Normandy as a day trip from Paris (Overlord half day tour review)

[@davekapka1677]

This was very helpful, it inspired our family to do the daytrip by train and it was a long day but a great day- Overlord Tours was fantastic! We had younger kids and some less knowledgeable about WW2 and the museum was actually great for them to be able to see stuff firsthand.

[@MagnificentGermanywithDarion]

Nice video. I m glad that you got a chance to visit Normandy. I have been to Normandy three times now and each time I learn so much. The first time (2009) I and my friends took a train to Bayeux and then took a cab. On the last two visits, (2014-2019)I had a rental. With that being said I had a group of eight people and we arrived in a van. I usually find myself staring at the beachhead and cemetery and thinking of those who gave their lives that day. I highly recommend everyone to pay a visit in humility and reverence at some point. Thank You for sharing :).

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

We walked to the first museum and then called a cab to take us downtown. We were so tired from our two days in Paris before that, we wanted to conserve energy. Thanks for watching Darion

[@LucindaHicksBeach]

THANK YOU! we are leaving for Paris on Sunday night and have a half day Normandy tour booked for Tuesday afternoon. We are taking a metro to the train station and then train to Bayeux in plenty of time for the 1 pm tour. we have a 6:10 train booked to return to Paris so we hope Overlord tour guide can drop us off in time. Next, before we leave, we'll watch Saving Private Ryan.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Sounds like a great plan! Have a fantastic trip!

[@rxr2010]

Great video! Thank you for all the great information and tips.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andrea9674]

Thank you for the video. I’ve been to Normandy once as a young adult. Now my boys want to go and I’m trying to figure out if a day trip from Paris is possible.

[@MyRoyalEnfieldTravels]

Very interesting vid! As a Normandy nut, this vid made me happy and sad simultaneously. Happy cause you took the time to see one of my fav regions in France. Sad cause despite all your efforts to see the obvious, you missed the best parts. My first trip was a one day trip and it was so awesome I went back for a 5 day trip (rented a car) and still didn’t see all that I wanted. I guess I’ll just have to go back again. Cheers.

[@Lavieestbelle04]

Thank you for sharing! I’m going to Paris for the second time this October and I would love to go and pay my respects.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Wonderful!

[@Money4185]

That's great info. We are planning a trip in mid June. With a seven year old. And at this time would follow your lead in taking a train and going to a local guide. Thanks.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shirleyisom8677]

I ran across your video several months ago and made a little note of it! Today we booked the same trip to take during our trip to Paris this July!

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Excellent! Have a wonderful trip!

[@tommyedodson2412]

Great tips and we're looking forward to seeing Normandy on a future trip (had to cancel our 2020 trip unfortunately).

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Sounds like us! you'll make it!

[@Juju-wk7yv]

Thank you. Thinking of doing your tour.

[@lauramarie6039]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

You're welcome! Have a great trip!

[@cappsattic2385]

We appreciate the insights into your experience with Overlord Tours. We are approaching our July 7, 2025 tour from the other direction. We ill be on the Regal Princess and port in Le Havre, France. The tour cost is 170 Euros. Port: Le Havre Ship: Regal Princess Pick-up: 8.00am at the dock Return: 5pm at the dock Sites to visit: From Le Havre: Omaha beach, the American cemetery, Bayeux, Honfleur Just wanted to share another possibility for a visit to the Normandy Battle Fields

[@bernicetorres8384]

Nice video, concise and lots of good info. It's exactly was I was looking for since I have a day to spare in Paris, however, I've been there before so I wanted to venture out for a day trip. Thanks.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lanemeyer9350]

My girlfriend and I are going to do this exact trip due to this video. THANK YOU! Great job…

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

So glad to help!

[@juliah182]

Thank you so much for this information! My husband and I are going in June and will be doing this same thing. The tours out of Paris are just TOO expensive. I appreciate this information!

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Our pleasure!

