We are planning a trip to Italy in May of 27. I have the great idea of adding an additional week to the trip before Italy. My husband has always wanted to visit Normandy so why not fly into Paris first, right! I'm thinking driving to Normandy and spend 2-3 days there and then explore another region before flying to Milan. I even thought of driving to Milan but it is a tougher sell to the hubby but I can pout, 40 years of marriage and I generally get him to see the best option. ( I do understand the rental car additional cost for different country drop off ) Any insight or suggestions? We are not interested in spending any time in Paris other than being at the airport. Thank you in advance.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3721 posts
From Normandy to Milan is about 1200 km, which is unrealistic for a single day's drive for a holiday trip. I think even professional truckers aren't allowed to cover that distance in one day.
So you'd spend at least two full days in the car on the highways without exploring anything except for gas stations and tollbooths. The expenses would add up to about €350 for fuel and tolls, plus you'd have to consider the cost of the additional fees for a one-way rental from France to Italy, likely exceeding €1000.
In comparison, a flight from Paris Orly to Milan takes just 1 hour and 30 minutes and usually costs under €100.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3099 posts
Sharon,
I second JoLui. Hubby is correct on this one. Take a plane to Milan for a more enjoyable trip, IMO.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7197 posts
Your first option is entirely doable. From Normandy you could add Brittany or the Loire for a few more days, before flying to Milan from Paris. But I agree that driving a rental all the way to Milan brings in the law of diminishing returns. Don't get me wrong,I love a good road trip. We did several to different countries when we lived in Germany. But those were drives that returned to the starting point.