Desperately rushing to get freelance stuff finished before Friday. Late night -- up til midnight editing -- led to early morning -- up at 5 to continue editing -- led to long day -- at the Trib from 10 til 7. Whew. I'm tired.

That's ok. Friday I fly to France. I can sleep on the plane. I can sleep on the plane. I can sleep on the plane....

So here's my question: I have 6 days in Paris, before heading to Carcassone with my family. Amy and I get to Paris on Saturday, Laura and Jorge join us Tuesday. I want to hang out and wander Paris with Laura, Jorge and Amy when we're all there together. I'll probably be too damn tired (even with sleeping on the plane...) on Saturday to do much. I have three things outside Paris that I really, really want to see: The Normandy beaches and WWII memorial/museum in Caen; Mont St. Michel at night; and Chartres cathedral. I do not plan on renting a car, and therefore am at the mercy of the train system. It is within the realm of possibility to do all three in two days -- with the overnight at Mont Saint Michel -- but it's damn hard. Most likely, I will have to sacrifice at least one of these destinations. The question I put before you: Which should I leave til next time?

(Because I will be coming back. Oh hell yeah, I'll be coming back.)

Here are the contenders:

• Chartres -- One of the most beautiful cathedrals of all time -- or so I'm told. What do I know, I've never been there.
  
• Mont Saint-Michel -- An amazing abbey/fortress island that gets surrounded by the sea -- best seen at night, when you can wander through the abbey and the tourists aren't as rampant. Apparently.
  
• Caen museum and the Normandy beaches -- Incredibly moving and fascinating historical voyage. That's what they say.

Anyone been to all three? Feedback? Ideas? Offers by gorgeous Frenchmen to chauffeur me around? Anything?