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Thinking of joining Boss on CDG trip--48 hr layover. No fondness for Paris, so a side trip is in order. He's always wanted to tour Normandy. We arrive am, then have enough time to checkin and take train for overnight stay. Bayeux has been recommended. Input from anyone? We would have to take a tour next AM and get back to Paris tout de suite to sleep before AM flight back to CVG. Entertaining any suggestions, please. Merci.
You will have to go to Gare St Lazare, the Roissy bus stops at 15 minutes walking distance from the station. I do not think there is a lot to see in Bayeux Rouen might be more alive, but I do not know Normandy too much.
I found a great report on tripadvisor, from a member called troggs from Louisville KY. Very informative and detailed. I've been to Rouen and would return any time. It's where Joan was burned at the stake and the modern cathedral on site is fascinating.
I was told that Bayeux was best for transport from St. Lazare if we wanted easy access to tours (w/o rental car) Since our time is limited, we opted to go when the layover is more leisurely. He can't deviate from crew pickup (literally planeside) and will be in uniform, tired after 8+ hrs flying. Thanks for the response. I'm thinking Versailles?
Versaille is much much easier hoop on the RER at CDG and switch in St Michel
Thanks, zedman. I'm just now looking into that. I figured out my transfers from CDG on RER thru St. Michel. My OLD Paris book still has my written instructions to change there for Eiffel hotel--look behind, turn this way etc. At least I'd be able to figure out the line to Versailles (I hope) before we go. Again, we can't go from CDG, we start at Eiffel.
I've been on tripadvisor reading some tidbits. Just haven't decided to go but Boss really wants me to join him. I avoid it because nonrevs can't travels w/crew either direction and that 50E taxi gauls [sic] me. This is a rare rotation because it's RT CVG (he's NY base) and that's home to us. Did you do Versailles, and if so, did you enjoy it? I know gardens won't be up to par @ 50-60 temps but we've never been. Personally, I'd rather go to a winery....
We liked Versailles, aside from the hordes of tourist (we were there in June). Amazing amount of excess there, obviously. Gardens are very beautiful and a very nice walk. Grounds are huuuugggggeeeee.
Get there early.
I went to Versailles when I was in high school long long time ago. The RER line which goes there is next to the Eiffel tower..
Paris to Chateau Versailles by Train | Paris by Train
Outstanding info. Merci beaucoup, monsier!
If you're in the area of Bayeux already then I might "recommend" visiting the WW2 memorial where the Normandy landings were. I think it is Omaha Beach. There is quite a large exhibition and visitor centre.
Also recommend "Le Mont Saint Michel". However, it is probably best part of a 4-hr drive each way from CDG. Bear in mind that highways in France also usually require paying toll. Bon voyage!
Thanks alot, but we are on airline layover 48 hrs. Crew has to go separately to hotel, so can't go from CDG to anywhere else until rest. We'd have to be back next day for proper sleep pre-flight. We only have 24 hrs, including the train time RT. I think we'll plan on dong the trip on our own. We'd like to spend a few days.
I'm still looking for something to do in the city--it's a Monday. Got a guidebook and some websites to explore.
You are welcome, hope you had a good stay...
I'll do a little post later--yes, it was a good trip. I'm thinking that with suggestions offered here. I might go back w/Boss for a real nonrev trip--not during a rotation. Thank you all!
Travel Apps: Normandy
Apps for visiting the Normandy invasion beaches and other sites of interest.
D-Day landings: the best apps to guide you in Normandy - Telegraph