Hi-
We will be traveling to Paris and then onto Normandy in April. I was planning to rent a car close to our hotel (The Majestic Hotel and Spa) to drive to Normandy and then return it to CDG when we fly out. I have seen much advice on this forum about the perils of renting and driving in Paris and even saw somewhere the advice to take the train to Caen and rent the car there. We are limited on time so won't be stopping along the way and we have never been to Paris. Do you all feel it is best to train to Caen and then return the car to CDG when we fly out 3 days later? Or is getting out of Paris no big deal? I sincerely appreciate any advice you all have. I have not been to Europe for 18 years and will have my husband and 3 kiddos in tow. I'm trying to plan best as I can so as to make things as smooth as possible-knowing full well there will be many hick up's along the way ;)
Gratefully!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7453 posts
I rented and returned the vehicle at CDG, but the trip was much longer.
The last time I drove in Paris was 2004 and somehow managed to end up on streets that took me straight to that large traffic circle at the Arc de Triomphe, not once, but twice.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1304 posts
There is a Hertz Location at Porte Maillot a 15-minute walk from your hotel, and it is very close to the periphery road. So if you have them point you in the right direction when leaving, you will shortly be out of Paris proper and won't really have to deal with the worst of the Parisian traffic. That being said, while I have used it, I usually just take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Caen and rent from there. It is simple and I find it more relaxing. The train station is over twice as far, but you could take a bus there in about 20 minutes.