How to Get From Paris to Normandy (Best Ways, By a Local)

👉 Jump to: Ways to Get from Paris to Normandy | Tips | FAQ

From the island of Mont Saint-Michel to the D-Day Beaches, Normandy is a rich historical area. If you’re like most foreign visitors, you’ll come to Normandy after sightseeing in Paris. Then, you can explore everything from the cliffs at Étretat to the Bayeux Tapestry.

However, many don’t realize there aren’t direct public transportation links from Paris to many of Normandy’s famous attractions.

But even without these links, you can still get to Normandy efficiently from Paris. Here’s how!

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4 Ways to Get From Paris to Normandy (& Back)

The best ways from Paris to Normandy vary slightly depending on where you’re going in Normandy. If you’re traveling directly to a medium-to-large town or city like Dieppe, a train is your best option.

But for most popular attractions in Normandy, you won’t find direct rail service. Combining it with a taxi or driving is your best bet. This is why the best ways to get from Paris to Normandy are by car, train, tour, and bus.

From Paris to Normandy By Car

🛞 Best for: Freedom to explore
💵 Cost: $$$
👉 Where to Book: Discover Cars

View from the car drive — *The view from the Paris-to-Normandy drive*

A car is the best choice for visiting most Normandy attractions. However, make sure you’re comfortable driving in a foreign country. You will also need to have a valid license in your country of residence. Unless you’re British, you’ll also need an official translation or an international driver’s license [Source].

If you have a license, the convenience of driving to Normandy is great. Even when you can’t drive right to the site, as with Mont-Saint-Michel, you’ll be able to get close enough to walk easily.

The main risks to keep in mind are driving in Paris and driving in rural Normandy. They pose challenges of different kinds. Paris driving can be slow yet aggressive: it’s best to rent a car just outside the city. Rural Normandy roads are generally fairly empty but can be extremely narrow. They’re also not always well-paved.

With those considerations in mind, driving is a great way to go door-to-door between destinations. But that’s only true if you’re a confident driver and willing to put in the time to familiarize yourself with French road rules.

Pros of Cars:

Fairly quick for most routes
Direct transport to destination
Ability to explore

Cons of Cars:

Requires knowledge of French driving laws
May require an international driving license or official translation of your license
Rural roads may be narrow

From Paris to Normandy By Train

🚆 Best for: Saving time
💵 Cost: $$
👉 Where to Book: SNCF

A French OuiGo Train stops on a train station — *A high-speed French train*

I’ve been to Normandy by multiple transportation methods. My favorite by far is the train. This works well in a few different scenarios. A friend picking you up at the train station is ideal. If you’re going to a city, a train is ideal. Finally, if you don’t mind taking a rural taxi, this could be the right solution for you.

High-speed trains from Paris can get you to Normandy in less than three hours. Even if you’re visiting a smaller town, a transfer may be possible. You’ll be amazed at how extensive the French railway network is. In Paris, your train will likely run from the Gare du Nord or the Gare Saint-Lazare. Be sure to check your ticket in advance.

As you book, pay attention to transfer times if you need to change trains. At larger stations, a few minutes might not be enough. On the other hand, you don’t want to be stuck for hours at a rural station. You may not even have anywhere to sit!

Pros of Trains:

Regular schedule of trains
Comparatively inexpensive
Fast and clean service

Cons of Trains:

Likely requires a taxi in Normandy
No door-to-door transport in Normandy

From Paris to Normandy By Tour

🎫 Best for: Comfort
💵 Cost: $$$-$$$$
👉 Where to Book: Viator

A group of tourists visiting at the D-Day Beaches — *Groups visiting the D-Day Beaches*

Guided tours are a great way to see the exact Normandy sites on your list. And there are so many tours available that you’re likely to find the perfect one for you. Tours can combine destinations in Normandy for day trips from Paris. These are great for seeing multiple sites in an efficient way. Look for reviews that mention knowledgeable guides!

Group tours are an inexpensive way to visit Normandy from Paris. Usually, a comfortable tour bus will meet the group at a set spot early in the morning. These trips don’t often have flexible pickup options. Make sure to read the fine print about any physical requirements and what is provided, like lunch.

If you have more money to spend, a private tour is a great way to see exactly what you want with more flexibility. These tours usually offer door-to-door service with a private guide. Make sure to make your needs clear in advance, as well as any restrictions.

If you’re looking for recommendations, this Normandy group tour takes visitors to the D-Day Landing Beaches. It even includes a cider tasting and lunch! You can also browse other Normandy tours from Paris.

Pros of Tours:

Expert guides
Convenient pick-ups
Specific, tailored experiences

Cons of Tours:

Limited options for group tours
Set itineraries for group tours

From Paris to Normandy By Bus

🚍 Best for: Saving Money
💵 Cost: $
👉 Where to Book: FlixBus

Exterior view of the French Flixbus — *A French Flixbus (photo: NeydtStock / Shutterstock)*

Buses do run from Paris to Normandy. While there are public buses available, these will likely require numerous transfers, often in rural areas. Instead, choose a private company like FlixBus to find a more comfortable and direct option. They often include luxuries like WiFi and air conditioning, as well.

Less expensive than trains, buses are also likely to face some of the obstacles as cars. Getting out of Paris can be extremely slow, and driving narrow Normandy roads can be tough. However, if you have the patience, buses can be a great way to travel to Normandy cheaply.

Keep in mind that private companies often offer transport only to major cities like Caen. If you’re worried about timing, I wouldn’t recommend taking public buses to a rural location. The same applies if you don’t speak conversational French. Instead, choose a taxi or a rental car to make it to your final destination.

Pros of Buses:

Low-price options
Scenic routes
Flexibility beyond train routes

Cons of Buses:

May require rural changes
Slower than other methods
Potential for strikes

3 Tips For Getting Between Paris and Normandy

Consider combining transportation methods

The graveyards at the American Cemetery — *Some military monuments like the American Cemetery aren’t accessible by train*

The ideal way for most people to get from Paris to Normandy is through a combination of methods. For example, take a train to a Normandy city like Rouen or Caen. Then, rent a car at the train station and continue. Or, book a taxi from the station.

Plan for traffic, gas, and parking if driving

A quiet road surrounded by brick buildings in Normandy — *A quiet Normandy road*

Driving in Normandy is fairly straightforward, but it has its pitfalls. Don’t forget to take all factors affecting your time and budget into account when planning. Gas is much more expensive than in the U.S. Meanwhile, you’ll often find heavy traffic around bigger cities.

Book taxis in advance

Getting a taxi at a rural train station is a good way to avoid driving. However, it’s key to book in advance. These stations do not often have taxi queues, so you may be stranded if you haven’t planned.

FAQs

Can you go from Paris to Normandy by plane?

Technically, you can go from Paris to Normandy by plane, but it’s not worth it. You’ll have to connect somewhere that doesn’t make sense, like London or Lyon. Other methods are faster and cheaper.

What’s the fastest way to go from Paris to Normandy?

The fastest way to go from Paris to Normandy is by train if your destination is a city or town. If your destination is in the countryside, driving is likely the fastest.

What’s the best way to get from Paris to the D-Day Beaches?

The best way to get from Paris to the D-Day Beaches is by car or private tour. You can also take a train to Bayeux or Caen and get a taxi from there.

Map of How to Get Between Paris and Normandy

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Reaching rural Normandy and its attractions may seem like a pain–but the trip can be faster than you think, and it’s worth it! Check out some of my favorite things to do in France to find my Normandy recommendations.