Paris, Normandy and then?
Nov 16th, 2013, 12:40 PM
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Paris, Normandy and then?
The last time we were in Paris, we we both deathly ill.
So, we are going to have a five day do-over in Paris and then go to Normandy. We will have a car, but I'm totally ignorant on where to go and what to see for the next week after we do the WWII tours.
After Bayeux we plan on having a day in Giverny. We do like to stay in one place and completely immerse ourselves in that area.
We have done the south of France, so we are not interested in repeating that trip at this time.
I've been reading online and no one seems to have a place they rave about in this area. We do love our wine and will be going in May. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you.
So, we are going to have a five day do-over in Paris and then go to Normandy. We will have a car, but I'm totally ignorant on where to go and what to see for the next week after we do the WWII tours.
After Bayeux we plan on having a day in Giverny. We do like to stay in one place and completely immerse ourselves in that area.
We have done the south of France, so we are not interested in repeating that trip at this time.
I've been reading online and no one seems to have a place they rave about in this area. We do love our wine and will be going in May. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you.
Nov 16th, 2013, 12:56 PM
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Not clear about your itinerary. Five days in Paris and the rest of the time (a week?) in Normandy? You do not want a car for Paris. If you plan to go there first, rent your car upon leaving the city. Then drive to Normandy through Giverny. Spend a couple of days in Normandy - Bayeux is the best place to base. Then consider driving south to the Loire Valley. Unless, that is, you want to spend the entire week in Normandy. If that is the case, start with trip reports on this forum and guidebooks.
Nov 16th, 2013, 01:02 PM
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I just answered a question similar to yours earlier today so have a look at this thread for some tips. In brief though, drive out of Paris in the morning and visit Giverny. If you've got 3 or more days to explore then visit some other places on your way between Giverny and Bayeux over the course of a couple of days. And yes, you need to say how many days you'll have to spend outside of Paris. Lastly, there are loads of great places to visit that are in that region.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#54103710
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#54103710
Nov 16th, 2013, 01:13 PM
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Paris - Giverny - Bayeux by train, get a car with a one-way drop-off contract for dropping off in Orléans, visit Honfleur - then head west to the Bretagne, fabulous views of rough and windy coastline and such, then drive back via the Loire valley where you take in a château or three. Ditch the car in Orléans and take the train back to Paris.
Nov 16th, 2013, 01:35 PM
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I recommend you do a reverse trip. Start out from CDG with your car--go to Giverney. Maybe spend the night there--or we went on to Rouen.
We then went to Honfleur for a night. And then to Bayeux for 3 nights. Did the beaches on our own from Bayeux. Don't forget the Tapestry. You can flat "immerse" yourself in Normandy.
We came back to Paris via Chartres, and returned our car at Orly and taxied to Paris hotel. You could go on to the Loire, but I am not really getting the impression you have
You can tailor whatever about this you like to your number of days, but I think ending in Paris is so much easier--and more satisfying. You just take a taxi to the airport rather than trying to turn in a car and then get to your gate.
It also consolidates your time
We then went to Honfleur for a night. And then to Bayeux for 3 nights. Did the beaches on our own from Bayeux. Don't forget the Tapestry. You can flat "immerse" yourself in Normandy.
We came back to Paris via Chartres, and returned our car at Orly and taxied to Paris hotel. You could go on to the Loire, but I am not really getting the impression you have
You can tailor whatever about this you like to your number of days, but I think ending in Paris is so much easier--and more satisfying. You just take a taxi to the airport rather than trying to turn in a car and then get to your gate.
It also consolidates your time
Nov 16th, 2013, 01:44 PM
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Michaelhuebeli thanks for the info. It could work either way, like Gretchen suggested. The Loire Valley is very interesting, I think that would give both of us something to see. What woman doesn't like a chateaux?
My dad was in the D Day invasion, so I am also interested in paying my respects to the soldiers and see the area where he was.
I'm probably being lazy and just want someone to say, "Do this and this and your trip will be fabulous". Thanks again, and I'll post an itenarary when I come up with a plan. Still taking any helpful hints and information please.
My dad was in the D Day invasion, so I am also interested in paying my respects to the soldiers and see the area where he was.
I'm probably being lazy and just want someone to say, "Do this and this and your trip will be fabulous". Thanks again, and I'll post an itenarary when I come up with a plan. Still taking any helpful hints and information please.
Nov 16th, 2013, 03:46 PM
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I would suggest Burgundy. We spent two nights in Dijon on our last trip and took a wine tour from there to the surrounding countryside. Loved the food in that area. I think we would go and stay for two weeks around Beaune or near Dijon if we had the chance. And you can take a TGV from Paris to get to Dijon. Had a wonderful meal at Stephane Derbord in Dijon, and a great Boeuf Bourgignon in Gevry-Chambertin.
Nov 16th, 2013, 04:07 PM
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Judy, I think you and Gretchen have the right idea. I do believe we will leave Paris until the end of the trip.
Voyager61, I am interested in Burgandy, everyone always speaks so lovingly about the south of France, but I have only heard bits and bobs about the northern area. I am happy to have places to investigate online. Thank you, and for those that understand, ROLL TIDE ROLL!
