Beaches of Normandy

[dreamzcometrue]

We will be in Paris, has anyone done a private tour to Normandy or could we do this on our own. My husband is a huge WWII history buff and I thought it would be great to visit there. ANy information would be greatly appreciated.

[Hlitner]

You have several good options. There are quite a few decent tour companies in Paris (such as Grayline) that offer various day trips (and even some overnight trips) to Normandy. Another option would be to hire a private guide/driver although this will be very very expensive. A third option is to do it on your own. For the DIY option we can suggest two methods. One would be to simply rent a car in Paris and drive yourself to Normandy (you really need a car or another vehicle to explore Normandy). Another option would be to take a fast train from Paris to one of the stations near Normandy where you could then rent a car for the day.

 

Hank

[John Bull]

Hank has neatly summed it up.

 

You can't tour the D-Day sights by public transport.

 

A seat-on-coach tour from Paris has the usual drawbacks (their itinerary/timetable & not yours, mebbe being held up by others, wasted time on an inclusive sit-down lunch, etc) and the usual advantages (should be easily the most economical for two, no need to research/plan, let others worry about the problems, a reasonably knowledgeable guide)

 

Hiring a guide/driver from Paris would be astronomical for two, and no "roll-call" or other realistic prospects of getting a van group together.

 

You could try the D-Day tour groups in Normandy, such as Overlord, who may offer (or suggest others who offer) seat-in-van from a suitable rail station, such as Caen or Bayeux. But expect that part alone to cost over $100 pp.

 

Car hire

- from Paris. Depends on the location of your hotel. The main road to Normandy is easy, but on and around the Paris peripherique I generally drive with my eyes closed :D

- from Caen rail station (definately rental agencies there) but Bayeux rail station would be closer/easier.

Driving in Normandy is easy, other than getting out of Caen. The fast divided-highway A13 and the country lanes are pretty-well signed, the driving is pleasant.

Car hire on a sunday is problematic.

 

Search this forum, and the Western Europe forum, using Normandy as the keyword for stax of hints on what to see & how to get there.

 

JB :)