We made a similar trip pre-Covid that was about 10 days total (including flights). Flew into Paris & spent a few days. Took the train to Versailles, and spent a full day there. Picked up a rental car in Versailles, and drove via Chartres to Normandy, returned the car in Caen, and trained back to Paris for about 5 days.
Tidbits that worked well:
- We stayed at a hotel for the first and last day only. The first day was a small Parisian Hotel, the last day near the airport. The other days were spent at AirBnB’s WITH a family, or at a Bed& Breakfast. Those were some of our best memories. Hosts were all incredible.
-
If you’re going to Versailles, start at the Petite Trianon & Gardens, and return to the palace - backwards from most tourists. The palace is always crowded, but starting to thin out later in the day. We had the Trianon estate nearly to ourselves.
-
Chartres was wonderful. Stay at least one night to experience the evening Light display. When we visited, it was only on weekends in October, so check the schedule.
-
Purchase a museum pass. It included all the major museums. If you have time, visit some of the minor ones. Those were unexpected treats. Always check their schedules. When we visited, some closed on odd days for special events, which is not a problem if you know in advance & plan accordingly.
-
WALK the neighborhoods & find surprises (esp. Le Marais).
I felt fine with the amount of time we spent in Paris for a first visit, but our time to/from/in Normandy was too short. It included a full day around Mt.St. Michael , another getting to/from The American Cemetery, and an afternoon in Bayeux. Caen was just to drop off the car and transfer to train.
Feel free to message & I’ll try to find more of our past itinerary, or if you have questions.