We are 6 adults planning to spend 10-12 days in Germany in September. We are contemplating flying into Paris, then driving to Normandy to visit the Normandy Landing Beaches before heading to Germany. Would it be more feasible to rent a car in Paris to keep for our entire trip, or taking a train from Paris to Caen and train into Germany and rent the car somewhere in Germany? We are planning to visit Berlin, Munich, Rhine Valley, and Rothenburg. Not sure which airport we will fly out of Germany. Open to other suggestions for where to visit in Germany as well.
Posted by
Washington DC
27104 posts
It will probably be shockingly expensive to pick up a car in France and drop it off in Germany.
I highly, highly recommend that you take a van-tour of the Normandy invasion sites rather than just driving yourselves around. A beach is pretty much a beach if you don't have a knowledgeable guide, and the van driver/guides will get you around far more efficiently than you can manage on your own. Most of the van trips originate from Bayeux, which is a pleasant place to stay, with an historic area that survived the war and the Bayeux Tapestry. Bayeux is a short train ride from Caen. The Bayeux train station, however, is a healthy walk from the historic center of town. Doable if you have a wheeled bag (and a map!), but I think most folks would prefer to take a taxi.
There are several tour companies that have drawn positive comments here. I used Overlord Tours, but others can provide additional recommendations.
Posted by
2527 posts
Perhaps the walk from the train station in Bayeux to the core of the city is too far for many...seemed fine for us. Oh well, map it and decide.
Posted by
Washington DC
27104 posts
Fine for me, too, but I think most folks wouldn't be thrilled. Could depend on exactly where they were staying in town.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
If you do hire a car in Normandy, I would suggest dropping it in Paris and taking the train to Germany. (Note however that trains all the way from Paris to either Berlin or Munich will both take most of the day - if you want to do either trip in one go I'd suggest spending the night in Paris.)