We will be arriving in Paris on October 1st around 9:45am and want to go to Bayeux. Would renting a car be a good choice? Not worried about the airport car prices or traffic as I dirve for a living around the Chicago area.I'm also renting a GPS. I just don't want to be stressed about trying to catch the right trains and being on time,etc. Any help is appreciated.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Steve,
Driving to Bayeux after a long international flight would not be my choice, even with a GPS. In the same circumstances, I'd use the trains and then rent a car when you arrive in Bayeux (if required).
The trip by train from CDG to Bayeux is not difficult, but will be much less stressful if it's well planned. The method I'd use Is:
RER B to Chatelet (note that this is part of the "super transfer" station of Chatelet-Les Halles so it's quite large but not difficult to navigate).
Metro Line 14 to Gare St. Lazare (direction St. Lazare) All trains to Normandy depart from Gare St. Lazare.
Under ideal conditions that trip should take 30-45 minutes, but a lot will depend on circumstances at the time of your arrival.
If you choose this method, you'll be tired so I'd suggest using a Taxi from the station to your Hotel in Bayeux.
Good luck and happy travels!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
It's a three-hour drive. If you have any chance of being jet-lagged, make the drive and get it over with before you fade. Save the stops for on the way back. You need at least a couple of hours feach or Rouen and Honfleur. I don't have a high opinion of Giverny, so no advice.
If being pooped isn't a potential problem, take that route on the way up and come back through Chartres (the driving time is about a half hour more).
Even consider going up through Chartres since the elapsed time including stops would be shorter that way.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If your plan is to go to Bayeux, stay overnight, take an organized Normandy beaches tour, and return to Paris that evening, then take the train which departs from Gare Saint-Lazare. If your plane is on time, you can catch the 12:10 train. If it's late, have a leisurely lunch in Paris and take the 14:10 train.
If you have time to spend two or more days in Normandy and want to explore areas beyond the beaches and make stops between Normandy and Paris, then rent a car at CDG.
Posted by
OP
Monee, IL, USA
27 posts
Thanks all for all the great advise. We decide to rent a car at the airport and drive direct to Bayeux, then on the way back to Paris stop and sightsee the towns. Thanks again!