We recently used Shuttle Direct from CDG to Rouen. The cost for the shuttle was less expensive than taking a cab to Gare St Lazare and then on to Rouen. The driver even stopped and let us get a coffee and croissant on the way. We were tired and jet lagged. It was much was easier and much more comfortable. They do a great job. They meet you in arrivals after you clear passport control and get your luggage.

Wow! I though the subject was closed and here you all are with your wonderful ideas. Here is some background information: Husband 70 with weak back and weak knees. I am 67 with strong back, strong knees but tired feet and bum shoulder. I am familiar with the Metro, the long underground tunnels and changing trains etc. Piece of cake, but WITHOUT luggage. That is the deal breaker right there. Our original 2 1/2 week trip to France has morphed into a 30 days trip with a wedding in Germany at the very end of the 30 days. Now we must lug appropriate wedding clothes, wedding presents, and cool weather clothes and warm weather clothes, etc, etc etc for 30 days.
I did investigate shipping over a box of wedding clothes and presents to the family of the bride in Germany, but my local United Parcel Service (UPS) said German Customs are particularly bad in regards with keeping items shipped from America for a very long time, like 2 months. UPS can "guarantee" a 2 weeks delivery to the home of the bride for the small sum of $400.00 US. US Postal Service can also deliver to Germany with NO Guarantee of 2 week delivery for the small sum of $200.00 US. We're bringing an extra suitcase.

Anyway..back to CDG to Rouen...I did try to book Paris Shuttle from CDG to Rouen Private car. The 163 euros charge converted to $250.00 US The current rate of exchange is $1.00= 1.23 euros. I can't figure how they got $250. out of 163 euros. I asked Paris Shuttle and they said it was my Credit Card Company. I don't know if that is correct but $250. is a lot and so we thought we would go back to Taxi to St. Lazar and train to Rouen.

rgnoww can you tell me how much money (euros or US dollars) you paid for your recent trip on Shuttle Direct from CDG to Rouen? Was it Private Car or Shared?

Of course Private Car sounds wonderful but for $250.00 US I can practically "buy" a car myself. (Just kidding). My husband does not want to drive...he likes to look out the window. :)

We will have one night in Rouen to get over the Jet Lag and explore the city on our own. Then train to Caen for 3 nights. While in Caen we will have 2 days filled with "guided tours" of the DDay Beaches on day 1 and Mt St Michel on Day 2. Then train back to Paris on day 3 for 5 nights in 6th A with day trip to Amiens to visit a friend.

The trip progresses after Paris but I have that covered.

Thanks Gretchen, Palen Q, rgnoww, tuscanlifeedit,Cathinjoetown and Christina (the name of the bride in Germany actually) Now I'm so confused :(

Taxi from CDG to the Marais, two weeks ago, cost 50 euro.

Yes, if we are going back to going to St. Lazare for the train, a taxi is not that much more than a shuttle service without the hassle of calling, etc. Just walk out to the taxi queue.
Driving from Paris to Rouen in a rental car is not so difficult--you are on the northerly side and it is an easy drive if you don't want to take the scenic route up the Seine I mentioned.
Driving out of Rouen toward Caen there is the Abbey Road--a string of medieval churches that were fun for us to see and we were your age when we did it with some issues also. You could leave the car in CAen if you wanted and train back to Paris. You might enjoy seeing even more of the countryside en route. Just a thought.

Thanks Peter_S_Aus for the cost of the taxi from CDG to Marais. 50 euros sounds good especially compared to the $250.00 US for Shuttle Direct to Rouen

Gretchen...unfortunately driving is not an option at this time. :( but thanks for the encouragement.

I'm not sure I'm following the conversion issue. Could you pay them cash? Could you use a different card?

I went through the same exercise recently, and took a cab.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-apartment.cfm

Rouen is nice but not great IME - maybe just rest up in Paris one night then take train to Caen?

Pal DOES have a point. Get bearings, have a nice evening in Paris--boat ride on the Seine maybe and early to bed since the travel to Rouen is really a bit arduous on top of your flight.

Tuscanlifeedit: From looking at the web site for Paris Director or Paris Shuttle I have to give a credit card number which is charged directly to my card. Paying cash at time of service doesn't look like an option.

Peter_S_Aus: I just read the thread for your experience arriving at CDG and taking taxi to Marais. Thanks for that.

PalenQ: Thanks for advice on Rouen, but it's part of Normandy and "on the list"! Besides it is just that much closer to Caen where our first tour starts the next day.

Just FYI this forum is so addictive. I have been sitting here for 3 hours, no breakfast yet even. One link just leads to another link, etc. I got lost on Sunday Markets in Paris and then needed to find a "small" church to attend Sunday Mass and ended up with St. Medred at end of Rue Mouffetard so can go from mass to market. This all is of course AFTER the 4 days in Normandy.

https://www.google.com/search?q=jumi...FQcJkgod7l8MzA

If Jumieges Abbey - a romantic ruin overlooking the Seine Estatuary isn't on your list check it out - I think not far from Rouen.

Thanks PalenQ!

PalenQ: Thanks for advice on Rouen, but it's part of Normandy and "on the list"! Besides it is just that much closer to Caen where our first tour starts the next day.

We enjoyed Rouen for a half day--the square, the Impressionist wing of their museum and then drove on. I would encourage you not to think of it as on the way--you will be VERY tired, and you might do just as well going to Caen. But it's your trip--and it is another "stop" to see an fun.
I wish you were driving--just my preference.