Traveling from Amsterdam to Normandy

Personally, I'd take the ICE to CDG and rent there. rather then drive back to AMS and then drive to Normandy. Check the distance to your Normandy locations from CDG or an interim stop and I think you'll be surprised.

You are also dealing with renting in one country and driving in another. Generally airport pickups are more expensive but price both locations.

We're actually spending 1 night in Amsterdam, 1 night in Bruges, and then driving to CDG to pick up 2 more travelers who will be going to Normandy with us. I know that Amst. to Bruges by train is easy as is Bruges to paris but figured that since we will need a car ANYWAY, why not start in Amsterdam and make it to Bruges at our leisure and then on to Paris on OUR schedule. (Plus we save the price of 2 sets of train tickets which will partially help defray the different country drop off charge). I HAVE convinced myself that when flying in to Amsterdam we should public transport to our hotel and GO BACK to the airport the next day to rent, rather than trying to drive into and out of Amsterdam proper. What do you think?
Thanks VERY much for your helpful advice to fellow traveler:)

I do have experience of directly driving throughout the Netherlands, frequently. I have never had any difficulties driving anywhere in the Netherlands, except central Amsterdam. It is extremely difficult to park in central Amsterdam, very expensive, and dangerous. Cars are regularly retrieved from the canals and the sides of canals. It is difficult to drive in central Amsterdam because of the canals, the trams, and the many, many bicycles. Trams and cycles have the absolute right of way. I am surprised at the question though. Only people who had been to Amsterdam and done all the main sights would think of leaving after only one day. So why the question? Traffic between Amsterdam to the south can be heavy and slow, the speed limit is lower than France, lots of trucks. Speed cameras all along the highways. Parking in Brugge is much harder than it one was, check with your B&B.

I've always heard that you do not want to drive in Amsterdam. But I take trains, so I don't know firsthand.

Mark, How does this sound to you? Take IC trains from Amsterdam to Bruges. The 2nd class fare is €46.60. Take IC trains from Bruges to Lille. The 2nd class fare is €17.20. Pick up your car in Lille and drive to CDG to pick up your friends.