Normandy & train travel

There is a lot of railway track work going on in Normandy this summer, so there are a lot of closures. You're not the first person who has run into this snag. Renting a car for a few days may be the best solution.

I doubt that they're sold out. DB website shows five departures on 3 September for a trip between 2 -2 1/2 hours. Since you are so close to the 90 day gap, I'd wait a few days and most likely the availability will reset to choose those options. I noticed that these same trains still had availability a month before so just be patient.

The normally reliable and comprehensive Deutsche Bahn train schedule search has not been accounting for any rerouting due to construction in this area. It's possible that means that the "stop sell" on the regular train schedule is temporary, until they see how much work gets completed. I think it's happened before that the hoped-for departures were restored shortly before travel dates, but you can't count on that. Voyages-SNCF will only have the more restricted info because they're not going to sell a ticket now for a departure they can't guarantee.

All of that said, I'm not seeing the longer connections offered at Voyages-SNCF. Currently, they show their 2-hour, direct InterCity trains, but not yet open for booking.

Rental car bookings usually can be cancelled without penalty, so there's little risk if you start on that plan.

@ Sam, definitely going to keep car as an option if we can't go via train
@ Philip I see the shorter routes listed on the Bahn site, just without fares. I guess I'll keep checking back for availability.
@ Laura, I did not see the shorter routes listed on the https://uk.voyages-sncf.com, only 3 that were for 4 1/2 hours or more.

Thanks for the info on track construction and the possiblity that routes and times will open back up. That keeps my hopes up that we can train there and back. Renting a car to drive there not a biggie, just didn't want to drive back to Paris in the dark.

Are the fares pretty well set or do they increase the closer you get? That's why I haven't bought my Eurostar tx yet because I wanted to make sure we would be able to get out to Bayuex, but I need to get those pretty quick so at least we are in Paris regardless if we drive or train.

I looked at the French rail site (https://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/) and it appears there are no trains to either Bayeux or Caen on Sun Sept 3. It shows trains on the 2nd and 4th of September but not on the 3rd. That would seem to me that there is scheduled work on that line on the 3rd. I would keep checking back in case that changes, the work may be rescheduled.

Thanks Nancy!

It's strange that SNCF is giving different results through different links. I used https://www.voyages-sncf.com/ and selected Europe-Other Countries to get English. Certainly the schedule is lighter on Sunday than Saturday and neither one available to purchase yet.

Full fare on this route is only €40 per person, so buying it ahead is not going to save as much money as buying ahead for the Eurostar.

@ Laura, yes it is. That is the website that I am looking at. Hmmmmm....not going to worry about it now. We are going to rent a car. Thanks to everyone for taking the time with your answers. Have a great day!