Midway stop between Paris and Bologna?
 

We're panning a trip for two weeks in mid may - husband is set on Normady/ Paris and I'm set on Emilia Romanga. I'm looking for suggestions on transportation between the two regions (car vs train), and suggestions for a mid way, one or two night stop over... Any ideas?

I feel like the car offers more freedom, but am warry of steep one-way fees.

Also - opinion on which direction - France then Italy or other way?

I'd fly between the two areas and would not stop in the middle as 2 weeks for these 3 locations is not a lot of time. I definitely would not drive - it's too long a trip and if you stop en route you're giving up time at either end of the trip.

If you must choose only car or train I would choose the train. It's only 8 hours; faster than driving and, as you say, no drop off charges. Since you feel you must break up the journey then I would choose a town on the train line so you're not making additional connections - probably Lyon or Turin. Turin probably makes the most sense as you need to change trains there anyway.

Where to start and end? Check flight connections between home and either Paris or Milan(?) to see which way makes the most sense for you.

Rent a car to visit Normandy as it's much easier with a car.

Personally I love the train so I am biased. In terms of going by rail, Milan or Dijon would be good midway points.

From paris there is an overnight service arriving into Milan in the morning, and then from there you could get a day train down to Bologna.

Or you could get a day train to Dijon and then from there it is an overnight train from Dijon to Bologna.

If you book in advance fares are reasonable. Personally I love France so I would do Bologna, Dijon Paris in that order and save the best until last :)

fly it, there is little of interest, apart from Burgundy and the Florence,Siena, Pisa triangle between the two.

Ok, a bit tongue in cheek, but in comparison with your targets...

I hadn't considered flying - I will have to look into that.

I'm also looking for a recommendation as to which city would be best for "home base" in Emilia romagna - I'm interested in the food of he region and want to get out into the countryside. Thinking of Bologna, Modena, or Parma?

As for the France portion - he's mainly interested in Paris - Normandy is a bit of a pilgrimage (grandfather went in D+6) - but as I researched more, it looks like a really interesting place - runny cheese, apples, cider - yum! Should I convince him that it'd be worth getting out in Normandy for more than a day trip?

The fastest train to Bologna (7:49) has one change in Turin just over halfway through the trip. That would be the easiest fastest place to make a pit stop.

Milan is way past half way

Normandy has enough for 3 to 4 days entertainment. While the sea food is fantastic there is a "route du Fromage" and a "route de Cidre" which you can follow (cidre and cider in Europe is always alcholic unless it says not) and calvados (distilled cidre) is worth trying. Along with the WW2 stuff (loads of little museums) there were also invasions from here towards in England in 1066 so a quick check into Bayeux can be interesting especially if the medievel fair is in town (check the town website). Honfleur has been much painted. The defences of Britanny against the Normans are worth visiting if you have time.

Base Cities all look good, note that you need to think through were to park the car in these cities. I'd also look at Ferrara (no cars allowed) and maybe some of the much smaller cities.

If you really want to get out in the country why not look at agritorismos. These tend to be farm based B&Bs and always work out well for us. Last one I stayed at, in this area, was http://www.valcampotto.it/ with large rooms and a fine restaurant. Ravenna is just down to the coast from here.

There is way too much to see in Normandy for a day trip (I had no idea from your post that you were only considering 1 day there). You'd spend a lot of your time on a bus/minivan doing a 1 day tour.

DEFINITELY a goodly amount of time in Normandy. Start there--drive from CDG. We went to Rouen the first night--not too far for jet lag, etc. You could even stop at Giverney en route.
Then (we went to Honfleur for a night and wound our way to Bayeux through the cheese and calvados country) go on to Bayeux for at least a few days. Don't forget the tapestry. Good lunches on the coast by the sea as you see the DDay beaches.
Back to Paris for X days. Fly to Bologna.
Open jaw trip?

You need to stay 3-4 nights in Normandy, at least. You can easily do a day trip to Mont St-Michel from there too. Seafood, lamb, caramels, apple desserts, cider, all delicious.
Bologna is special too.