PARIS TO BAYEUX Best way to get to BAYEUX and back

I would say train generally, but we took the train to Caen and then rented a car. For our return, we turned the car back in, right by the train station, and took our train back to Paris. So, I guess it depends on whether you want a car while you are in Bayeux.

I agree with Tigerfan, train is best. Renting a car in Caen is also best, rental places right outside the station. Then a 15 min easy drive to Bayeux.

We took a train all the way to Bayeux. We didn't think we needed a rental car at first, but wound up deciding on the spur of the moment to spend a day in Honfleur and rented a car in Bayeux from a little place on the edge of town.

On both of our trips we have taken the train to Caen, picked up a rental car and driven to Bayeux. IMO a rental car is necessary for that area. Rental car agencies in Caen are normally closed on Sunday, and they may be closed for two hours at lunch. So be aware of that and check the various rental agencies' hours in your planning.

OK thanks...we are doing a two day tour from Overlord so don't think we really need a car but if its easier to get to Bayeux then
we can do that. What site should I buy my train tickets from

I would never be without a car in that area. There is practically zero public transportation. So unless you want to be totally beholden to the tour company, with no ability to drive to other sights of interest, or dinner or a restaurant at night, I'd get one either in Caen, Bayeux, or Paris. The recommendations of a train to Caen and a rental car from there are good. Go to https://en.oui.sncf/en/ for trains. SNCF is who actually runs the trains, so I find their info and options the best. Non-stop trains to that area leave from Gare Saint-Lazare. But they usually don't go on sale until 90 days prior.

I took a train to Rouen and rented there - only because I was going north to Etretat first. A train to Caen is a good approach, then drop at Caen and train back to Paris.

I don’t recommend getting a car in Bayeux. We’ve done that, as well as Caen many times. The one and only “rental” place in Bayeux is a gas station far from the train station, you’d have to pay for a taxi to get there, and you’ll get whatever car they have regardless of what you reserved. In our case they had only one car, so no choice at all.
The rental places in Caen are right outside the door of the train station, which is very convenient. There are a few companies and they all have many cars, so you have a lot of choice.
It’s a quick and easy 15 min drive to Bayeux from there.

I agree with PharmerPhil, we always want a car in Normandy. We did a day tour once, then went back to all the places the tour took us to because we were rushed at every stop on the tour.
But, Bayeux is a charming town and fun to explore if you opt for no car. I recommend the WWII museum there, the best one of all in our opinion.

If not renting a car, a train to Bayeux is the logical choice.

With such a short trip you could train and not need a car. Train to Bayeux, visit Bayeux sites like the Tapestry that afternoon, take the full day Overlord tour the next day, take a van trip to Mont St. Michel the next day -- this is offered by the Churchill Hotel (you don't have to stay there) and by other agencies in town. Return the following day.

If you want to drive to other areas e.g. Honfleur, Etretat etc, then a car is useful, but it isn't necessary for such a short trip.

Train to / from Bayeux. Super simple. The train ride from Gare St Lazare is about 2 hours and very scenic. There are several each day. It’s a 15 minute walk from the train station to the heart of the old town / cathedral and you can’t get lost...just look for the cathedral spire & walk towards it! Tours leave mostly from Place Canéda (2 minutes walk from the cathedral and right next to the tapestry).

Thank you we I opted to train to caen and rent a car for 3 days even if we don't use the car at least we have it if we decide to do so

Smart choice kimutes!