We are four adults who will be on a tour that concludes with a weeklong cruise on the Seine. We arrive back in Paris on Friday Oct 20 when we would like to pick up a rental car for a five night visit to Bayeaux. We’d like to lreturn the car in Chartes before we return to Paris for the last three nights of our trip.
The river cruise will end somewhere near the Eiffel Tower at 9am (won’t know exact dock until October). Can anyone suggest car rental that we could reach by cab or public transport? Is it most convenient to go by train (with all our bags) to Caen? It seems that picking closer to the river makes sense but would prefer not to drive in the city. We have rented cars often in France but never in Paris. Any suggestions of areas to pick up a rental car?
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
207 posts
We've gone to Normandy twice. The first, we rented at CDG, drove to and stayed in Caen, drove back to Paris, and dropped off the car at Versailles before riding the RER back into the city.
The second time, we trained roundtrip to Caen and only rented the car while there.
Driving from CDG was fine (you sit on the peripherie for a long time in traffic, but it's not stressful), but the tolls were annoying and the drive long. Renting only in Caen was far cheaper and more relaxing.
Posted by
Denver, CO
118 posts
We took the train from Paris to Caen, then rented there from a place across from the train station. Pretty easy and would recommend.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2545 posts
Another option would be to take a taxi (fixed price) to Orly, and pick up the car there. It’s an easy drive from there. No city streets to contend with, just freeways. I would not want to drive around the Eiffel Tower area.
Posted by
Northwest Arkansas
676 posts
When we did Normandy by car we rented/returned at Orly. We flew in from Madrid and then had a few days in Paris before leaving via CDG. Orly routes miss the worst of Paris trafic if heading to Normandy or returning via Chartres.
If I were going to "just" Normandy again I would take the train to Caen. However, if your Seine cruise doesn't visit Monet's Garden in Giveny, it is--in my opinion--a must stop on the way in or out of Paris.
Have a great trip...Norman Cider is the best.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1117 posts
I would just take the Metro to Gare St Lazare, train to Caen, and rent from there.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1227 posts
I've rented a car from CDG after an overnight. People will accuse me (and you) of being irresponsible, but everyone reacts to jet lag differently. Just make sure your fellow travelers don't just nod off an leave it to you to navigate and keep awake. It is stressful however. So these days I usually just take the RoissyBus (12€/pp) to Gare Saint-Lazare—typically but not always staying a night in that neighborhood. Then I take the train from there to Caen where I pick up a car. I highly recommend this option. Except with four adults and luggage, the direct taxi to the train station is probably more practical than the bus.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1194 posts
Hi from Wisconsin,
I would take a train to Caen. Rent a car from an agency across the street from the train station. Drop it in Chartres. ez.
wayne iNWI