From Paris to Normandy by Train
Taking the Train From Paris to Normandy (Saint. Lazare to Countances)
Snippets From Our France and Italy Trip
When we plan our travels, we usually think back to earlier trips and evaluate what has worked and what hasn’t. Do we want to shake things up or repeat earlier patterns?
One of the changes for our 24-day trip to France and Italy in June of 2024 was three scheduled train trips. In the past, we would typically have rented a car but wanted to change things for this trip.
Although our car rentals, for most trips, have worked out well, sometimes a fair amount of stress is associated with this type of travel.
Sometimes you are facing a lineup to pick up the car which can cause a delay and you have to be on guard for agents trying to upsell on insurance or other ad-ons you don’t need.
When dropping off the car you have to find a gas station nearby and you cross your fingers there are no issues. If you are lucky you don’t have any traffic violations to pay (read speeding tickets in France).
Di is checking which track we depart from at Gare Saint Lazare in Paris
Leica SL2-S, Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5
It was only our second day in Paris and after staying with our friends Dominique and Cathrine in Aulnay-sous-Bois, they kindly offered to drive us to Gare Saint Lazare.
We bought our tickets using the SNCF Connect app and had no problems boarding the train.
Is Train Travel More Relaxing?
Most definitely! Sure you have to be at the train station on time and you need to find your track but once you are firmly planted in your seat the worry of the world seems to disappear. You can look out the window and take in the scenery, read a book, listen to music, or close your eyes for a moment and have a nap.
We did all of these on our train ride from Saint Lazare in Paris to Coutances in Normandy. We were headed to see our friends, Dagny and Philippe, who had rented a cottage in Countainville.
SNCF train ready for departure at Gare Saint Lazare in Paris
Leica SL2-S, Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5
Departing from Paris it was wonderful to cross the Seine and then witness the transition from city to industrial areas to suburbs and finally countryside outside Paris.
A coffee and sandwich from the train station kiosk was a welcome treat when we switched trains in Caen. In Caen, we saw the first signs of the 80-anniversary celebrations commemoration D-Day which took place a few days before we arrived in Normandy.
Philippe and Dagny picked us up at the train station and the trip from Paris to Countances was a breeze. We thoroughly enjoyed traveling by train.
Keep scrolling for more photos of our train journey.
Philippe and Dagny meet us at the train station in Coutances
Leica SL2-S, Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5
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The photos in this article are made using a Leica SL2-S and Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 28mm f/1.5 lens. (links to my camera and lens reviews).
