We are flying into Paris on a Monday early morning and are thinking of going straight to Normandy before heading back to Paris. How many days do we need for Normandy as well as a visit to Mont St-Michel? Can we stay in Bayeux for both or is it too far from Mont St-Michel? Any hotel recommendations would be welcome! Also, should we go by train from the airport or rent a car?
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
595 posts
I stayed in Bayeux for three days: took a two-day guided tour of the American D-Day beaches and split one day between the Bayeux tapestry and the cathedral. I didn't get to Mont St-Michel, hoping someone will chime in for that. I use Trip Advisor for choosing hotels - you might check out the Hotel Reine Mathilde, which suited my needs perfectly. My family went by train since it seemed faster and easier. Hope this helps,
Marty
Posted by
OP
Jersey
8 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4821 posts
Coming off a transatlantic flight I would strongly recommend against driving that day. Take the train. Rent a car once you get there. Although you might be better off renting a car in Caen if you need an automatic, since they seem to have more options, and have agencies close to the train station.
3 nights would be good if you really want to explore the sites in Bayeux and the DDAY beaches. I wouldn't do MSM as a day trip from Bayeux. You'd end up arriving along with the thousands of other day trippers. Much better to enjoy it in the evening/early morning hours without the crowds.
Posted by
Dallas
138 posts
Definitely take the train, easy trip to Bayeux. I have stayed at, and certainly can recommend the Logis les Remparts, a lovely B & B, I was shocked and delighted in how big the rooms were! Just across from a lovely park, near the Cathedral. Also can highly recommend the Overlord Tour #3 Omaha/Band of Brothers. A terrific full day-trip via small group/van. They pick you up and drop off in Bayeux....at a central location near the B & B. Also, while there, don't miss seeing the Tapestry..... Karen
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
You could do both in 2 days. Take the train and then a guided tour (MUCH better than on your own) from Bayeux.
Next day, Hotel Churchill has a shuttle that leaves in the morning to Mt. St. Michel and returns in the afternoon.
Posted by
OP
Jersey
8 posts
Thanks everyone!
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
872 posts
We found Bayeux to be delightful.....the cathedral and tapestry were so worth a visit and we stayed at Hotel Churchill, where we caught our Overlord Tour Bus for a Normandy day tour. I do remember seeing that there are shuttles from Bayeux to MSMichel from Bayeux that are day trips. We stayed the night on MSMichel and found it charming...once in a lifetime experience. We rented a car and were glad we had it! We rented at CDG airport and drove from there.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7254 posts
You might want to use the Search box, top center, to read some past discussions of these two destinations. It's not as simple as it seems from the discussion so far. For example, the train to Paris from CDG does not go to the same station as that which the train to Bayeux leaves from. Do you have enough travel experience to know if you will be awake enough late in the day to a)Enjoy touring places right away b)Safely drive a car if that's what you choose?
Although the Churchill Hotel shuttle is popular on this website, it needs to be understood that it's a lot of time sitting in van, riding on relatively boring highways. I have no doubt it does the job, however.
Even if your only interest in Normandy is the D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry, you will have a hard time seeing much in 24 hours in Bayeux, especially since daylight is needed (what month are you coming?) and museum hours affect visit times. If you don't have a car, it can be difficult to get to the many visit options outside downtown Bayeux. Some people book guided tours that include local transportation, but they can be pricey, and they book up well in advance.
Posted by
32 posts
Great information... any other suggestions beside Overlord Tours? We will be doing an overnight in the Normandy area. Any input on staying in Honfleur? We prefer train and no car rental.
Posted by
45 posts
Just back from Paris, Bayuex, and Amboise. We did Paris first, then rented a car to Giverny and then Bayeux. Overnighted in Bayeux 2 nights, with a full day tour of DDay beaches with Overlord. Really fantastic! We were going to hit MSM the next day, but stayed in Bayeux to walk around a bit (tapestry, cathedral), and then drove straight to Amboise for some chateaux. I would say at least one day for DDay tour, one day to MSM and back, and then a morning around Bayeux. Driving in the area is easy, so I would lean toward renting a car and having the total flexibility. We stayed at Hotel d'Argouges, and it was wonderful. Have fun!!