Best way to visit Normandy from Paris?
 

My husband and I would like to do a guided tour of the Normandy beaches and the Caen museum for one day out of our 7 day Paris trip. Looked at the Battlebus tours which I heard are the best, however i can't get to Bayeux in time for their departure because the first train out of Paris leaves too late. We're staying in an apartment in Paris which is pre-paid so I wouldn't want to "waste" a night staying in Bayeux.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jen

I think you may just have to get over the idea that you are wasting money by staying in Bayeux or somewhere close, if that tour is really important to you. I assume you have to be there around 8-9 am, is that right? If so, there is no other option that I can think of as that isn't really that close to Paris. Even by train, it takes a couple hours to get there from Paris, as there are no TGV on that route. Renting a car and leaving in the middle of the night in the dark just to save your night's accommodations doesn't make sense as you'd probably pay more for that car rental than whatever this day's apt. rental cost is (not to mention that doesn't seem remotely pleasant and it will take you longer than the train, so you are spending your time, and all those hassles, to save some apt. rental cost? unlikely.)

I just can't think of any possible option, what are you thinking could be one? No trains are going to places like that in the middle of the night, like 3-5 am.

My husband and I have booked a one day mini bus tour from Paris to Normandy in April through Paristrip.com (recommeded by other Fodorites)

Aren't there tour companies that you can get right in Paris? I know Cityrama is one, but I am looking for other options if there are any out there.

I have no problem getting to a tour headquarter in Paris by say 6 or 7 a.m. if that's when it departs for Normandy.

Oh thanks for the Paristrip rec. I must have been posting at the same time as you. I'll go check it out.