I'm going to France in September 2002, and I plan to visit Normandy for a few days, mostly for the purpose of visiting the D-Day beaches, American Cemetery, WWII Museums, and possibily Arromanches.<BR><BR>I have done some homework on this. Most people recommend driving to the D-Day sites in a car as bus service is limited. Bayeux seems to be the closest town with good train service from Paris (Caen, a lot bigger, is a bit further away and not a particularly exciting or charming place anyway). My first inclination is to take the train from Paris to Bayeux, rent a car there, and drive to the cemetery and beaches in one day. On the second day, I'd probably see the tapestry<BR>in Bayeux plus maybe visit the WWII Museum in Caen, supposedly the best in the area. A side trip to Rouen would also be nice but I"m not sure I'll have time even with a car. Best case I could rent the car for only the single day and bus/train to Caen the 2nd day...<BR><BR>But because I will be alone, renting a car seems quite an expensive proposition - about $70/day with all taxes included but not even<BR>including gas! I know there are several tours including Busfly at about $35 for an adult, but I don't think I'm interested in a tour. I want to take as much time as I want at these places. I'm willing to put myself at the inconvenience of a bus, but I worry about the limited service. I've read that there's a bus specifically dedicated to D-Day sites, but it seems to stop running in early September...<BR><BR>Anyone have any suggestions? Is Bayeux really the best base of operations? Is it possible to do a self-tour myself without a "tour service" and without renting a car?<BR><BR>Any other tips about visiting the area would be appreciated!<BR><BR>If by chance anyone will be visiting the area Sep 16-19 2002 and wants to share a car with me or something - email me.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Andrew<BR>

Hi Andrew,<BR>Having just done this trip last month, I know how you feel - I couldn't make up my mind easily. I ended up traveling by train to Caen, renting a car, and driving to Ouistreham, letting that be my center of operation. The only bad part was I got lost in Caen for two hours! Being by myself it got a little frightening, but I made it. Then I was able to go where I wanted to and when I wanted to. You will need good maps of whatever area because it ain't easy to navigate their cities - countryside is great. If I can answer any questions, let me know.<BR>Sue

Andrew, I visited the D-Day beaches last November. I cannot say enough about the knowledge and service of the Busfly tour operation. The van holds about 6-10 people and the guide gave us as much time as we wanted in each area we visited. Personal stories from her grandparents accompanied some of the sites. I had been looking forward to visiting the area for many years and I feel that I did NOT miss a thing by seeing on this tour. <BR><BR>We made reservations for the SNCF on the internet from Paris to Caen. It is a good idea to make advance reservations if you're taking the train as the popular times are sold out early. When we picked up our tickets at the train station I noticed that the same train went directly to Bayeux. We had no problem changing our tickets for the next stop.<BR><BR>You will have a wonderful time. For us it was both an informative and emotional trip from Paris.

Hi,<BR>Last year we were on vacation in France and rented a car, we picked it up at CDG airport.<BR>We paid about 25 USD per day for a compact.<BR>We were in Normandy last year at the end of August, <BR>I recommend that you check www.thrifty.com (that's the company we rented the car from).<BR>Their prices were very reasonable compared to Avis and Hertz.<BR><BR>I would also recommend driving, as it seemed to be the best way to see the sights.<BR>I also want to recommend a visit to Mont St Michel at night (During the daytime, the Mont is overrun with tourists! so crowded, you can't even move!) The abbey has a website, so you can check to see if they still have the "night time" visit available) They played classical music, and it was very nice to see it on your own. ALso, it was not crowded.<BR><BR>Also, make sure that you bring an umbrella or a sweater as Normandy was cold even in August, and It also rained a bit.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip.<BR><BR>-Alexandra<BR>

Andrew: We based ourselves in Normandy for a few days in the summer of 2001 and toured the D-Day beaches and other sites extensively. I don't understand this quote of $70 per day for a car rental you're mentioning. We've always gotten between $20 and $25 a day through AutoEurope. They, and most rental companies, do usually have a 3-day minimum - and if you're renting for fewer days you do pay a premium - so maybe that's why you got such a high quote?<BR><BR>At any rate, a car is a godsend in Normandy. I'm sure there are good tours, but the freedom to wing your way around from site to site and to get away from all the war memorials and just dabble your toes on an uncrowded beach or go inland to a pretty town and taste some local cheese is worth the price of the car. Plus, you can linger where you want to linger, and drive on when something just doesn't capture your fancy.<BR><BR>I'd go back to the drawing board and check on car rentals.

I'm also one for driving instead of taking a van and organized tour. My husband and I did the NOrmandy beaches, Bayeux, American cemetary and various other WWII sites all on our own. We stayed in Bayeux a lovely charming small town and also visited the tapesty while there (quite amazing) There is so much more freedom when you drive yourself. Do some research about the area and you will enjoy yourself.I would recheck the price of the car, try another company. Seems a bit high. Shar