My husband (53M) and I (51F) are taking our moms (70F, 71F, 72F) to London, Paris and Florence in September. We are taking the Eurostar from London to Paris and originally I had planned to take the train to Caen and rent a car for the first three days of the Paris leg of our trip. However, they also want to go to Giverny and I am struggling to identify a place to return the rental car near Giverny. Is Rouen the closest city that would have a car rental? I DO NOT want to drive in Paris and planned on taking the train back into Paris for the final leg. Any great out of the way places you can recommend to return the car for someone terrified of Paris traffic?
Posted by
1278 posts
You can pick up and drop off within France for a very nominal fee. I can't tell from this which order you are doing things, but if you're going to Giverny first; check Mantes-la-Jolie as a car rental pick up location. Drop off in Caen; take the train back to Paris. (Or vice versa.)
Don't plan this for a Sunday. Car rentals offices anywhere in France have very limited hours or are closed on Sunday. (except Airports)
Posted by
93 posts
Second the suggestion of Mantes-la-Jolie. When we went to that area last fall, it pretty clearly was the easiest option. Enterprise is directly across the street from the train station. Took a little navigating to get out of town, but nothing complex. Much much easier than somewhere the size of Rouen. But do check opening hours very carefully.