traveling to beaches at Normandy and then to Chartres

On our upcoming trip where we will stay mostly in Paris, we are planning two side trips - to the beaches at
Normandy and to Chartres. I've looked at the trains and it appears that if we do both these trips, we still
have to transit back to Paris to get to the next place. So, if we go to Chartres, spend the night in order to
get Caen, we take the train back to Paris and on to Caen.

Does anyone have any recommendation? We are thinking perhaps renting a car would be better, but
we are really not convinced that's best for us. What if we took the train to Caen, rented a car in Caen, spent our time on the beaches, drove to Chartres, back to Caen and the train back to Paris? Seems complicated. Your opinions, please?

there is a train connection possible between Chartres and Caen (via Le Mans), alas it is rather infrequent, therefore routing via Paris is often quicker.

the indicated alternative of taking a train to Caen, picking up a rental car for going to Chartres, back to Caen again etc. sounds awfully complicated to me. if possible, at least try a one-way rental (if not Caen and Chartres, select nearby places with decent rail connections), which are usually available at a modest fee or free when you have a minimal lease of three days.

having a car is not that bad at all, as well for the beaches as for potential sidetrips to places like Jumièges abbey or else, but how much time do you have all in all? btw, in case you are scared of driving within Paris (though actually there are worse things), pick a rental outlet on the outskirts (say Orly, Massy, Versailles, whatever available).

the landing beaches are rather spoilt by tourism, I would say, so brace yourself.

We combined the Palace of Versailles with a trip to Chartres Cathedral, and it was a great day by train from Paris.

Paris to Chartes and back take the TER train. It's about 90km and around one hour one way http://www.beyond-paris.com/chartres-cathedral.html

This sounds interesting! How did you do it? I mean, transportation + schedule . . .
Thanks in advance :-)

Elisa

Merci nautiker - I agree I've made it too complicated. It's two separate trips by train or I will look into your suggestion of a one-way rental.

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