train or rental car paris to Bayeux?
 

We're arriving in Paris on 5 August and going directly to Normandy/Bayeux. The option is to rent a car at CDG and drive or take the train and rent a car when we arrive. We'll be there for 5 nights - any thoughts?

I believe you'll have to get into Paris to take a train to Normandy; this may influence your decision, especially if you weren't planning on being in Paris.

We're coming back to spend the last week of our trip in Paris - if we can't pick up a train at the airport, it might be a hassle - kids, luggage, etc along with jetlag. thx

The only way you might be able to catch a train at the airport would be to hop on the TGV that begins there and ends inBordeaux. You could get off in Paris, but then you'd be at the wrong train station to leave for Bayeux.

So, I think your choices are to drive directly from the airport or take some form of transportation into Paris and then train to Bayeux.

Also, I've read on this board that it's difficult to find rental outfits that have car pickups in Bayeux. If you do decide to opt for the train, you might be better off taking the train to Caen, where there are loads of car rental companies right at the train station.

Driving in France, outside of Paris is easy, and driving out of CDG is simple. Also if you take a train then rent a car the same day you are paying more than simply renting a car for that day. In France they don't charge for mileage.

the car is about 100e more than the roundtrip train for the family - and that's with a/c and an automatic. i think the flexibility of the car will be good - want to do a side trip to a Chateau and then stop at Giverny on the way back to Paris - thanks for the input.

Rent a car from CDG and drive! We just got back from a trip just like yours and it worked out great. Have fun.