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rental car in Rouen and return in Caen

I am sorry if this question has already been asked, I didn't see a specific answer in the forum already:)

I am planning on renting a car in Rouen and touring Normandy, taking around for 3-4 days for the trip including visiting MSM. I would like to return the car in Caen and then train back to Paris. The reason I want to rent a car in Rouen is we would like to visit Etretat before making our way to the D day beaches and MSM. Our last stop will be MSM, if we drive back to Caen and return the car there, would that be a good plan, or is there another city that would work better for this? And does anyone recommend a certain car rental agency that allows you to rent a return cars in different cities? Thanks!

Posted by
49 posts

Or I suppose I could return the car to Rennes as well, and travel to Paris from there?

Posted by
1227 posts

If your last stop is Mont Saint-Michel, it would be easier to return to, and train back from Rennes. There are several rental companies with offices at the train station. Be aware that some companies charge a drop-off fee if you drop off in a different city than you picked up. Also be aware of office closing days and hours. Most are closed on Sundays, and most also close for long lunches. Usually not problem for drop-off if they have a key drop.

Posted by
920 posts

We did the reverse this past April. We took the train from Paris to Rennes; picked up a rental car from Enterprise. Then on to MSM; then on to Bayeux and around Normandy including Rouen. We left Rouen for Lille then dropped our car off in Lille taking the train on to Belgium.

I would recommend after MSM; drive to Rennes and drop the car off at the rental agency at the Rennes train station and then take the train back to Paris.

I would also suggest that if you go to Rouen first, and plan to stay in Rouen, don't plan to pick up your rental until you depart for Etretat. There is no point in having a car in Rouen; parking is impossible and not necessary.