Voyager61, I am interested in Burgandy, everyone always speaks so lovingly about the south of France, but I have only heard bits and bobs about the northern area. I am happy to have places to investigate online. Thank you, and for those that understand, ROLL TIDE ROLL!
Nov 16th, 2013, 04:33 PM
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We ar thinking about 17 days, including coming and going.
Giverny first, then Bayeux for at least two days. We would like five days in Paris on the tail end of the trip and fly out CDG. That gives us a week, more or less to tour around.
I know absolutely nothing about Brittany, the Loire Valley or anywhere outside Paris except for Versailles. I don't have my France guidebooks or map yet.
I have Paris info., my favorite hotel there and maps and tons of info on Provence. My mind is a blank space when it comes to the rest of France.
Giverny first, then Bayeux for at least two days. We would like five days in Paris on the tail end of the trip and fly out CDG. That gives us a week, more or less to tour around.
I know absolutely nothing about Brittany, the Loire Valley or anywhere outside Paris except for Versailles. I don't have my France guidebooks or map yet.
I have Paris info., my favorite hotel there and maps and tons of info on Provence. My mind is a blank space when it comes to the rest of France.
Nov 16th, 2013, 04:35 PM
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I would suggest that you keep heading west and visit Brittany after Normandy. I think Brittany is much more interesting than Normandy. You could end your trip in Rennes, and then take the TGV back to Paris. Rennes is one of our favorite cities in France.
Like others have stated - do you have 10 days for this trip or 3 weeks????
Stu Dudley
Like others have stated - do you have 10 days for this trip or 3 weeks????
Stu Dudley
Nov 16th, 2013, 04:51 PM
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As previously stated Normandy, because of the war and our dad's participation.
Five days on the end for Paris.
Stu, you have sent me trip reports before and I emailed my address to you a few minutes ago for the NormandyI/Brittany information.
I can honestly say we know a good deal about other countries, and thanks to you, parts of France, but this part of France, we know zilch. I'm not ashamed to admit it and ask for help.thanks to everyone.
Five days on the end for Paris.
Stu, you have sent me trip reports before and I emailed my address to you a few minutes ago for the NormandyI/Brittany information.
I can honestly say we know a good deal about other countries, and thanks to you, parts of France, but this part of France, we know zilch. I'm not ashamed to admit it and ask for help.thanks to everyone.
Nov 16th, 2013, 04:54 PM
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Just stay north--Normandy and Brittany before going back to Paris. Two days is not enough for Normandy and the beaches, maybe especially since you have a family interest. And if you have a day or so getting to them (giverney and Honfleur?)
See Chartres on the way back to Paris, and maybe do a little of the Loire.
See Chartres on the way back to Paris, and maybe do a little of the Loire.
Nov 16th, 2013, 05:07 PM
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Thanks Gretchen, you have been very helpful.. I trying to check things out online while awaiting my books. I'm like a kid before Christmas.
I allocated two days for Normandy, because that's what I read online. My info. said three days tops.
I'm amazed at how little I know. I haven't read any books about this area, that I remember anyway.
I just need to buckle down and study.driving the coast sounds interesting.
I allocated two days for Normandy, because that's what I read online. My info. said three days tops.
I'm amazed at how little I know. I haven't read any books about this area, that I remember anyway.
I just need to buckle down and study.driving the coast sounds interesting.
Nov 16th, 2013, 06:35 PM
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We spent a full week (6 days/7 nights) in Normandy based in Bayeux. We spent two days with a guide doing the British, German and American cemeteries; Pont du Hoc, Longues Batteries, Omaha Beach, Mulberrys etc. Another day in Bayeux itself seeing the Tapestry, Cathedral, Market and some of the smaller, local museums which are scattered throughout the area. We took another day to see Utah beach, St Lo, and St Mere Eglise. We also took a day to see Mont St Michel and stopped in Caen at the Peace Musuem and Giverney enroute back to Paris. I have a special interest in WW1 and WW2 with family members being veterans of those so I could have easily spent even more time exploring the resistance sites, biking through the hedgerows, etc. I would really recommend either getting a guide or a small tour for the WW2 beaches so you can get a full experience with background, battle strategies, etc. There are some excellent restaurants in Bayeux and the surrounding area.
Nov 16th, 2013, 07:12 PM
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Cmeyer54,
thank you for your response. Getting a guide is exactly what we planned to do, otherwise, I would come out of this trip knowing so little. DH is obsessed with Churchill so we can't wait to see and hear everything a guide has to offer us.
Personally, I find it a waste of my time to wander unknowingly around. I want to understand and know what I'm seeing. Good to know about the restaurants in Bayeux and areas around. Thanks, again.
thank you for your response. Getting a guide is exactly what we planned to do, otherwise, I would come out of this trip knowing so little. DH is obsessed with Churchill so we can't wait to see and hear everything a guide has to offer us.
Personally, I find it a waste of my time to wander unknowingly around. I want to understand and know what I'm seeing. Good to know about the restaurants in Bayeux and areas around. Thanks, again.
