We have a week and would like half of our time in Normandy and half in Loire Valley. We want to use train/bus, not rental car. We are not planning any time in Paris this trip. Our flight gets in to Paris CDG mid morning and we thought of train to Rouen, stay the night in Rouen, then train/bus to Mt. St. Michel (1 night), then to Bayeux for 2 nights. Is this reasonable by train?
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I'm planning similar for September.
My plan in general is to train to Rouen then pick up a rental car for Normandy (and Brittany). I have a little more time so I'll drop the rental in Loire Valley (likely Saumur) and rent a bicycle, then train back into Paris from Tours (even though I plan to travel somewhat east of Tours, the train works out better from there than Orleans), with a stop in Chartes.
I may reverse the route but it will be basically the same transportation.
I like to make stops along the way, often unplanned, which precludes public transportation options. If you know exactly where you are going, you may be able to accomplish it without a rental.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
I too, would recommend a car. I have done this trip by car and it was enjoyable. By public transport, you will spend half of your time waiting for buses and trains, and connections are not synchronized. The tours of the beach are fairly expensive. You can rent a car for less than a tour. Rent and return the car in Rouen after spending the night. You will be jet lagged. After a nights rest, you will feel better and ready to go. Just a FYI. When I went, you could park beside Mt. St. Michael and walk. From what I read, you now have to park on the mainland and take a bus or maybe walk down a causeway a bit to the Mt.