France trip advice

I appreciate your dilemma although I have not done the trip you describe. After an initial 4 days in Paris, I would take the train to Rouen rather than return to CDG for a car and rent a car there (larger cities offer better choices). The flexibility of a car for your itinerary is important. After Amboise, I would check my alternatives for where to return the car easily at reasonable cost. and take a train to Paris. I drove the Peripherique (the inner beltway around Paris once and do not plan to ever do it again, nor would I want to drive in Paris itself). It may come down to your flight departure time from CDG and how you want to handle your last night: in Paris, at CDG, or some remote location with public transport access to CDG. Shop your car rental to fit your plan. Not every rental agency is kind to those that do not return to the original location. Your best plan will likely become obvious as you do your homework. Lots of luck!

We just did a Normandy trip and were so happy for the convenience of a rental car. The roads are nice and driving is easy. Drop off fees are nominal for a different location within France. We took the train from Paris to Rennes and picked up our rental car at the Rennes train station because our first stop was Mont St Michel. You could just as easily pick up or drop off in Rouen or Caen. Caen is a popular location as it’s close to Bayeux. Bayeux is smaller and car selection would be more limited. It’s the most charming city and a wonderful place to stay. Now that we’ve been there and driven, I would say it’s the best option for getting around.
Just double check that your accommodations has parking. We dropped off at Lille train station before heading to Belgium. We used Enterprise car rental which worked out nicely, but I also suggest looking at Auto Europe as well. Enjoy!

I would not go for the “renting a car in Bayeux” option. The car rental options there are not good. When we did a trip similar to the one you describe, we rented in Caen and slept in Bayeux. We rented through AutoEurope and the rental car company was Sixt.

Thank you all for the feedback!!!

We took the train and rented a car in Mantes-la-Jolie to avoid Paris traffic. The rental was right outside the train station, Europcar. We then went on to Giverny, Rouen, and then drove the coast to Bayeux. We returned the car in Caen. Word of caution, yes, as someone mentioned the car rental in Bayeux would have required a taxi back and they were closed on Sunday. The Sunday closure is common on some of the smaller location so make sure you check. Also, If you are dropping of the car in Caen, or anyplace and catching a train, make sure you have the correct schedule for the day, i.e. weekend schedules are more limited.
Final comment, we had a problem with the car. Europcar sent us help with in the hour in Honfleur. The problem was not with the car, but the carpet on the driver side was interfering with the clutch. Rather embarrassing moment but very impressed with the rental agency quick response. Safe travels!

Thank you Ellen.

I am just back from your trip. Paris - Bayeux - Amboise - CDG. I did it all by train. Having a car would have been great - I did the circuit that way years ago. However, solo traveler this time and I like someone riding along as navigator when I have a rental car, so I decided on the train (with everything in hand to pick up a car in Caen or Tours if my train plans didn't work out). If you are comfortable with a rental, I would do that, it is easier. However, it is possible to use trains and bus if you are hesitant to rent a car.

What did you want to see from your Bayeux and Amboise locations? I can give details on my experiences getting to places like Caen tourist sites, Normandy Beaches and chateaux like Chambord and Chenonceaux with public transportation if those are on the itinerary.

You might check on pick-up in Caen and drop off in Tours for a car rental. Use the car in Bayeux and Amboise. There is a direct train from Tours St Pierre des Corps station to CDG. It isn’t strictly necessary to return to Paris.

I had the above details researched and preliminarily booked in case the train didn’t work for me. I cancelled the car reservation as, in the end, the train and public transport met my needs and was more comfortable for me than solo diving.

Thanks “ORD Traveler”. Did you do a Normandy tour group or guide? We’ve narrowed a list, but if you any any suggestions? We have an itinerary set, however if you have any tid-bits regarding Amboise locations we’ll gladly take your recommendations. Also, any must visit food spots along the way!

I used Overlord and took their Omaha and Utah Beach all day tour. I thought it was excellent. Military history is one of my interests - I've done coursework as well as hobby interest. I hadn't been to these beaches since the 1980s (we self-toured) and wanted to return to see the newer museums. I thought the tour info might not add anything to my store of knowledge and experience, but I was wrong. The guide was excellent - lots of info specific to the sites we visited, stories of individual soldiers, etc. My tour was not primarily an overview of the battle plans, logistics, and campaign - much more specific to the spot where we stood which I appreciated. Very well organized. Several couples on my 8 person van had taken another tour the day before with the company and raved about that experience as well.

I know others have recommendations for different excellent private guides and tour groups. My sense is that there is a lot of excellent guiding going on on the Beaches. I walked by several other groups and could monitor some of the interactions!

I visited the Caen War Memorial via train from Bayeux. No need for a guide, very fine exhibits. The taxi driver who took me from the station to the Memorial recommended that I stroll around William the Conqueror's castle, so I did that before catching a return train. I'm glad I did - there is a small Normandy Museum that I enjoyed and a small art museum with a collection that surprised me in quality. (I am a museum person..... Others might simply enjoy walking around Caen a bit. Several old churches, vibrant shopping area, etc) There is easy bus and tram transport from the train station to the War Memorial and in central Caen - I used a taxi on arrival because it was there and I wanted to save time. Driving to the War Memorial would be easy.

Discoveries from Amboise base - I spent a morning exploring Tours before catching the train to Chenonceaux. Very interesting medieval city center to wander. The Compagnonnage Museum had been recommended to me - French organization of craftsmen and artisans dating from the Middle Ages. I found it quite interesting with historical tools, examples of past and current workmanship, general history of the organization which still exists in France. No similar organizations in the US that I am familiar with. The website might give an idea to determine if what is there is of interest. 30 - 45 minute stop would be enough time to see the exhibits. French language explanations, with English brochure available. https://www.museecompagnonnage.fr

In Amboise, in addition to Clos Luce and the Chateau Royale, I visited Château Gaillard. A smaller building, newer addition to the chateaux viewing options. Very helpful staff - I enjoyed my visit. The reviews are mixed - some think it is overpriced. There are some trails above the chateau that I explored, so I felt that I got my money's worth! I wouldn't rank this stop as as important as Chambord, Chenonceau, or some of the other chateaux stops, I just had the time to wander over from Clos Luce. The gardens are of historic interest - first orangery in France, prominent original designer. https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/royal-estate-of-chateau-gaillard/ and https://www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk/cultural-heritage/chateau-gaillard-amboise/

I would recommend the audio tour, slight extra fee, for Blois Royal Chateau if you stop there. There is an included iPad (Histopad) device that several of the chateaux use, but I found these a bit heavy to carry around and not as easy to use as the audio guide at Blois which looked like a large pen. I've never seen anything like it elsewhere - I'll have to keep looking! The audio background on the architecture was excellent as was the history and stories of several of the royal residents.

When are you traveling? I wish you a great trip!!

Thanks again for all the info and suggestions ORD Traveler! We’ll definitely use your info. We are traveling late January. Winter season i know, but couldn’t refuse the offer we received!

I like off season myself. Bundle up for those beaches!!!!