We will be flying into Paris from Florida in early June. Staying a few nights there, then driving to Annecy through Bugundy. I'd like to rent a car outside of Paris to avoid the city traffic, drive 2.5 - 3 hours, then stop to explore the wine country and possibly a boat ride on a canal and spend the night. Hit the road the next morning and make our way to Annecy. Planning on biking around the lake one day and going to Chamonix the next. I'd like to fly out of Geneva to Bristol UK for our week in England (Cotswalds & London). Questions are:
Any recommendations on a place to pick up a rental car near a train station outside of Paris?
A good stopping place in Burgundy about half way between Paris and Annecy?
And most important, can I drop the rental off on the french side of the Geneva airport?
How much time should I plan to arrive at the Geneva airport prior to my flight time?
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
And most important, can I drop the rental off on the french side of the Geneva airport?
Yes, provided the company has an office there.
How much time should I plan to arrive at the Geneva airport prior to my flight time?
Depends on the airline. If it is Easyjet, bag drop off opens 2 hours before departure, and closes promptly 40 minutes before departure. You must be on time. I would say 2 hours + 1 hour to drop off car = 3 hours.
Other airlines you could cut it a little closer.
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
I don't know if it's half way but Semur-en-Auxois is a really great stop. Beaune is also a good one, my wife and I stayed there for three nights during our 2010 France trip. They have the Medieval hospital and outside town near vineyards is the Chateau de la Rochepot which you can visit by guided tour. Also in that area, Fontennay Abbey is spectacular. Just passing through Burgundy is going to leave you wanting more, a good visit would be two full days at least.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Both Semur and Beaune would make great choices for Burgundy. Beaune probably the better wine pick, is quite close to many famous wine appellations, but you can get good wine anyplace in the region. If you are cyclers, Beaune is a treat with many routes to choose from and decent rentals in town.
You can pick your car up in Dijon or (probably) Beaune. The options for picking up in Montbard (not far from Semur) are not near the train station, or were not when I scoped it out a few years ago. But if you do pick up in Montbard, consider a visit to the Fontenay Abbey, which is stunning and in the neighborhood.
A good map will help you to string your points of interest into the most efficient itinerary possible.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
can I drop the rental off on the french side of the Geneva airport?
That's an easy one. The answer is yes. I've done it a couple of times. All the major rental agencies are there.
I'd second (or third) Semur-en-Auxois as a place to stay.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10632 posts
Orly airport is 11 kilometers south of Paris since you said you want to pick up the car outside the city.
You’ll still have some traffic merging and dividing for a few kilometers, but it’s freeway traffic, not city traffic.