For most Americans, visiting the D-Day landing beaches and memorials to the soldiers who gave their lives in 1944 is a high point of any trip to France.
The French government and local residents carefully preserve the memory of those who fought to liberate their country. There are many poignant and moving sites to visit. The five landing beaches stretch along the coast from Utah Beach in Sainte-Mère-Église to Omaha Beach at Vierville-sur-Mer. If you plan to visit distant sites like the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer or the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église, a rental car or organized tour is essential.
Paris to Bayeux by Train
If you’re planning a Normandy day trip from Paris, Bayeux is the best option. Bayeux is the gateway to the D-Day beaches and is just a 20-minute drive from Omaha Beach. The picturesque town lies 20 minutes from Omaha Beach on the D940, which passes through Le Mesnil-Herman, site of the Airborne Museum and Parachute Museum at Brécourt Manor. Omaha beach is 5 miles (8 km) of stretch of sand that witnessed one of the bloodiest battles of Operation Overlord, with some 2000 casualties. The Normandy American Cemetery is on this stretch of coast and is a moving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
A train from Bayeux to Paris is inexpensive and fast. Time your journey, and you can be there and back in a day. Skip the indirect trains. The quickest services are on the direct SNCF Nomad Trains (Nomad was formed from a merger of TER Basse-Normandie and TER Haute-Normandie.)
Nomad trains are rebranded TER regional trains. They are not high-speed and typically lack the comforts found on TGV trains.
Fortunately, Nomad Paris to Bayeux trains operate differently from standard TER trains. Known as Krono+, they have superior facilities. Free WiFi, USB charging ports, and drinks vending machines distinguish them from ordinary TER trains. Book on SNCF or download the mobile app for future booking.
First and second-class seating is offered, with first-class seats guaranteeing more space. Unlike typical TER services, fares are cheaper when booked in advance. Nomad trains deliver a travel experience somewhere between top-tier TGV trains and everyday regional services.
The fastest train will get you from Paris Saint Lazare to Bayeux in 2 hours and 18 mins.
Traveling from Paris to Bayeux by train is an opportunity to sit back with your less-than-remarkable vending machine coffee and enjoy a roll through the green spaces of northern France. It is a region filled with open farmlands, colorful orchards, half-timbered houses, and ancient villages with church spires older than the States.
Traveling from Paris to Bayeux by train and back can be squeezed into a day trip. But overnight trippers are well rewarded.
Bayeux is a picturesque town, home to the famous tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman invasion of England that transformed a country and a language. At the same museum is the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy, a must for anyone interested in the D-Day landings.
Normandy beach tours from Paris remove all complexity. With everything fully arranged, you won’t have to worry about missing your train from Bayeux to Paris in the evening.
Normandy beach tours from Paris are more expensive than arranging your own trip. But with hotel pick-ups and expert guides, they’re a tempting option. Normandy tours from Paris are typically on coaches or mini-buses, meaning you can cram in several stops on a Normandy day trip from Paris.
You can enjoy the best of both worlds by traveling from Paris to Bayeux by train and then joining a tour in Bayeux. This option will save money. And because it is impossible to catch a train from Paris to Normandy beaches without using local transport, it is convenient. Especially if you can find passionate tour guides who will bring one of the most dramatic events in history to life.
Paris to Bayeux & D-Day Beaches by Train Details
- Prices:
- A direct Nomad train from Paris to Bayeux, France costs from €15 in second-class. First-class tickets with roomier seats start from €24.
- Prices increase as seats are sold. Book up to 4 months ahead for the best fares.
- Frequency:
- Up to 8 direct Paris to Bayeux SNCF trains daily, with matching return services.
- A further 4-6 indirect services via Caen are available, adding up to 1.5 hours of journey times.
- When traveling from Caen to Bayeux (just 15 minutes by train,) expect 1-3 hourly services traveling in either direction.
- Duration:
- The fastest Paris to Normandy trains take 2 hours 18 minutes.
- All direct Nomad trains complete the journey in under 2.5 hours.
- Online Booking:
Our Recommended Hotels in Bayeux
La Maison de Mathilde
“Centrally located. Breakfast and dinner at the restaurant were excellent. Rooms were spacious and comfortable.”
Villa Lara Hotel
“Very convenient to restaurants, bakery and train. 5 star amenities, breakfastbar. I felt at home the moment I stepped in the door.”
le clos de la croix B&B
“Beautiful French manor. Room was spacious with beamed ceilings. Hosts were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was lovely.”
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