We are touring France by car in May 2020. We arrive in Marseille then spend a few days in Provence, a couple in Chamonix and Beaune, then a final few days in Paris. We are driving the whole way, with plans to return the rental car upon arrival in Paris. But now I am considering returning the car in Beaune and taking the train into the city. This would then mean we have to get ourselves and all luggage to our AirBnb in the Marais. Either way we will have to find transport from the AirBnb to Orly Airport early on the day of our departure. Looking for advice on where to drop the rental car (Beune or Paris) and on the best way to get from the Marais to Orly early on our departure day. Thanks!
Posted by
Philly
80 posts
To paraphrase Clemenza: 'leave the car, take the cannoli and the train'. Faster than driving (less stressful too) and the car drop will be easier. Check with your rental car agency regarding locations and fees - it might be cheaper as well. Haven't utilized Orly Airport but we typically taxi to airport with a group of 4.
Posted by
Chicago
7811 posts
You could ask your local host at the Airbnb to arrange a taxi to Orly for you days before.
We stayed at a hotel and they called a taxi at 5am one time to make a 7 am flight Orly.
Posted by
Rural Georgia
2107 posts
We picked up a car at CDG, spent a week in Loches, then drove to Paris on a Sunday, returning the car at Gare du Nord and hopping on the Eurostar to London. We knew our travel day was Sunday and the Hertz rental car office in Tours is closed that day (we checked).
If you have the option, I'd return the car in Beaune and train to Paris. It will be much easier. Driving in Paris is doable, but certainly not fun or necessary.
You mentioned luggage. I don't know how much you have traveled in Europe, but the less luggage you have to tote, the better. We spent two weeks between Loches and London and each took a carry on suitcase and a smaller bag. That included business clothes for Deb, who was in London on business.
Posted by
Paris
9550 posts
Taxi to/from Orly and a Marais location is 35€ for up to four people.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10176 posts
If you take the train, you should drop the car in Dijon. If you drive, you can drop the car at Orly and take a taxi for a fixed rate of 35€ directly to your apartment since your route takes you directly past Orly. You can even reserve the same taxi for your return to Orly for the day you are flying out. Just ask the driver and get the driver’s cell number and card to reserve in advance. We’ve done that.