My husband & I are planning a trip to Paris and Normandy end of April, prior to joining the RSE Munich-Salzburg-Vienna tour 07 May. We arrive CDG at 0600 on Thurs. 27 April. First time to Paris for me, hubby was there 40 years ago. Our itinerary thoughts today are: 'do' Paris 27-30 April. We already have Paris Museum Passes from our COVID cancelled trip last August & a general outline of museums & sights we want to see/experience, including Versailles. Is 4 days (plus one two at the back end) enough for a first-timer to Paris to see sights, relax a bit & enjoy the joie de vivre? We then are considering a rental car drive on Monday, 01 May to Giverny, +/- Rouen, on the way to Bayeux. We plan a full day excursion to Normandy sights. Is it easily explored on our own or should we book a guided tour with some outfit? Should we stay 1 or 2 nights? Another question, do we then drive to the Loire valley- Amboise or Tours for an overnight to visit a chateau or 2 before return to Paris? Or return to Paris on the 3rd or 4th of May, then take a day trip to Reims and champagne tasting? Neither of us has driven in France before, are relatively flexible with ideas for excursions within a day from Paris and certainly are willing to take the train to surrounding areas. We then plan to depart for Munich on 06 May. Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. Or, do we pick up a rental and head to the Normandy area on day one after we arrive (hopefully well rested)? Thank you.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5431 posts
I advise you to NOT ATTEMPT a long drive on your arrival day. Jet lag is nothing to sniff at.
May 1st is a major public holiday in Europe. Check the open hours of your car rental agency. If its closed that day, perhaps extend your stay in Paris by a day.
Unless one of you is a WWII historian, I'd recommend arranging a tour with one of the tour companies that specialize in the D Day invasion sites. A second day on your own to explore the other facets of Baueux would be nice.
A single day in the Loire is just not enough time. Save it for another visit. There is more than enough to still see in Paris or on a day trip with the remainder of your time.
Posted by
Irving
3226 posts
Is 4 days (plus one two at the back end) enough for a first-timer to Paris to see sights, relax a bit & enjoy the joie de vivre?
No it is not!
It’s apparent you’ve done your research but I would a spend the whole time in Paris. Normandy is definitely worth visiting but Paris deserves a week and if your husband has not been to Paris in 40 years why not spend the entire time there? I’ve been to Paris four times before I exhausted seeing the world’s most elegant city, there is no other city that rivals Paris.
You need a week in Paris. Furthermore, it would be easier than breaking up your trip to travel to Normandy. You said you have museum passes when Paris is a city where you want to spend time outdoors. It sounds like you’re going to miss a lot if you go to Normandy.
Since you’re returning to Paris on the “backend” sleep in a different neighborhood. You want to experience the food culture and so much more. Do not short Paris!
With that said you need a minimum of two nights in Normandy if you’re organized. Needless to say, as most us do when we first begin planning, assume you will return.
I also suggest skipping the Loire Valley too. The top four sights in in FR are Paris, Provence, the riveria and Normandy.
Posted by
OP
Jacksonville, FL
6 posts
Thank you, CJean for the reminder of May Day--I completely forgot about it as an important holiday in Europe. That will definitely affect our plans. A picnic in a park may be called for that day -along with all the other people chilling on a day off. :) We'll look into an informative tour of Normandy. Thank you and MaryPat for the recommendation of delaying Loire for a future visit. I agree that something should be saved for the future. We look forward to enjoying a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, sights and walks in Paris.
Posted by
55 posts
There is never enough time to see everything in Paris. It is an amazing city. I would not drive to the Loire Valley or Reims on this trip and spend the extra time in Paris. There is so much to do, see, and experience.
Giverny is gorgeous and should be in bloom when you are there (lucky you!!). In Normandy, I would recommend a tour so that you understand more of what you are looking at. Be sure to visit the American Cemetery which is a powerful, moving experience that you won't forget.
Enjoy your trip. I'm sure you will love every moment.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15784 posts
I was in Paris a few years ago including May 1. I stayed in the Marais and spent most of the day there. Some of the boutique shops were open, some were closed. The weather was excellent and it felt like everyone was out and about. If you can, plan to spend that day in Paris and leave on the 2nd. I would not be surprised to find lots and lots of traffic on the roads on the 1st. I checked the websites of 3 museums: Louvre (national), Marmottan (private), Carnavalet (city). All are closed on May 1, so probably Giverny is as well (since they are closed all winter there's no info on their website right now).
Posted by
Paris
7301 posts
Just commenting on traffic: traffic out of Paris will be ok on may 1 this year because it is a Monday: weekend travellers will be heading back to Paris.
Posted by
OP
Jacksonville, FL
6 posts
Appreciate the information and suggestions from all. We will enjoy Paris until 02 or 03 May, then head to Giverny and Normandy/Bayeux. While we have a good understanding of the history of D-Day, I believe a guided tour will every helpful and informative, as we are not historians. I have read some tips that taking the train to Vernon/Giverny might be better/easier for car rental than from central Paris and then an easier drive. Thoughts about that idea? Upon our return, we would like to stay near the Gare de l'Est for early train departure the next day. Any suggestions or preferences from those familiar with the area? Thank you.