[@allison7869]

Normandy is def on my travel bucket list. I've not done many tours, but I love history so might actually consider this one. Thinking this will be a 2024 adventure!

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Hope you get to experience that!

[@johnnyjumpstart1]

I took a ww2 tour which spend 3 nights in normandy & we saw a lot of sights that can't be visited in just 3 hours. I need to go back and see more!

[@mrgoodwrench6969]

Thank you for sharing your Normandy experience. I am planning a Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Basel then head to Paris for a few nights and want to tour Normandy. Taking the train and getting a tour guide looks like the best option.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Have a great trip! Thanks for watching

[@ameetjayawant4114]

Hello folks, thank your this information. We are looking to do this exact tour in April 2024. Can you please provide us with more detailed info, such as in what train you took from Paris and if you have a specific contact at overlord tours. Thanks again.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Thanks for watching! We took the first train in the morning out of gare Saint-Lazare. We did not have a contact, I just booked directly through their website.

[@ameetjayawant4114]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest thank you for the reply. One more questions - I have been researching train timetables for April and I see that there are fewer trains available outbound from Paris to Bayeux at that time than say during December. Seeing as you folks traveled in May, was that your experience too? Do the trains run on time?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

@ameetjayawant4114 they ran like clockwork in May. Can't see why April would be any different. Early trains are less likely to have on time problems than late trains

[@heartsturkey]

Thank you for video. We're going to France in January - what train did you take from Paris to Normandy?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

here's what I know. We took the nomad train 3303 from Paris St Lazare station to Bayeux and the Nomad 3320 to return. Not sure if numbers have changed in that time, but I do know that you will be departing from the St lazare station in paris. Check out the options on the SNCF website. two round trip tickets cost us $60 in advance, but I dont think there is a discount on the non high speed trains if you buy in advance. We didn't want to mess with trying to purchase tickets that early in the morning.

[@kyliejohnson5272]

Hello! How was the language aspect? Was everyone on your tour English-speaking? Was the tour in French? If there are 16 people that all speak different languages, what language do they give the tour in?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Excellent question. That would be a question for the tour group

[@relaxingtravel-LosAngeles]

hey guys.. we just finished our 18 days in Europe trip.. now looking at Paris, Normandy, with ending in North Spain /Barcelona. video is very helpful. BTW; we loved Salzburg! we captured a few moments at our channel.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Glad to help!

[@celineemerson7026]

Thanks for video!! Great info. We've reserved a private tour however thinking of doing what you've done! We've never been to Paris or are even familiar with train systems (I'm learning on KZbin ) We would be leaving from the Trocadero station, I know that much:) Would this be to difficult for my husband and I to figure out?? We're from Florida Thank you!!

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Well the station you mentioned is a Paris metro subway station, so it's just for that area. To get out of town you'll need to make your way to the "regular" train stations, like Gare Saint Lazare, which handles the trains going north. You can get there from trocadero using the 9 train. Any more questions you have, feel free to ask!

[@donnaasfar4442]

Hello. Do you happen to have a link to this tour? We are going end to Paris of December and I think I will regret not visiting Normandy. My husband will not go on the 13 hour bus ride, so the train and half day tour look better. There are so many look a like tours, I want to make sure I book the right one. Thank you.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

www.overlordtour.com/product/tour-1-omaha-half-day-tour/

[@danfromqueens659]

I don't think Overlord tours conducts tours in December?

[@florincocis7104]

Is better to book a hotel in Roen? I Don't want to drive.Can I see everything? Is St Michael far ?is a train station in to St Michael?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

I'm sorry, my experience is with a day trip from Paris and returning the Same day. You should ask these questions on a Wolters World video. You'll get better answers

[@florincocis7104]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest thanks 😊 🙏

[@EverydaySeniorNews]

Great Info! Thank you so much

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Glad to help!

[@mikez3096]

Wife and I are going in May . Empty nest Pa . I was trying to decide how to do the beaches too . Showing the wife your clip asap. Thanks

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Have a fantastic trip!

