My husband and I are celebrating my retirement with a first-time trip to France September 15 to October 2.
My itinerary below is based on our ability to rent a car in Paris on our way out of town, dropping it off at Arles and taking the train back to Paris to catch our plane home.
So my first question is-
can I rent a car one way - Paris pick up and Arles drop off?
Other questions are included below.
my first draft itinerary:
9/16 arrive Paris,
9/16-9/22 Paris,
9/22 Paris to Ambois
is Ambois the best home base near Chinonceau,
9/22-9/24 Ambois- we probably only need to see one castle, but I would love to take a hot air ballon ride. Can I book the hot air balloon online?,
9/24 Ambois to Dordogne - We want to see caves, canoe the river and drive the valley-
is Sarlat the best home base?,
9/24-9/28 Dordogne,
9/28- Dordogne to St Remy,
9/28-10/1 St Remy,
10/1- drop car in Arles. Train to Paris airport hotel (possibly) ,
10/2 - fly home
OR Should we stay one less day in the Dordogne and one more day around St Remy?
I appreciate any feedback- thank you.
Chris
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I would stay one less day in Paris as well as Dordogne ...
See more than one chateau, There are so many of different styles - it's not "seen one, seen em all".
9/16-9/21 Paris (5)
9/21-9/24 Ambois (3)
9/24-9/27 Dordogne (3)
9/27-10/1 St Remy (4)
10/1- drop car in Arles. Train to Paris (1)
10/2 - fly home
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
I am sure you can find a rental company that will allow you to rent a car in Paris and return it in Arles though frankly, I wouldn't fool with a car at all and just use trains. No worrying about driving, traffic, car theft or car break ins or high gasoline prices or accidents if you take the trains and it is so relaxing to sit on the train and watch the scenery. A car in Paris is a nightmare and costly and in many places, cars are not allowed or you pay fees. I have lived in Paris and am glad you are giving it lots of time and attention. You will be glad of that as Paris is a city to savor and not rush through.
Yes, you can buy your ticket for the hot air balloon rides and then once purchased make your reservation for the ride online. www.franceballoons.com
Amboise is a nice base. You can stay in a mansion turned bed and breakfast - www,maniorlesminimes.com Click on to see the English if you don't land on the English page (top right- British flag). Amboise is 8 miles (some of it quite steep terrain) from Chenonceaux. You can also stay in the Chenonceaux area.
I find Sarlat boring but if you have a car, try La Roque-Gageac. It is charming and has more things to see than Sarlat.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
Audrey, it violates the forum rules to solicit business for yourself on the forums. The forums are to offer free assistance from traveler to traveler, not solicit business or post your business or crowdfunding links.
Posted by
Northeast Ohio, USA
707 posts
Hi Chris,
If you want to avoid backtracking, you could fly (for very little, on Easyjet) from southern France to Geneva for your return flight. I'll be doing that shortly, picking up a rental car in Caen and dropping it off in Toulouse, then flying to Geneva to stay for a couple of days. You can fly Icelandair from Geneva if you are so inclined; this airline's ticket prices can be very good.
Of course, if you have no interest in Geneva, then just flying there to catch a flight home probably saves little time over the train to Paris once you factor in the whole air travel process.
Posted by
OP
Tacoma WA
11 posts
Thank you all for the quick replies. You have given me some good ideas about how to use our time.
Chris
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
Driving in France is very easy. Yes, gas is expensive, but you have the freedom to use your time without being tethered to train schedules and can go off the beaten path. I would pick up the rental car at Orly airport, south of Paris, where you will be well positioned to drive to the Loire. I nice stop on the way is Chartres to see the cathedral. I have always booked my rental cars through AutoEurope, a consolidator, and have usually gotten the car from EuropeCar. There is no additional charge for 1-way rentals within France. If you need an automatic, the airport is the best place to assure you can get one. I've always gotten an automatic diesel (diesel is a little cheaper than gasoline in France, unlike the US).
I think you have a good trip planned. Bon voyage.