Whats the best way to get around the northern coast of France?

Question

I'm planning a trip from London to the norther parts of France, wandering around there, and then working our way to Paris. We have 9 day total.

First off, what is the best way to get from London to the northern/northwest coast of France? Are there any bus/train/ferry all in one deals? Also, if we want to get to Caen early on is there a better way than taking the ferry from Dover to Calais? If we do take the ferry to Calais whats the best way of getting out from there... train? bus?

Once we are in France we are thinking about Caen, Mount St. Michelle, and St. Malo before heading to Paris for a few days. Any other must see cities arond there? How about Rennes?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hi

You should travel from Newhaven to "Le Havre" which is a good location for  Caen,

http://www.transmancheferries.co.uk/

the crossing way & back < 30 £

The Portsmouth -Cherbourg line is even better - if you can reach Portsmouth easily -

for Caen, St-Malo & Mont St-Michel : it is closer than anything else, but it is farther from Paris than Le Havre

Site here ( but they won't say anything about the tickets prices)

http://www.port-cherbourg.com/Angleterre...

But the very best :

Portsmouth - Cherbourg (ferry)

Cherbourg - Caen (train)

Caen - Mont St-Michel ( bus )

Mont St-Michel - St Malo ( bus )

St Malo - Rennes ( train )

Rennes - Paris( train )

Paris - London ( eurostar )

PS : Last minute (added on mon may 19th ) There are strikes (or other forms of conflictual actions) performed by the french fishermen, that may block the ferries traffic, these days  (Dieppe was locked today) Double check that things are OK before leaving UK

But the weather is very fine now in Normandy. so don't be too long to come over - Bye

Answer 2

fast

Answer 3

Car hire but if you have time a bycicle is a good cheap way  youcan get the train from london or in kent through the tunnel if you like the train also you can get a cheap euro pass for the trip from london.

Answer 4

You could try new haven to Dieppe.

Trains would do the trick.

If you are in that area you would want to check out the tapestry of bayeux.  Rouen is Nice along with Giverny.