Day trip from Paris to D-Day Beaches

Posted by scott (everson, wa, us) on 03/03/08 11:27 AM

I was wondering if anyone could help me.

I am a teacher and I am taking a group of 30 high school kids to Paris during our spring break in April. One of the things we would like to do is to take a day trip from Paris and visit Normandy...specifically the D-Day beaches. The tour group we are traveling with does not offer a day excursion to Normandy so we were going to try and do it on our own, on our off day. Is this feasable? What trains would we catch from Paris? (To Bayeux or Caen?) Costs for transportation? Where would I go for more information?

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated!

Scott

Posted by Nancy

Mars, PA, USA

03/03/08 11:51 AM

213 posts

Scott, I'm planning the same thing for May with a group of just 6. You can see my train post below (SNCF- Bayeux). I also posted some details of what we've booked if you look for a post on this in "To the West"- "Paris Day Trip to Normandy". Sorry I don't know how to link these here. BTW-Train will be 39.50 Euros round trip total. I'm thinking you could hire a bus/tour guide from Paris for a group this large for a lot less than booking it separately. But, post again if you get stuck on the SNCF site...it's tricky!

Posted by Ken

Vernon, Canada

03/03/08 02:31 PM

32350 posts

Scott,

This is a somewhat "awkward" situation, especially with a group of 30+. Although it's possible to take a train from Gare St. Lazare to Bayeux or Caen, that won't get you to the beaches which are a few miles from town (or the American Cemetery, which is above Omaha Beach). Bayeux is the best option, as you could see also see the Tapestry, the British D-Day Museum, and the Gun Batteries at Longues sur Mer which are only a few miles outside of town.

Transportation is the main obstacle, especially with such a large group. Most of the Beach tours depart about 08:00, which would require at least a one night stay. They typically use mini-Vans, so several would be required for such a large group. You may be able to make special arrangements? Check www.battlebus.fr for info.

I recall there were some firms in Paris offering day tours, but I don't have access to my Guidebooks at the moment. If you have a copy of Rick's France 2008, you might find info there.

Good luck!

Posted by Tim

Minneapolis, MN, USA

03/03/08 07:52 PM

8700 posts

If you take the train, the earliest you can get to Bayeux is 09:23, too late to connect with a regular, public all-day tour, most of which depart at 08:30. Overlordtour offers an afternoon tour, but you'd be better off arranging a private, personalized tour with either them or Battlebus so you can get in nearly a full day. Take the train and have them meet you at the station.