ourstar

Any ideas of the easiest way to get from CdG to Normandy (Caen/Bayeux). Trains seem to leave from St. Lazare. Thanks, Jim

jpie

I think you will find most people on the forum rent a car and drive from CDG (although I don't like to drive directly after a long flight as I generally don't sleep), because it is difficult to see the sites without a car. Otherwise, I believe you are right, you will have to go to St Lazare. You can either take the RER B to Gare Du Nord and change to the RER E (direction Haussmann-Saint-Lazare) or you may find it easier depending on luggage and time of day to take the Roissy Bus to Opera. Takes longer but it more fun since you see lots of Paris on the way in. You can walk to St. Lazare from there, around .4 mile according to google maps.

Once you are in Caen or Bayeux you will still need to either consider a tour, private car or rent a car if you want to get to the beach areas.

Gretchen

Rent and drive. You have to go into Paris to catch a train for anywhere in Normandy. It is easy.

nytraveler

Touring Normandy without a car is quite difficult. There are tours from Bayeaux - but don;t know if you'll be able to see all you want.

Once outside Paris we prefer to stay in manor houses or castles - which is a fantastic experience - but for which you definitely need a car.

StCirq

You can't go directly from CDG to Normandy, so forget that. Either rent a car at CGD and drive or go into Paris and take a train to Caen and pick up a car there. You need a car. Plan to pick up the car in Caen, but stay in Bayeux. Do not miss the Mémorial museum in Caen, though.

jpie

I meant to say that there may also be private guides with cars if you can't drive yourself and prefer not to take a larger tour.

ourstar

Thanks to all for your help. Question for nytraveler: what source do you use for manor houses, castles? Thanks, Jim