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Best location for returning a rental car when traveling from MSM to Paris

Hi there,
We'll be flying into Charles de Gaulle and picking up a rental car at the airport for our drive to Mt. St. Michel.
Any suggestions on a return location thats easy to find, avoids major traffic and hopefully closer to our hotel that's located just south of the Eiffel Tower?
Would Orly Airport or Massy-Palaiseau Train Station be a better option than Charles de Gaulle when avoiding heavy traffic? Maybe another location on the outskirts of Paris?
Thank you for your help!!
Shari

Posted by
3996 posts

I'll preface this by saying that I don't find driving in Paris to be that stressful so unless I was arriving at rush hour on a weekday, I would just drive the car to the rental car return near the Eiffel Tower. That being said, if you are taking A13 into Paris, I suggest looking for a rental car return at Porte Maillot on the western edge of Paris and taking a taxi from there to your hotel. You could even catch the RER from there to Champ Mars if you are traveling after August 27th and are so inclined.

Posted by
9436 posts

I'd return in Caen and walk across the street to the train station and take the train to Paris. Easiest way imo.

Posted by
10637 posts

If dropping off and taking the train, Rennes is the closest city, and it has frequent TGV service into Paris. Fougeres may possibly work but Rennes is best.

Posted by
21195 posts

And that takes you to Gare Montparnasse which is a short Metro or taxi ride to where you are going.

Posted by
8570 posts

We are dropping at La Defense on our way into Paris -- no idea if that is a good idea but I will find out.

Posted by
12 posts

To all that answered my question, thank you so much for good advise!!! I really appreciate it!!!

Posted by
1175 posts

We also have used Caen and taken the train into Paris. Traffic can be snarled if you are returning to Paris on a weekend afternoon or evening, plus most rental agencies are closed.

Posted by
241 posts

Shari: Another possibility would be to drive back from MSM to Chartres and return the car there. An added benefit would be that you can take a few hours to visit the fabulous cathedral there and then hop a train (departs about once each hour) to Paris. No traffic hassles and you get to see one of the world's best cathedrals! In any case, have a great trip and enjoy France!

~Darrel