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.

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!

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!