[@bernicetorres8384]

Question: which train did you take to Bayeux and where did you leave from? Also, for your return train...did you purchase the train tickets in advance or there while at the station? I'm wondering if I should wait to purchase while there in case we want to spend extra time in Bayeux, however, if they sell out I'll be sure to buy ahead, thanks.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

It was The Nomad train 3302 and 3320. We pre-bought our tickets even though we probably didn't have to, I think the price would have been the same

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

The station for the trip starts at Paris St Lazare

[@m.c.6571]

Thanks for the video. I see a couple stations in Bayeux. Do you happen to know what station it is?

[@rah2911]

Thanks so much for this video. Very informative. My husband and I are currently in Paris and I want to surprise him with this trip to Normandy. We would do it on our last day in paris. Our flight leaves at 10pm ..do you think we can do the tour and make it back in time to be at the airport by 8/8:30pm

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

That would be difficult. Especially since you are supposed to arrive 3 hours before your flight, and the train from Normandy takes you to St Lazare, and then you have to connect to Gare de Nord, which will then take you to the airport

[@Matt_Hatt3r]

Great video, thanks for sharing! About how many miles do you think you walked while on the tour?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Very little. Most of it was riding in the van to get from place to place.

[@Matt_Hatt3r]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest wonderful, thank you!

[@newsguy5241]

I am going there in September. On this tour, can you get right on Omaha Beach? Is it permitted. Really important aspect for me.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Yes, the tour takes your to Omaha, and you stand on the beach, but if you are looking for a certain part of Omaha, let me know and I'll figure out if that the part of the beach we went to. It so might be better to ask overlord tours directly

[@newsguy5241]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest Thanks for the answer. No, I just wanted to be sure that the tour would allow people to stand on Omaha Beach.

[@wallykleesr.3884]

Great video. Can you please share more details on what train you took there and back?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

There is a train that leaves several times a day from the Saint Lazare station and goes all the way to Bayeux. For a day trip I would try to take the earliest train I could.

[@wallykleesr.3884]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest Thank you so much for your reply. We are planning to travel to Paris May of 2023 and have been watching all you videos. Very well done. We are having some difficulty figuring out the best train from Saint Lazare. Do you know the name of the train line or train number?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

@@wallykleesr.3884 I looked up our information, and here's what I found. Our train was called NOMAD TRAIN 3303 | BILLET PREM'S and the return trip was NOMAD TRAIN 3320 | BILLET PREM'S

[@wallykleesr.3884]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest wonderful. Thank you. So sorry to be a bother, but about how much was the fare?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

@@wallykleesr.3884 60 euro for both of us round trip

[@melissamarlin5201]

I want to rent a car and be in the Normandy area. Where do you find out about this tour? Thank you so much!

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

I looked into that, and in my opinion taking the train to Caen and renting the car from there would be the best way to go. when I decided there were too many parts and deadlines for getting the Car back for a day trip, I researched half day tours and went with that instead. We're glad we did. Of course you could rent a can in Paris or even from CDG, but I didn't want to mess with toll roads in the countryside.

[@geoffreyford4003]

Hey guys, quick question for you since you did the half day tour. My fiancée and I are going in June to do the half day tour. Unfortunately, she broke her leg yesterday and is in a walking boot for the next 6 weeks. Is most of the tour on paved, or hard compact dirt where she’ll be able to use a push scooter? Or is it tougher terrain? Thanks.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Thinking back, I feel most of the sites are paved or on good solid ground. The exception would be where they take you out on Normandy Beach. What I would do is have her lay back for that part, and you can record what the guide says so she can watch it later. Make sure you let the tour company know about her needs so they can make sure there's enough room in the van for a push scooter

[@geoffreyford4003]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest Awesome! You’re the best! That’s what I had figured, but wanted to double check. I sent them an email this morning letting them know. Thank you!

[@tabitha72]

Thanks for the nice video and information. Did you have to change train anywhere? How much was the train ticket per person?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

About 30 euro round trip each. Direct from Paris, non stop. Thanks for watching!

