Paris, Normandy and Mont St. Michel in November????

I did this same trip the last week of October/first week of November. Last week of October we went to Normandy and Mont St Michel. It was chilly and rainy. Paris was chilly and gray. Daylight broke around 8-9 a.m. I think, and it was dark around 7 p.m. The average temp in Paris in November is about 42 degrees, but it would be colder at the coast, I would think.

Thanks for your reply. Would you do the trip again if that was the only time you could go....despite the chance that there will be bad weather?

"despite the chance that there will be bad weather?" I would say "despite the certainty of bad weather". Europe, in my opinion, is great at any time of year, but you have to adjust you expectations based on the season. Late fall and winter are not great times to explore the natural outdoors, due to the short periods of daylight (about 8 hours seems correct), damp weather and the low visibility. Those postcard views of vibrantly colored landscapes will be hidden behind a gray haze. But cities are usually just as alive as any other time of year. So, arm yourself with realistic expectations and I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip.

Of course I'd go that time of year. We're often there in winter. In fact we visited Mont St. Michel between Christmas and New Year's a long time ago. There are fewer visitors and it's easier to tour. Eight hours of sunlight is about right three weeks before the solstice. Check at your library to be sure. Weather in the 40's is normal due to the warm Gulf Stream current that runs along the coast. Hooded raincoast to protect from humidity, wool sweater, cap, gloves, and warm shoes and you're good to go. Think of all the good winter recipes you'll be able to try along with your wine and cider.

A great resource to determine length of days is www.sunrisesunset.com I always check yahoo weather when we are planning a trip to see how cold it might get in the spring and fall, because that is when we prefer to travel.

Karen, it's not the optimal time, obviously. But only you and yours can decide if this is worth doing in late November. It's a personal decision. I would however at least weigh that trip against a more-urban itinerary, for instance Paris and Lyon (with possible day trips to the countryside if the weather allows) or Avignon. Cities have nightlife and things to do even in inclement weather, so a strategy like that sort of hedges your bets. But really, it's up to you.

Karen, We were in Normandy in the middle of October last year, and it was starting to get cold. Remember that in November, days are short and night long. Also, I think most if not all of the D-Day Tour companies either shut down or cut back the number of tours in November. As someone said, if this is a big priority and it's the only time you can do it, then go. But, you might enjoy the Cote D'Azur more.

We're doing the exactly same thing this year, but we're going for the first week of November. I too am wondering about the weather in Normandy as I heard from many that it's going to be rainy and cold. I did went to Paris in late October, 2006. It was cool and had several days of drizzle, but overall not bad at all. Paris is Paris after all, under any weather it's going to be pretty.
I must say, I do enjoy this time to travel in Europe. We went to Italy last Thanksgiving. Despite being a little cold, I really love the short line (NO wait at all at the Uffizi), less crowd, and hearty food. Went to small Tuscan towns and felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. It was quite magical! Can I just hijack this thread and ask what's the driving condition like if we were going to rent a car around Normandy and the Loire Valley during the first week of November? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the post Dee, I agree with the November travel opportunity! We travelled to Rome/Venice a couple of years ago and got great rates for our travel due to the off season. It was a little cold but well worth the savings! I'm wondering if a week is long enough to do Normandy, Mont St. Michele and the Loire Valley... I'm thinking of cutting the Loire Valley and reducing the mileage of the trip... still a work in progress... Keep me posted on your trip....I'll be right behind you:) The B&B La Fière was recommended for our stay in the Normandy area. I have been corresponding with the owner, Vivian, and it looks absolutely amazing. Be sure to check it out on trip advisor...

I was in Normandy in Early November--with Bayeux as the place i stayed. First light about 08:00. Last about 17:30. Train service to Paris is quite long ..2 hours and infrequent.Early and out. Did not get a chance to return to Mont St Michel. Took an all day tour that really was private---great to Normandy Beaches. Stayed at a B&B/six rooms/an old manor house/in Rick's Book--very good. I"m 76 and forget the name. Temperature high 40's-50's. Sadly cloudy,damp---with some sun. In total I liked it. By extension--a few weeks later --less light.
You can find out daylight hrs on weather inc.

Thanks for your input... It helps to know someone else experienced Normandy in November....
I appreciate your info....

Karen I think it would be good to ask your group members what they think. And 2 of your destinations are on the coast which are bound to be more damp than Paris. Remember you will be outside all of the time even in Paris. All of your destinations require lots of walking. How long will you be gone? Maybe you could spend some time in Nice or Provence? Of course, this change does extend your travel time. However, you could fly into Paris shorten your time in Normandy / Mt St Michel and then head south. Here is useful weather information for travelers: Paris - Ave mid day temp. 50, days with rain 10, daily hrs. of sunshine 3. Caen in Normandy - Ave mid day temp is 51, days with rain 14, daily hrs. of sunshine is 3. Nice - ave mid day temp is 60, days with rain is 7, hrs of sun is 5. Your trip destinations sound wonderful just need to check with the travelers to see if the weather works for them. Bobbie

Hi Karen, I'm actually considering dropping Normandy if it gets too rainy go visit the D-Day sites. Mont St. Michel is a must for me and I really want to go to the Loire Valley, so it just makes sense to go to Normandy since it seems on the way... Decisions decisions! I will definitely keep you posted on my trip as well. Good that we're planning this so many months ahead. Dee