We are traveling to Normandy in early June for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. We booked a hotel near Juno Beach. Wondering what is the easiest way to get to Caen on a Tuesday. Our plane arrives at CDG at 7:15am. We want to maximize our time in the Normandy area. Can you tell me if we should take train or bus? Is there an option to travel there without changing trains or busses? Can you give me what website/company I should book through? Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Chicago
8063 posts
Take a cab to Gare St. Lazare and a train to Caen. The tickets are much cheaper bought well in advance, but you need to leave about 4 hours between ETA and departure to be fairly sure of making the train. If you buy them at the station they are about 3 times more expensive, but you could take advantage of unusual good lucky on timing e.g. early plane and speedy immigration that gets you into the city much faster.
Posted by
11169 posts
It is an easy drive with a rental car. How will you get around Normandy and it’s beaches without one, especially with all the crowds for the 75th anniversary?
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
I dislike long bus rides and love trains. But, in this case, I would definitely check out bus options, as there is a direct bus from CDG to Caen at least once a day (maybe different times on different days). I mean, if there were a direct bus leaving at 10am on your day of arrival, that would be very tempting. If there's no direct bus at a convenient time, then I'd probably take the train: take a RER to Paris Nord and connect from there.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks Everyone! I really appreciate your feedback.