Returned in May from 2 week trip to France. Started in Paris for a few days (we’d visited before) and then high speed train to Montpellier (kids were there). From Montpellier we were able to do easy train day trips. Avignon, Carcisson, Sete, Nimes. Longest train ride was about an hour and shortest 15 min. Kids and H did a day wine tour–I went shopping.
All the day trips required no car–just get off the train and you’re there in the city! So much fun. Montpellier was very fun as well. Train travel was very easy and inexpensive.
Haven’t been to Normandy. I have been to Chamonix. Personally I’d save Chamonix for another time of year and another trip. The driving in a car will wear you out and the mountains are not fast driving. What you think should take 20 min will turn into an hour. Parking anywhere in a city (all over France) is in very short supply. Guess it really depends on what you really want to see.
Take a bit of time to research the train system. There are the high speed trains, the direct and local lines, and the high speed trains (very similar) are two different types–high cost and low cost. Make reservations especially for high speed long distance- like from Paris to Normandy (in our case Montpellier which was 5 hour trip) WAY in advance–up to 60 days. The price increases drastically as you get closer to your date and the type train you sign up for. We took the trip TO Montpellier for 26 euros and it cost me 111 euros on the way back because I messed up. It’s like price line–only 3 left at this price!!! Local short excursions we just reserved night before or day of with no problem (just used our phone and done! Get a QR code)