Transportation
It is quite easy to get to anywhere in Normandy. There are a number of flights that not only serve major cities around Europe, but also the world. Inside the borders of France there is also the TGV which is a fast, but sometimes expensive way to travel.
Get in
By train
The French rail system is one of the best in Europe. The high speed TGV links all major cities but can be expensive.
The best way to reach Normandy is from Paris:
- From Saint-Lazare to Rouen, Le Havre, Dieppe, Fecamp, Evreux, Bernay, Lisieux, Deauville, Caen, Bayeux, Cherbourg.
- From Montparnasse to Alencon, Bagnoles de l’Orne, Argentan, Granville. Le-Mont-Saint-Michel (TGV via Rennes).
Whenever you buy a train ticket in France it has to be validated in one of the orange automatic date-stamping machines before you board the train. You can stop off en route to your destination as many times as you wish but on every separate day of travel the ticket has to be stamped. Inspectors have a habit of being less than forgiving if you fail to punch a ticket.
By plane
Orly and Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, the international airports serving Paris are the best gateway to Normandy from overseas. From there it is easier to travel by train to Normandy. Other airports giving access to the Normandy region are, Nantes, Dinard - Saint-Malo, Saint-Brieuc, Quimper, Morlaix, Rennes, Brest.
Get around
All major towns have extensive bus or metro bus systems, which are good way to explore the area. Books of tickets offering discounts can be bought in advance from ticket offices.