We're flying to Paris in early June to meet up with friends in Nantes for a tour of Brittany. I'm considering renting a car upon arrival in Paris, driving to Giverny to tour Monet's home, then driving on to Honfleur to spend the night. The next day we'd drive down to Nantes. My second thought is to rent a car upon arrival in Paris and driving down through the Loire Valley, spending one night before driving on to Nantes. Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
We have rented a car in France a few times now. We do not rent and drive the day we arrive on an overseas flight. What has worked out well for us is to take a train to the general area we went to visit and pick up a car there. There is at least one rental car office (Hertz) in Vernon which is the train station used to visit Giverny. We also have rented out of Chartres (I think also Hertz) and then drove to Loire. We did enjoy the car ride through the Vouvray region then down to Amboise and then we drove west visiting Saumur and Chinon on the way to Brittney. You could also take a high speed train to Tours. There are a handful of car rental companies there.
Posted by
Chicago
8060 posts
I would not drive if you are coming in from an overnight flight -- not just dangerous for you but for others on the road. I'd take the train to Nantes and spend a couple nights there, see the Machines de I'les and then pick up the car for your onward travel; go to Giverny on your way back to Paris.
Be sure to book your elephant rides and make sure when the carrousel Marins is running for Nantes trip planning. https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2019/09/13/les-machines-de-lile-nantes/
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Just a reminder that direct trains from the TGV station at CDG to Nantes take only 3h 10m and run about 3 times per day. There are also a couple of departures with a connection which is not in Paris, and additional departures from Paris Gare Montparnasse. Of course, planning to take a reserved train shortly after flight arrival also has its issues, as most tickets are not refundable or changeable if you miss the train.