Normandy Travel Suggestions

The only way to get a train between CDG and Bayeux is through Paris (Gare St-Lazare), inconvenient but safer than driving there from the airport on your disoriented jet-lag day. I suggest a taxi from CDG to St-Lazare (50 euros), but a combination of RER and Metro can also get you there at lower cost. Caen is a little closer to Paris by rail and there are car rental offices at the station, more convenient than Bayeux.

Two nights in Bayeux gives you a full day to see the WWII sights. Many posters recommend a guided tour for this instead of driving yourself, but I don't have first-hand experience with that. Bayeux to Blois would be about half a day's drive, so you'd have time to visit the Bayeux Tapestry and great Norman cathedral there before setting out. But the Monet site at Giverny would be too long a detour, I think. You might consider, after your horseback tour, driving from Blois to Giverny, dropping the car at or near Vernon, and taking the train into Paris from there.

Driving in France isn't that different from driving in the US, especially outside the major cities. Look on this website under "Travel Tips" for driving advice. Get an International Driver's Permit through your local AAA office so you'll have proof, in French, that your US license (which you also need) is valid. It helps to have a GPS along with a good map, the GPS is most valuable getting through towns and finding local addresses.

Thanks for your suggestions! Didn’t think of the international drivers license so good to know!

We took the train from Paris to Bayeux, no problem. It would be a hassle to have a car in Bayeux, but can't speak on renting one from there. Unless you are well read on the D Day invasion, you'll get so much more out of a tour than just driving to the many beaches. There are full day tours and half day tours. We took a full day with Overlord. Check out their site to get an idea of what is included in the different tours offered. You'll probably want to see the American cemetery . There are other companies and independent guides, and I'm pretty sure some are mentioned in the RS guide. If you're planning 3 nights in Bayeux, I'd save the D Day tour for Day 3, as it is a full day, lots of driving, getting out and walking around. How does jet lag affect you and your friend? That might be a factor in 2 vs. 3 days in Bayeux. You can certainly see the tapestry and the cathedral in a morning. If you have more time, the small museum is worthwhile (not far from either), and there is a lace shop that is very authentic near the Cathedral.. I loved Normandy and Bayeux. If you are interested in staying in a 13th century tower (with 20th century comforts) I highly recommend the Le Manoir Sainte Victoire. Lovely hosts and great breakfast. Warning, there are somewhat steep and narrow steps to the upper rooms. Have a great time."

I'll second Nancy's reply: the Paris to Bayeux train is an easy ride, and Overlord Tours does a phenomenal job with their DDay tours. I didn't stay in Bayeux, but it's a charming little town that I wished I had more time to visit before I left. Then again, the countryside around Bayeux is lovely, so having a car to explore would also be nice, so it really depends what you prefer to do. Have a wonderful trip!

I can't imagine being in Normandy and not having a car. Unless all you want to do is a guided tour, and then spend all your time walking around Bayeux. Bayeux is nice, but is nicest as a base to see other things in the area. Driving in France and Normandy is not hard with just a little preparation (learn the signs and rules of the road). As far as renting a car, I've rented in both Bayeux and Caen. There are certainly more options in Caen, and they're right at the train station. In Bayeux, you have to get a ride from the station to one of the few rental offices (they're not at the station). However, Caen is only 20 minutes up the road, and there are more trains in and out of there with fewer stops. Dick is right about getting to Normandy through the Gare Saint-Lazare station. I'd just add that when I do this trip, I almost always take the Roissybus, which drops you at the Opera Garnier—a ten minute walk away from the station. I much prefer approaching the city from above ground and watching it unfold before me on my opening day, rather than tunneling underground, missing the sights, and schlepping bags inside stations. And the ten minute walk can help wake you up (especially if you stop at a cafe en route). btw, I've also picked up a car at CDG and driven to Normandy. It gets you there faster and is a pretty drive, but most people won't do well to make such a drive on their first day after arriving on an overnight flight.
Enjoy!

Coming off an international flight, you are much better training to Bayeux. There are direct trains from Gare St. Lazaire (when I went I didn't find them when I first looked) that will take you straight there with no transfers/connections. Getting there and settled will take up most of your first day. I understand you have two nights, or one full day in Bayeux? You probably have time for a 1/2 day D-day tour and the Tapestry. The next morning you need to drive to Blois. In a perfect world, I'd pick up the car in Bayeux the morning you have to drive and drop it in Blois when you get there (you will have to see how close you can get to perfect world) anything else is more than you need. I'm not sure where Versailles comes in but, from Blois, you can take a train to Paris. If you want to go to Versailles, you have to connect and head back out. I suppose you can hold on to the car to drive to Versailles, turn the car in and train from there but it seems like you are paying for holding a car without needing it.