[@tabitha72]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest Wow! Thank you so much for the quick response. Blessings

[@JanAndrews-q9v]

We are considering this day trip from Paris in February. What train do you take from Paris? Can you purchase the train tickets online in advance? We have taken several Italo trains in Italy but I am having trouble finding train information online for France. I really appreciate any information you can provide. Thank you!

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

here's what I know. We took the nomad train 3303 from Paris St Lazare station to Bayeux and the Nomad 3320 to return. Not sure if numbers have changed in that time, but I do know that you will be departing from the St lazare station in paris. Check out the options on the SNCF website. two round trip tickets cost us $60 in advance, but I dont think there is a discount on the non high speed trains if you buy in advance. We didn't want to mess with trying to purchase tickets that early in the morning.

[@JanAndrews-q9v]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest Thank you so much! Your information is greatly appreciated!

[@gandsmeyer2957]

What train station did you take to get out to Bayeux? Was it easy to figure out as a an English speaker?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Gare St Lazare. The app has an English option, and the signage is very easy to figure out

[@gandsmeyer2957]

Thank you so much.

[@johnlynch4295]

Did you pre-purchase your train tickets, or did you buy them the day you went? How much were they?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

here's what I know. We took the nomad train 3303 from Paris St Lazare station to Bayeux and the Nomad 3320 to return. Not sure if numbers have changed in that time, but I do know that you will be departing from the St lazare station in paris. Check out the options on the SNCF website. two round trip tickets cost us $60 in advance, but I dont think there is a discount on the non high speed trains if you buy in advance. We didn't want to mess with trying to purchase tickets that early in the morning.

[@samantha1054]

Thank you for this. I am staying in Normandy for 48hrs. U said u were thinking of renting a car in Normandy, it that something u can do at the train station. I am actually (first)traveling to England and renting a car there. I was thinking of Ferring with the car to France. Just as I will have gotten used to driving on the left side of the road, I will have to switch back but leave the steering wheel on the passenger side and stick shift with my left hand :) Do you recommend driving at all to Normandy? I am US Army, and I just wanted to pay my respects. Great presentation (except for the ice cream seconds we all know there were thirds :)

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

We looked into taking the train to Caen and renting a car there and traveling to Bayeux because there is no car rentals near the train station in Bayeux. We decided to do the day trip (1) for this video, but (2) mostly because we only had three days in Paris and wanted to see as much as possible there, too. I can't say one way or the other is better, but if you are staying a few days there, a car would be necessary.

[@Lavieestbelle04]

Could you please more information about the train….name of station? Where to buy tickets? Thank you kindly

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

The Paris station is Gare Saint-Lazare. I bought tickets on the SNCF app. Hope that helps!

[@lubattistibattisti3639]

What is the sncf app? My husband and I are going in June and plan on doing this exact trip. Thank you for the video

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Download SNCF connect. It will let you book any train in France

[@ronniedove2891]

Definitely on my bucket list

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

You'll make it! It's a great trip

[@cheric4739]

We’ll be visiting Paris in Aug. We want to do a one day tour of Normandy while we’re there. Taking a train sounds like something we’d like to do too. This is our first time in France, was there a direct train to Normandy? Do I need to book with the tour company before I arrive in a Paris 🤷‍♀️ Thank you for any advice!

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Oh yeah, you'll want to book the tour you want ahead of time. They have limited slots available. Enjoy your trip!

[@a.l116]

Great video! My boyfriend and I are going to Paris in August and are planning on visting Normandy. We are clueless when it comes to the train system in France. What train did you take to get there and from what station?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

here's what I know. We took the nomad train 3303 from Paris St Lazare station to Bayeux and the Nomad 3320 to return. Not sure if numbers have changed in that time, but I do know that you will be departing from the St lazare station in paris. Check out the options on the SNCF website. two round trip tickets cost us $60 in advance, but I dont think there is a discount on the non high speed trains if you buy in advance. We didn't want to mess with trying to purchase tickets that early in the morning.

