almesq

We are planning our trip to Paris, and are going to take a side trip for a day or two up to Normandy. Original plan was to drive (or train) up one morning and spend that day, one night, and part of the next day seeing the sights (DDay beaches, etc.). I now also want to see Mont St. Michel. I was thinking of staying at Chateau D'Andrieu, which seems to be located fairly conveniently for both DDay sites and Mont St. Michel.
Question now is whether to still do this in one night, or add a second night to spread it out a bit more, give us time to see Bayeux tapestry and some more things. Seems that one night and part of 2 days may be a bit rushed.
Any thoughts? Thanks for any input.

Huitres

There is another post on this Normandy area now as well, so a lot of repeat information...I would give yourselves at least 2 days to see everything. You need 1 full day to see the DDay beaches, American-British cemetery, the War Museum along the coast, etc. They are spread apart and best reached with a tour group that can take you to the different locations.

Mont St. Michel is further out, NW. On your 2nd day, you could leave early and see Mont St. Michel, spend 1/2 day there, then go to Bayeux to see the Notre Dame cathedral and Bayeux Tapestry in the afternoon.

IMO, I would make Bayeux your base, as the DDay beaches are conveniently accessed from there. There are organized tours from Bayeux to both the DDay beaches AND Mont St. Michel that you can arrange at the tourist's office in town. The Tapestry and cathedral are close to each other in the city centre so easy to see. Additionally, you can still stick to your original plan to take a train out from Paris as there are frequent trains going there and back.

almesq

Thanks. I have seen some other posts and am gathering all information. I appreciate the input.

Keith

I suggest that you take the train one moring to Caen. Sightsee in the DDay sights and stay that night.

Do a bit more of the DDay stuff and drive down to Mont St Michel the second day, staying the night there (which most of us think is the best time - without the crowds).

The next day, see a bit of Brittany and return your rental and take the train back to Paris from Rennes.

Keith

Passepartout

Riding the train in the morning wastes the morning. If you go out the evening before, you can hit the ground running in the AM.

If you return to Paris on a late train, you will have two full days to travel, which should provide a fairly comprehensive overview of the region.