We are flying into Paris' CDG in March. I was going to rent a car there and drive to Normandy, then turn the car in in Tours a week later and then train back into the heart of Paris. Having read other posts, it sounds like it might be better to take a train from CDG to Caen and rent the car there and still turn it in in Tours. Can I get the train from CDG directly to Caen or do we switch somewhere? Thanks for any help...
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
It's going to be a heck of a lot faster to drive from the airport. I can't imagine a train going directly from CDG to Caen. I'd also reconsider dropping in Tours instead of pushing on into Paris with a stop at Chartres. I've seen a lot of posts championing dropping the car way to hell and gone and taking the train the rest of the way in. I suspect that these come from people who haven't actually driven into Paris. Using a car for intra-city transportation is stupid, but driving in and dropping a car off is rather simple.
Posted by
Northbrook, Illinois, USA
310 posts
I am unaware of a train from CDG to Caen. I believe you need to get to Gard du Nord to train to Normandy. I recall we looked at a car rental at Caen and you can get one there. I can only speak for myself, but I don't think I could navigate the French roads with my high school French. I would suggest a GPS would be of help.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
There are no direct trains from CDG to Caen - you will need to go into Paris and take the train from Gare Saint Lazare, not Nord. Renting the car may well be more convenient if you can pick it up at the airport and if the roads aren't too busy at that time of day.
Posted by
Northbrook, Illinois, USA
310 posts
Sorry - yes, it's Gare Lazare!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
76 posts
The roads are always congested and slow at any time of day. You will save a good two-to-three hours by taking the trains. Take the RER from CDG, then Metro to Lazare, InterCite from Lazare direct (non-stop) to Caen. I have done this trip, it's a breeze! Bon Voyage!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
'The roads are always congested and slow at any time of day. You will save a good two-to-three hours by taking the trains.' Must be magic to save two or three hours. I've driven that route more times than I can count at all times of the day. It usually takes two hours from the airport, maybe two and a half max. You're sitting on eighty the whole way to keep up with traffic and you only have to slow down for three toll booths. If there's any traffic of consequence in the morning, it's headed south.