In mid-May, part of our trip will go as follows: London-Bayeux (WED) then Bayeux-Brugges (SAT). Staying 3 nights in each, then flying out of Brussels.
Currently, my plan is to take the Eurostar from London to Lille, then rent a car in Lille and drive to Bayeux, with a stop or two along the way. Depart Bayeux by train (Bayeux to Brugges). I didn't realize how long it would take to get to Bayeux from Lille, and I have read mixed reviews about driving; most were not current. Does anyone have recommendations on efficiently planning this route? Train all the way? Rent a car in Lille and drive? Other? Thank you!
Posted by
Wengen
1767 posts
london - Bayeux would take about 6h by train. You would have to change stations in Paris, but from GDN to St. Lazare you take the RER E, which is the most recent one of the RER lines, and thus modern, fast, with escalators etc...
Then rent a car in Bayeux, drop it off again after you are done exploring the area, and take the train to Brugge. You can go Bayeux - Paris - Brussels - Brugge or Bayeux - Paris - Lille - Brugge.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
1991 posts
According Via Michelin driving from Lille to Bayeux takes 4h 16min and the fastest train I can find so far with the planning tool of Deutsche Bahn around 4h 49min. Train planning is accurate but car planning is theory, you have to add time for picking up the car, the necessary rest(s), getting out of Lille and so on. All in all the train in this case will be quicker.
But on the way with a car you can visit for instance the two main squares of Arras, the cathedral of Amiens, the historic center of Rouen, the abbeys of Saint-Martin-de-Bosscherville and Jumièges, Honfleur and so on. You have to make a selection as there will be no time to see everything.
I have driven several times from Lille to Normandy and back and have to say that it’s simply boring. So visiting one or some of the mentioned places benefits using a car. Know that tol “peage” will set you back some €34.
For train schedules: https://int.bahn.de/en or https://www.b-europe.com/EN As Wengenk notes that London Bayeux takes around 6 hours so maybe a good idea if these visits are of interest only taking a car and drop in Lille on the way to Brussels.
Posted by
OP
Oregon, USA
6 posts
Thank you so much for taking your time to share. Your details about how the train will work and an estimate of timing and tolls for driving are really helpful. I appreciate your help!
Posted by
Washington DC
27207 posts
You can use ViaMichelin.com if you need more info on estimated driving times and tolls.