I'm debating whether to collect our rental car in Caen early and drive down to Falaise to visit the Chateau in the morning and generally spend a few hours exploring the town before heading over to our accommodation near Bayeux in the afternoon. Thing is, we'll have our luggage with us and the vehicle we've rented is a hatchback type - ie the bags will be visible in back while we're out and about.
The parking areas near the chateau appear to be in a high traffic area which I would think would make it safe enough, but thought I'd ask for the advice of the community before I commit to anything.
There are a number of destinations where I'd never consider leaving the bags unattended in the car. At any rate I'm beginning to 2nd guess myself - wondering if this is generally a bad idea.
So, what do you think? Is Falaise safe enough to risk it or should I reconsider? TIA
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
485 posts
I don't know that any place is safe. Did you read the post from just the last week or so the family at the Cologne cathedral?
Posted by
Normandie
302 posts
Most hatchbacks, if that's really what you'll be renting, have a cover over the rear compartment, so I wouldn't assume what you place back there would be visible. I would assume there will be some kind of cover to obscure the contents in the rear of the vehicle, and your main duty would be to not open up the rear compartment after you've parked to rummage around and therefore make your vehicle more enticing to a thief.
And Falaise is pretty isolated. While thieves looking for a good car to break into could turn up anywhere, I would think Falaise would be pretty low on the scale.
If the stuff in your trunk really is visible (I doubt it would be) and you're really really concerned about it, stop by an E. Leclerc or an Intermarché and buy a black bedsheet. Stretch it over the contents of your trunk and it will be difficult for anyone walking by to see anything that may be in there.
Posted by
Washington DC
27812 posts
If you happen to have extra time, I can recommend the museum in Falaise about the civilian experience during WWII. It includes coverage of the Resistance.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1218 posts
Agree with everything Bob and Acraven said. I would only add in general, to not be seen stashing your bags where you will park. That is, sort all your luggage out at your previous stop and make sure everything is covered before driving to the area where you will park. Then simply grab your day bag, purse, whatever, and walk away from the car.
Posted by
Chicago
8498 posts
It is always risky to travel with your baggage and thieves can all identify rental cars and know that a drawn hatchback cover means stuff worth stealing likely inside. Probably you are ok -- BUT you have no idea if there is a local theft ring that targets care where you will park. I know someone who had everything including passports stolen from their car when they stopped for a dip at a beach. The local cops basically said 'well everyone knows thieves target cars here.'
You follow the safety rules like not accessing during a stop and not leaving ANYTHING in the car (that newspaper or sweater might not be tempting by itself but suggests it might be hiding a purse or electronics and so a thief might well break a window to find out) and carrying with you all meds, electronics, valuables, ID. And then you hope for the best. I try to get to my base and off load everything before day tripping in an area. You are probably okay carrying the luggage but it is a risk and you. have no idea how big a risk in that particular area.