Going to France this September and plan on visiting Normandy and MSM and St Malo. After that going to Lourdes. Can't figure out what is the best way to get there. Train, rent a car? Will have a car in Normandy. Want to travel during daylight hours to see as much as possible. Any ideas or suggestions?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Keep the car. It's a one day daylight drive, easy, even in September. Take two or three days, zig-zag a bit, and you'll find a chunk of France not too many people know about.
Hint for MSM/St Malo: Get to MSM and hour and a half before dark, walk up the street and down the wall (that's all there is to do really -- the abbey is unremarkable, and you have to be lucky to catch the incoming tide). When driving out the causeway as you leave, pull over and look back. That's the best view of all -- lighted in the dark. Then go spend the night in St Malo, rooms are 1/3 the price and grub is great and costs even less. MSM is the most expensive spot in France. You need to see it, but do not eat or sleep there.
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, California, USA
28 posts
Thank you Ed,
Your comment most helpful. Your suggestion was kind of where logic was leading me, but not knowing that area at all, am appreciative of your thoughts. One day daylight drive fits the desired plan best. Any suggested routes?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Route is fairly straight forward since it's "E" freeways most of the way. Following ideas might help:
out of St Malo, follow signs to Rennes, then pick up the freeways
bypass Rennes, Nantes, Bordeaux to the west regardless of what gps says to do
do not go into Bayonne -- get off whatever that freeway is around St Geours and head toward Peyrehorade until you hit the E80
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, California, USA
28 posts
Ed, your help is much appreciated. Hopefully someday I can return the favor to someone. Pete