We are traveling to France with our kids (ages 14, 11, 8) for the first time. This is a spontaneous trip for us (we are going in 3 weeks). My husband wants to see Normandy (my oldest kids are very interested in history as well). We are flying into Paris. I am open to anything else that would fit into our schedule. Also, where do you recommend we stay and should we rent a car? Thanks you so much for your advice. I am feeling a fit overwhelmed!
Posted by
South Florida
776 posts
Your question is such a big one that the best thing you could do for yourselves is get a guidebook, do some research on the net or at a library and zero in on what you're looking for based on your interests. Normandy takes in a lot of area and France is full of history. Trip planning is part of the fun especially when the whole family is involved. The more effort you put in to your research the less overwhelmed you'll be. Enjoy!!!!
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
925 posts
I recommend getting a guidebook for specifics, but I think a good plan would be to fly into Paris and then take the train to Rouen the day you arrive. Spend the night in Rouen and then tour Rouen in the morning, pick up a car and drive to Bayeux (spend 2-3 nights here). See the Bayeux Tapestry and go to the D-Day sights that interest you. You might want to arrange for a tour. You can take a day trip to Mont St. Michele as well. Once you are through with Normandy, take the train back into Paris and spend the remainder of the trip here with a side trip to Versailles. You will not need a car in Paris.
For lodging - with 5 people, you should probably rent an apartment. I recommend using VRBO.com or homeaway.com. Search for a 2 bedroom/2 bath that suits your budget. Anywhere in Bayeux will work since you will have a car. In Paris, you will want something centrally located or near the Metro. You can search using the map in VRBO and homeaway. Anywhere in the 1st-7th arrondisments should work for you. I prefer the Rue Cler area but a lot of posters prefer the Marais.
Posted by
WA, USA
330 posts
Hi there,
Three weeks is a lot of time to work with.
Here's an idea. We actually did this in a three week period.
One week in Paris doing the highlights: Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Orsay and Louvre museums, and so much more. Day trip to Versailles (don't forget to see the Marie Antoinette hamlet).
Renting a car and see the D-Day Beaches, the Bayeux tapestry, Mt. St. Michael, St. Malo (we had found a rental house here) and a stop in Giverny (if anyone is interested in Monet). Don't forget the Loire Valley - Chambord, Chenonceau & Villandry (beautiful gardens).
Our family has traveled to France on several occasions. What we do is get the kids involved in the planning and have them plan a specific day or two.
We spent a week in the Dordogne. We rented a house for a week through air b&b. My husband and I are really into the cave paintings. Our kids planned a full day of kayaking. Of course, we "helped" with finding a good deal for rentals, suggesting a picnic which they then put together. As a family, we wanted to see a few chateaus, we asked the kids to pick one each to visit. We also rented bikes.
We also stayed in the Loire Valley for 5 days. We saw three chateaus and did alot of bike riding.
You have so many options. Have fun planning. Eyewiness DK travel guides are great guides too. I love the photos that they have in the books.
Have a wonderful adventure!
Posted by
Oklahoma City
243 posts
Hi. Go on You Tube and watch the Rick Steves video entitled "Normandy: War Torn and Yet Full of Life" for info. about the Normandy area. I am also planning a trip to this region and have read quite a bit. Personally, I am hoping to hire a private guide for the DDay sites. If your budget allows, I would suggest it because I think it would be easier to understand what you are seeing. If a private tour is cost prohibitive, I would recommend finding or a tour of the DDay sites to join. Just Google DD Tours Normandy. The town of Bayeux looks very interesting and has the Bayeux Tapestry in the cathedral, which is fascinating (to me at least.) One suggestion that I have been given by others is to watch the movie "The Longest Day" before making the trip to Normandy. It is an older movie, but comes highly recommended as good to watch before the trip.
Have a wonderful time. Its terrific that you are taking your kids to these sites in our American history! It is important that we teach our children about these events.
Posted by
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
503 posts
With all due respect to the previous poster, that is not a wise itinerary. I have done this exact trip (after previous trips driving through France) that this is too rushed an itinerary with no margin for error. The distance from Mt. St. Michel to the Loire is over 3 hours by car - and that's assuming there is no traffic leaving Mt. St. Michel - which I wouldn't count on!
Assuming your trip is a full 8 days on the ground (not including arrival day) I would limit your trip to Paris and, as the WW2 sites are of particular interest, Normandy.
Spend the first 3 or 4 nights in Paris. Then take the train to Bayeux and base there for 2-4 nights depending on how much you wish to see of the Dday sites. An organized day tour of the DDay sites will maximize what you can see and eliminate the need to rent a car - which will also save you time.
Train back to Paris for the last 1 or 2 nights (depending upon how you structure it).
As for Chateaus - leave the Loire for a separate trip and, do a day trip to either Versailles, Vaux le Vicomte or Fountainbleu.