 50 euros, just a little more than the RER-Metro combination, and save you having to haul your bags around. There are frequent trains from Gare St-Lazare to Caen and then Bayeux. Here's the website for the French rail system.

You could get a car at CDG and drive to Bayeux, but it's a bad idea after an overnight flight. Doesn't seem like you'll be needing a car in Normandy, but if you do you can rent one in Bayeux or nearby Caen.

Here's a useful website for getting around the Paris area on the Metro and RER systems. It may be helpful when you return to Paris.

You didn't ask, but if you need a recommendation for a private tour, my family went with Dale Booth in 2013 for his 2-day American Beaches tour. Absolutely fabulous. We spend five nights in Bayeux to have a day for the tapestry and cathedral and a day for renting a car and driving to Honfleur.

We just got back from 4 1/2 days Bayeaux and 4 nights Paris. Took the train from Caen to Paris. 2 + hours. Easy and comfortable! Enjoy!

Dominic - We visited Bayeux this past summer and rented a car from CDG. The drive through Paris was fine, with a bit of traffic. But, once you got outside of Paris, the highways were efficient and the drive is quite lovely.

Having a car allows you a lot of freedom to get to many of the small villages throughout the area. Also, Mont Saint Michel is only an hour or so from Bayeux and well worth the trip.

We also used a guide to tour WWII sites and he was fantastic. His name is Chris Emery and his website is http://www.visitdday.com/. I would highly recommend Chris as a tour guide.

Overall, I think having a car allows you a lot of freedom to change plans if needed and the drive is quite easy.

All the best,
Chris