Transportation for family of 11

Good luck getting 11 people and 11 pieces of luggage into a rental vehicle - don't think that's going to work. The simplest thing to do is just take the train all the way to Bayuex, have your hotel/B&B arrange transport from the little station. Sign up with a tour company that can haul everyone around on their bus.

You might consider splitting your family unit up into 2 or 3 smaller groups just to ease the logistics. Can always appoint a central meeting point (or hotel) at the end of the day, but trying to move as group that large is going to be difficult.

There are special train rates for groups traveling together. Children under a certain age ride free or reduced price. Otherwise, it's probably easier and safer to rent two mini-vans than one specialty van. They'll need vans with roof storage.

How did they travel to Paris?

They will be flying together on the same airplane. The grandparents are taking their children and grandchildren for their 50th anniversary. I was hoping for mini bus or large van company suggestions with a hired driver. Thanks for your help!

Martha, this might be the one time I would recommend a travel agent. There are companies that can set up a custom tour with a minibus and driver but I'm not sure anyone on this forum has done that and can give you recommendations. A good travel agent (preferably one who specializes in European travel) could hook you up with such a company.

I don't think you can rent vans that hold this many people -- y9u will probably need to hire a bus and driver or rent two vans.

Martha,

The bus and hired driver is probably going to be a really expensive option. If those paying the bills are able to do that, that's certainly an option. I wouldn't recommend renting a vehicle immediately after a long international flight, as the driver will be operating in somewhat of an "impaired" state. For a group of 11, you'd probably have to rent two vehicles, which again could be expensive. Drivers should each have an International Driver's Permit.

Travel by train will be the most cost effective method and also the quickest if you can connect with a direct train. One easy option would be to pre-book a Mini-Van Shuttle from CDG airport to Gare St. Lazare, which is where the trains to Normandy depart from. Your hotel in Bayeux should be able to arrange transportation from the station to the hotel.

I assume touring the D-Day sites is one of your planned activities in Bayeux. For that I'd recommend hiring one of the excellent local tour firms, as they provide transportation as well as an expert guide who will make the history come alive. The tour firms often use an 8-passenger mini-van but they may be able to arrange a larger vehicle to accommodate a group of 11.

Good luck with your planning!

Great advice Ken! Wish I had thought of that ;-)

Absolutely don't drive after a long flight especially a van. Train tickets to Normandy will run about 15 Euro apiece if you buy them 90 days ahead. If you want cars once there, perhaps arrange a van and a car to pick up there.