schnookies

We're trying to book our plane tickets and are finding out it's a little bit more complicated. If we go with Ryan Air, we will be flying into Beauvais and we'll need to go to straight no Normandy where we have our hotel room. What's the best way to go from that airport to Normandy?

hiddeneurope

Actually, Normandy is a region of France, not a particular place. So your concern on how to get from Beauvais to Normandy hinges so much on where you are going in the region. For example Beauvais to Rouen is quite straightforward by local trains. About two hours, often with a change at Abancourt. But Beauvais to Granville would be much harder, by way of example. About five hours, with a not very easy change of stations in Paris. It might be wise to clarify your hotel location. And bear in mind that there are also several airports in Normandy. Unless the fare to Beauvais is so very much cheaper, it might be wise to fly to an airport closer to your hotel location. For example, there are airports at Dinard, Deauville, Le Havre and Rouen to mention four that spring to mind. From which country will you start. If from England or Wales, or from elsewhere in France, for example, there are good flight connections direct to Normandy airports.
Nicky
www.hiddeneurope.co.uk

schnookies

I don't think the airlines I'm looking into are flying into Normandy unfortunately. We're going from Sweden with Ryan Air probably. We are going to Bayeux in Normandy. Instead of taking a bus into Paris,there's got to be a bus or train going into the Normandy area, right?! But how often do they leave?
Thanks for all your help with our itinerary!!

hiddeneurope

Well Madame Bovary travelled by direct bus from Rouen to Beauvais, didn't she? But sadly, French bus connections are so great nowadays as in Madame Bovary's day! Yes, you can travel from Beauvais to Bayeux by train, without going through Paris. The route would be Beauvais-Abancourt-Rouen-Sarquigny-Caen-Bayeux. You'll certainly see lots of lovely Normandy countryside along the way, but it will take about 8 to 9 hours. If speed is more important to you, you can bus from Beauvais to Paris (€13) then train from Paris Gare St Lazare to Bayeux (€32). From touch down in Beauvais to reaching Bayeux allow about five to six hours, depending on connections. I do hope this helps.
Nicky
www.hiddeneurope.co.uk

hiddeneurope

Should have previewed before sending! Apologies. I meant of course to say "bus connections are NOT so great as in Madame Bovary's day".
Nicky

StCirq

You're going to need a car in Normandy anyway, so why not fly into Beauvais, pick up a car, and drive to Bayeux?

schnookies

Wow, I didn't know it took that long with the train! We will definitely have to rent a car. Thanks for your advice!

MrNuke

It is significantly quicker by train if you do go into Paris. It is about an 1:20 bus ride and then about a 2:25 train ride.