Train or Car from Bayeux to Paris

If I already had the car I might drive into Paris and drop there. It is critical to know exactly where the drop is and what it looks like. These things are not well signed in Paris and are often underground. You have to know exactly what you are looking for (helps to have a navigator) and if possible it is useful to have a picture of the drop entrance.

When we stayed in Paris and did a side trip for 5 nights to Normandy, we trained to Caen, picked up the car there and dropped it there and trained back. Purchased 3 mos ahead you can get prem tickets for 15 Euro. We wanted to save the hassle of driving in Paris -- we are now too old for that although we drive in big cities in the US every day.

Both approaches are fine; it is more leisurely to do the last leg by train and if you get tickets in advance, it is cheap. But it is also nice to be able to drop by Chartres (as we did one time) or by Versailles as you are considering on your way in.

Note that car agencies in smaller cities close weird hours. They are closed for lunch, close early in the evening, close on holidays and on Sundays even when they are located at train stations so be sure you know the hours of yours. I don't like to drop a car without a receipt that it is undamaged and gassed up because we have been burned in the past on this.

If you are going to Versailles, drive that far and return the care there.

Note however that the rental drop may be a haul from the chateau, and the chateau may be crowded. Your best bet may be to tour the grounds and visit the palace mid to late afternoon.