We have booked a trip to France for 8 nights in October. We will be flying in and out of CDG. It will be my first time visiting Paris and this part of France; my husband has been there before. Our plan is to rent a car at the airport, drive to Giverny, Rouen and around the DDay beaches/historic liberation sites of Normandy for a few nights; then return the rental car (at CDG or before we hit Paris after Normandy?) and stay in Paris for a few nights. Your thoughts about this plan? Your recommendations for hotels, restaurants and must see sites in such a brief time? Thank you, all!
Posted by
North Carolina
2492 posts
It’s really not a good idea to drive right after an international flight - jet lag and all. You could take the train westward upon arrival, perhaps to Rouen, get a good night’s sleep, then rent your car.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1327 posts
Carmel,
What inbsig said. Take the train and spend the first night in Rouen. It deserves at least a half day. Next day drive to Bayeux, spend three nights there to have a 1/2 day to see the tapestry, cathedral, museum in town and two full days for the WWII sights, cider, camembert. You can return the car in Bayeux,or Caen and take the train back to Paris for the remaindere of your stay.
Have a great visit!
Posted by
North Carolina
2492 posts
The train to Rouen leaves from the Gare St.-Lazare train station. Getting there from the airport by public transportation is doable, but complicated, so I’d suggest taking a taxi there from the official airport taxi stand (fixed rates). If you want to see Giverny early in your trip, you could perhaps stay two or three nights in Rouen, and day-trip by train. The station is Vernon-Giverny, and they have both a shuttle bus and a small zoo-type train to get you to Giverny.
Posted by
Normandie
302 posts
With only a six hour time shift coming from the U.S. Eastern Time Zone, the wisdom of renting a car and driving upon arrival in the Central European Time Zone is not as certain if you were originating in the Pacific Time Zone. If your departure is early enough in the day, then arriving in Paris six hours later and driving shouldn't be a major issue. If it's a redeye flight, though, then I would listen to those cautioning you about driving.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1227 posts
Getting to Gare Saint-Lazare from CDG is actually very easy as long as you are willing to walk seven minutes. The RoissyBus leaves from right outside CGD arrivals, and brings you to the Opera Garnier, which is a 7-minute walk to Gare Saint-Lazare. It is 13€ per person with no changes, no escalators, and no urine-infested Metro. Plus it actually lets you see the city en route.
Posted by
North Carolina
2492 posts
Good to know, PharmerPhil.