My husband and I would like to go directly to Caen, to do the Normandy tour, after leaving Brussels. Thalys train would have to go to Paris first, then transfer. Would it be better timewise and scenery-wise to rent a car and do the trip? Thanks for any advice.

ttt!

Train: arrive in Gare du Nord, leave from St Lazare. Actual time on the trains 3 1/2 hours; add another 45-90 minutes to allow for travel between stations and train schedules, 5 hours max.<BR><BR>Car: 5 1/2 hours minimum, longer if you're traveling during rush hour or you run into any other sort of traffic slowdown.<BR><BR>You have to weigh the inconvenience of getting from one Paris station to another and connections that aren't always the most efficient vs finding your way and the extra time in a car.<BR>

Meg,<BR><BR>I would take the Thalys to CDG airport (1hr 20 min journey) and rent a car there. Drive to Caen takes about 2.5 hours according to:<BR>www.viamichelin.com<BR><BR>You could also pick up a car at Gare du Nord, but would then have to deal with inner city traffic.<BR><BR>Another option would be to take the TGV to Lille (40 min.) and pick up the car there (just under 4hrs driving time).<BR><BR>Both of these options would reduce your driving time and dropoff fee vs. renting in Brussels (4hrs and 40 min drive to Caen).<BR><BR>Hope this helps,<BR>Andre

Thank you so much. Your advice helps me solidify our plans, and is greatly appreciated!!