2-3 day trips from Paris
 

We are going to Paris in September. We would like a 2-3 day trip to Normandy, and wondered if other regions could be included in this 2-3 day trip. Thanks.

It will take you about half a day to get to the places in Normandy most people are interested in visiting (Caen, Bayeux, the D-Day beaches), and of course a half-day to get back. Out of a three-day trip that leaves you two days. There is more than enough to keep you occupied for a week or two in Normandy, so unless you just want to drive, I'd suggest you stick with just Normandy - and include le Mont-St-Michel and the Honfleur region as well as the beaches area. A brief dip into the northern part of Brittany could be included, and you could stop in Chartres on the way or the way back.

And Rouen, too, with all its associations with Joan of Arc.

Rouen, Giverny, Les Andelys, Bayeux, Deauville, Étretat and Château de Vascoeuil (which has a nice restaurant beside a little waterfall on the grounds.

You could stay in Normandy for years and not run out of things to see.

We spent 4 days in Normandy using Bayeaux as our base. You'll need a car. We stopped at Giverny to see Monet's gardens, it's just off the highway and is very convenient (and beautiful) Our experience was that the DDAy beaches tour was not worth the money. We had a car, and the "guide" was basically a chaperon - almost no narrative. We should have done it on our own or spluged and hired a retired War College instructor who gives very indepth tours.

The others have already outlined the highlights so I'll sign off.

Brian