Is it worth doing a day trip to Normandy from Paris? Take a mini tour bus from Paris or take the train/bus? Going to Paris in early April. Best day of week to visit Normandy?
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Define exactly what you want to see. Normandy is a large region, so the answer depends on what you had in mind.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
It is massive. The beaches alone are 50 miles from one end to the other plus all of the areas behind the beaches. If you are limited to one day, I would opt for a day tour from Paris just to handle the transportation. Plus there is no real public transportation in that area so once you get tp the area via train from Paris you would have to rent a car or hire a cab. Personally I would not do a one day trip from Paris.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, pa, usa
53 posts
Richard,
I tried that trip -- I drove it in one day -- big mistake if you really are interested in d-day you will need 2-3 days on site with a car. Each person has his special idea's of what to see -- once you start the magnitude can very easily overwhelm you and not to mention the crowds to slow you down.
Good luck if you do
Posted by
Houston, TX, USA
71 posts
I definitely would rent a car and do a day trip. My wife and I did it in 2007 and it was well worth the effort. Focus on one or two - close by - sites to visit (the D Day Musem in Caen was good, the American Cemetary in Colleville-sur-Mer was incredible) and enjoy yourself. Remember, you can always return . . .
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL, USA
264 posts
The personable, knowledgeable guide meets you at the station (and returns you) on the DD-day tour provided by the Memorial de Caen. The tour includes a guided tour the museum, a great lunch, and a guided minivan tour of the beaches and American cemetary. They really take care of all the planning and all the work for you! I have done this tour myself and highly recommend it! You may buy your tickets at linkparis.com. You can save a bit by buying your train tickets on your own. (Not the rail Europe tickets on the site.)
And, there was plenty of time to see everything that I wanted to see. The tour is at a very comfortable pace. No rushing!
Any day is great!