We, a family group of 6, are planning a 5 day stay in Paris next June. Some of the group want to go to Normandy for the day. I believe the idea is to WW2 sites. What is the best way to do this? Are there day-trip vans that go? I am afraid trains, busses & taxis might eat up a lot of a day trip. Thanks for help.

It depends how much of Normandy you want to see...the landing beaches, Dieppe...??? We did a day trip from Paris to Dieppe, changing trains in Rouen on the way there. Beautiful train ride, the station in Dieppe is very handy to everything.. There was an info centre and then it was just a couple of blocks to the beach, memorials, Cnd park. We walked up to the cliffs and went into the chateau, sat on the promenade and had lunch before catching a late asfternoon train bac to Paris. If we had wanted to go to the Cnd cemetery we'd have neede to rent a car.

You could rent a van and go it yourself, but if that is not your thing I'd suggest checking Cityrama or Parisvision tours. They both have websites and are large tour companies. Greyline also is in Paris if I remember correctly. Trains, buses & taxi's can get expensive and time consuming, for one day I'd take a packaged tour (and I am not a great advocate of tours, but in this instance it might be best). You could also hire a car/limo & driver for an entire day and let some one else do the driving. There are companies in Paris that do this and perhaps some one here will have a name (we have relatives in Paris so our sightseeing outside of Paris has bene with them).

Jane<BR>I just took a quick look at Cityrama's website (they are also Greyline) and they have a one day Normandy Beaches trip from Paris for $128/person including lunch. It's an all dayer for sure, it's 14 hours and is run on Tues., Thurs, & Sat. You can book on-line too according to the website. It may not be perfect but it might be worth looking into.

Jane,<BR>Once took a day trip to Normandy with CityRama Tour bus. It was great. Wonderful tour hostess, a driver who was very considerate of our wants. Also toilet services on board, made one 15 minute stop along the way. Tour took us to Honfluer (for lunch,) did the walk around including a stop to Rouen, visited the spot where Joan de Arc was burned at the stake, toured large church, etc. You can't go wrong with CityRama Tours. Our trip most most comfortable and pleasant. Would do this again in a heartbeat.<BR>Francie

Hi. Just another positive reply regarding Cityrama. Last week our family took the 13 hour tour through the Loire Valley. It was a very comfortable bus with bathroom. Very sweet and knowledgable guide. A wonderful day!!!

Jane,<BR>Used a company in Paris called Touringscope a couple of years ago to do the day trip to the landing beaches, museum and American Cemetary. Small bus (held about 20 people) left Paris at 730 am and returned 12 hours later. Excellent trip. I'd definitely recommend them.

Whichever way you get to Normandy, head for Arromanches. This is where you will find the remains of the Mulberry Harbours - part of the D-Day landings. There is the large US cemetary not far from there (the one used at the start of "Saving Private Ryan"). Arromanches has a museum on the sea front which is worth a visit. One thing that's local (but not WW2 connected) is Bayeux where you can see the famous tapestry depicting William the Conqueror's victory over Harold II at Hastings in 1066.