Train travel CDG to Rennes

There are direct trains from CDG to Rennes. You can find the schedule and fares and purchase tickets at www.sncf.com/en. If there are issues with your credit card at the SNCF site, try trainline.com. Tickets generally go on sale 90 days before the travel date and the lowest priced, least flexible tickets sell out before the more expensive tickets. You can read up on French train travel at https://www.seat61.com/France-trains.htm.

Everyone's preference is different, but if I was planning this trip I'd start with Paris and then return to Paris for one final nite before the flight home.

Usually planes are on time but sometime they aren't. You're going to be betting 12 walk-up train fares that you make the train from your flight, because discount advance-purchase tickets often can't be changed or can only be changed before the train leaves (hard to do if you're over the Atlantic) so those tickets become worthless and you'll need to replace them with full-fare. You'll want to build in some padding to increase the chances, which may mean a few hours sitting in the CDG waiting for the train. And trains are not going to be as frequent from CDG as they are from Paris.

By flipping the itinerary around you just need to get into Paris and drop your bags before you start sightseeing, no matter how much your flight may be delayed or customs takes. No hours to kill waiting for the train. And you're certain to catch the train to Rennes a few days after your arrival, on your deep-discount ticket. You'll also be a bit more rested for driving; to me a flight, train ride, rental car pickup, then drive to MSM sounds like a rough start to your vacation.

Bill G’s suggestion is excellent, IMO.

Agreed — especially with 12 people to corral!

I normally advise starting at the most distant point and finishing in the city of departure. It is the most efficient use of time and you don't waste that wonderful penultimate day on logistics. But to buy 12 train tickets ahead is quite a gamble. Though if you buy them early enough they are only about 15 Euro. If I did that I would be sure to put 4 hours between ETA and train.

It also depends on where you are starting from. If it is an overnight flight then driving that first day is not wise. I would not risk my grandkids on a couple of exhausted drivers in a foreign country after a long stressful flight.

I've taken the TGV direct from CDG to Rennes many times. They are convenient, but these only run 4-5 times a day, so the first one you could catch would leave about 12:30. I'm not sure with a group of 12 you want to wait in CDG for 3 hours. If so, you'd arrive in Rennes around 3:30 p.m. and then have to drive to Mont St. Michel. It will be a long day after a long flight. You might want to consider doing Paris first instead. If you must do the Mont first, consider taking a taxi from the airport to Gare Montparnasse for an earlier train to Rennes.

I can't add on the logistics of the train - but I CAN add on the family travel. Have done East Coast to Hawaii twice with 16 family members 10-91, and then once with 11 adults (including a 82 year old, limited mobility) to Ireland. Also I planned/led 40-80 young choristers and chaperones on multiple bus or flying trips. Despite good planning, reasonably attentive and well-meaning family members or choristers, EVERYTHING takes longer. Each person forgets something at least once - so EVERY time you try to move, it takes an extra 5 mins per about 3-4 people, up to about a max extra of about 30 minutes. So for 12, guess on 15 extra minutes than you think it will take. The best way we found was to split up groups/sub-families (in choir trips I called them families too!). Make an detail-oriented or experienced traveler in charge of those 3-4 people to carry out the plan. Meet up (or don't) at locations or at the end of the day - but trust me - it's way easier than trying to move everyone all at once. I always ended up 'in charge' and rarely had a good time until I figured that out - always worried about everyone else. Other lessons learned - everyone needs a phone in their group, their own maps, money, the written plan/instructions, and everyone is responsible for their own passport (money belts for everyone!). Good luck! (BTW, I'm from Ohio too :-) )

Thank you to all of you. I read and reread your responses. Much of it, I had already considered, but still was not comfortable with my itinerary. I went back to the drawing board and reworked things. I split my Paris days so we will ride the train one day after we arrive, and that gives us a day to locate, rest and get a taste of Paris before heading out to Normandy. Thanks for all your kind help.

Hi CJ,

Did not read through the previous replies so apologize if something was covered, but my husband and I did a similar trip this past September. Flew into CDG - took train from CDG to Rennes (easy, comfortable ride). Rented car at Rennes train station (arrived about 1pm). Drove to Mont Saint Michel - arrived around 3:30 I think (had stopped for lunch). Stayed 1 night on the Mont and loved it! (I know opinion vary on here regarding Mont Saint Michel - but I would personally recommend spending 1 night - the evening and early mornings without the crowds is magical!). We left around 10am drove to Bayeux - beautiful drive! Stayed in Bayuex 3 nights at Hotel d'Argouges (fabulous! would highly recommend). We did the Overlord Dday tours and really enjoyed.

Have a wonderful trip!