Please sign in to post.

Winter in normandy/Paris

Will be renting a car Thursday December 26(early morning) - 28th (pm) and leaving Paris. My goal is mont Saint Michel.. Is there any point to swing by Giverny during the winter months? Just don’t think the gardens are going to look the same in December.
Should I spend two nights at MSM or is there another town that would be worth a night visiting. I know about D-Day beaches, so we may swing by there, but we’re not big history buffs. Would like to pay my respects and look for beautiful, charming cities. Rouen or Bayeux? We really enjoy being outside and architecture so I know this is a crazy time to be visiting. Is MSM windy and cold in a normal December?
Two other question about Paris….. looking forward to doing Christmas markets on the 23rd and 24th. Been to the one with the big Ferris wheel. What other ones do you recommend? How late are they open on the 24th? Recommendations for church service on the 25th. Love your big cathedrals.
Thanks

Posted by
933 posts

My suggestion would be to take the train from Paris to Rennes. Pick up your rental car at the train station and then drive to Mont St Michel. From there it’s on to Bayeux, (a favorite) Rouen (also lovely) and dropping your car off in Rouen (you don’t need it there) and taking the train back to Paris from Rouen. Nominal fee to drop off your car at a different location within France.

Posted by
3993 posts

If the gardens that you are referring to are Monet's Gardens, they are closed in December so I don't think that you will be able to see them. I'd take the train and rent a car outside of Paris. Both Rouen and Bayeux are lovely places to visit. I would not say that Bayeux is a city so if you want a city, I suggest Rouen. There is a Christmas market on Blvd Saint Germain that I found enjoyable last November.

Posted by
10236 posts

Indeed, Monet's Garden (and house) closes November 1.