Normandy
 

Hello, new to this very interesting board. I am planning my second trip to Europe. Starting out in London, from there we want to see Omaha beach, in Normandy and whatever else there is time for in a day trip. I have read the train takes you in to Paris. We wish to head straight to Normandy . It looks like the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen is best however it is 6 hours by day, 7 by overnight, a little short there. I figured maybe a high speed but it doesn't look like it offers it on the date we would be there the 30th of august. If anyone has suggestions i'd appreciate it.

Hello NYCG:

I realize that this is not advancing the ball, but a few years ago, when I decided to visit Normandy, I too looked at approaching it from London. After researching ferries, etc., I concluded that despite what the allies did in 1944, approaching in that way didn't make sense for me. I then planned a trip to land in Paris and reach Normandy by train. For what it's worth. Gradyghost

Unfortunately, you need to either abandon this plan or add at least a couple of days. Even if you manage to get across the Channel and back in a day, there won't be time to see anything. Even if you could find a way to get there and back in a day, how were you planning to get to those sites? It's just not do-able.

i was thinking of arriving the night before in caen , so we could be there in the morning , we only want to see Omaha beach, and that's not looking at every thing there, get the feel of it, see a memorial or two and head out late afternoon preferable because we will be heading to brussels from there.

This itinerary doesn't have much slack in it, but it will at least put a day trip within the realm of possibility:

There is a train from Paris St-Lazare to Bayeux at 10h10. Either of the first two trains from London will get you to it in time (having your French tickets in hand would avoid anxiety at St-Lazare).

You can pre-arrange a driver/guide at the Bayeux Tourist Information Bureau to meet you at the station, and have a guided tour that you set the schedule for, if you wish. If only Omaha Beach is your objective, you might even have time for a look at the Tapestry (worth the trip, IMO).

The last connection to Brussels departs Bayeux at 18h41, arriving 23h17.

It will be a whirlwind, but it's definitely feasible.

thanks for the ideas.