[@a.l116]

​@@EscapingtheEmptyNest Thank you for your response and your help! We truly appreciate it! This will be a huge help for us when we go.

[@danlopez3774]

Tahnks! How can I get from Paris to Normandy and then to Omaha?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

you could rent a car, but we decided to just take the tour.

[@danlopez3774]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest Thanks! I see Overlord does not have Trains From Paris to Normandy right

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

You but the train tickets from Paris to Bayeux from the French train service, SNCF

[@larrydubill]

This is just what I was looking for! The full-day tours from Paris seems so long and expensive. I imagine you probably saved a lot of time by going via train. You definitely got a sub from me! Any other Bayeux suggestions for after we arrive? Also, did you use Trainline to book your trains?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

we booked through the SNCF website, but regional trains don't have the discount for booking early, so Don't stress about it. As for Bayeux, I wish we had seen the Tapestry instead of the WW2 museum, but we did see the Cathedral. It was nice. Thanks for watching, and thanks for the Sub!

[@TravelAdventureswithEricB]

Definitely planning it for next trip to Paris.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

It was a good day!

[@beckyroberts849]

Could I have a recommendation on your hotel? Our time in Paris will be limited and the choices are overwhelming.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Yes! We put out a video in the last couple of weeks with details on the hotel we chose for Paris, and even made an alternative suggestion /recommendation too

[@bethbevilacqua3268]

I just watched your video I was thinking of back packing thru Normandy is this a smart idea can I stay there and get overnight lodging thanks

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Oh sure there are lots of hotels and cottage lodging

[@bethbevilacqua3268]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest I will be doing this alone I’ve never been there before on foot seems better because I am not in a rush to return to Paris . Is this a ok move

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

@bethbevilacqua3268 I'm afraid I'm not an expert on backpacking through France, so I hate to give advice on that part of travel, sorry

[@dionisia5755]

Please cN you give me the name of the half day tour in Normandy? Thsnk you

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Look up overlord tours

[@dionisia5755]

I will ,planning to visit France this year if God is willing .thank very much for your response and your video is very helpful I

[@juniaesparza6198]

What train station and Whiskey the cost per ticket?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Lazare, and $30 each

[@jonathans.6259]

Great video! Quick question, how long did your tour last?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Off the top of my head I think it was 4 or 5 hours

[@jonathans.6259]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest Thank you for your reply! Just booked the same tour for the end of this month.

[@carolinemoreno7883]

May I ask how long was this tour that you took? And how many spots did this bus take you to?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

The glad day tour was about 5 hours, and we got to see 5 spots I think. Good amount of time at each spot, especially the ones that we wanted to see the most. For a half day tour, I was pleased

[@theresabigwideworld2632]

This sounded like a fascinating day, tours are always a good option if you're really interested in a particular area. I find war cemeteries incredibly poignant, especially when the age of the deceased is on the headstone. So many were so young.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

It's a somber place for sure. The loss and sacrifice are overwhelming

[@honeybadger9139]

Did you reserve the tour ahead of time?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

Yes we did

[@honeybadger9139]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest Thanks, your video was helpful for me!

[@juliah182]

How much was the half day tour?

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

At the time it was €70 per person

[@DRSEXPLORING]

Why is it every time I watch these types of videos of Americans visiting Normandy they only visit the American beaches. They never pay tribute to the other nations who took part eg Britain or Canada.

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

29000 killed, 106000 wounded. That's more the double the number for Britain and 8x the number for Canada. Omaha Beach was by far the largest and most difficult battle, and that's the one the Americans took on. As far as the tours, it would be impossible to see all of them in a half day, and as an American, it wouldn't make sense to skip Omaha in favor of Gold

[@DRSEXPLORING]

@@EscapingtheEmptyNest so that's why the British and the Canadian beaches get ignored in favour for the American beaches.