We are arriving in Paris (via CDG) and renting a car and driving to Loire. We would like to drive back to Paris and return the car NEAR but not in the heart of the city to avoid driving there. We would like to return the car at a spot where we can connect to subway or bus to get to our AirBnb in Le Marais.
Any suggestions for the best spot? We have rented from SIXT.
If you're coming back from the Loire region, returning the car at Orly airport should work.
I originally thought of Orly, but my understanding is that there are no connected Metro stations. How would one get to Paris (specifically Le Marais) from Orly, for a reasonable cost without to much transferring?
Public transportation from Orly to the Marais is not ideal; a 37€ taxi is money well spent when you have luggage and there are two of you.
Another possible return spot is Gare de Lyon, which only involves minimal driving on city streets if you come into the city via Porte de Bercy, and gets you straight on metro line 1 for the Marais.
EDIT: had no idea there was a Sixt office at Porte d'Orléans; that's an even better option, but do clarify the return location if you use it, because I do not see a car park at the address of the agency.
If you are traveling north to Paris on A10/A6, ORY is a relatively easy drop off. From ORY, taxis to Paris are 32€/37€ to the Left/Right Bank respectively. You can also take the Orlybus to Denfort Rochereau for 9.50€, the OrlyVal - Antony, connect RER B to Paris for 12.10€, or the Tramway 7 to métro 7 for two tickets t+ (3.80€).
Personally, I would take A6a to Porte d´Orléans as there is a Sixt office just a few blocks away at 126 Boulevard Brune, 75014
Hello from Wisconsin,
Renting a car at CDG is easy, getting out of CDG airport with your rental and on to 'your road' is difficult. No sign will be provided for your destination. However, returning a car to CDG is a piece of cake. All signs point you to Car Return. Follow the signs and your car will go to its home.
Plan ahead to avoid 'bad', crowded roads when returning to CDG. You might have to take a bit of a circuitous route to the airport. Absolutely do not try driving in or through Paris. But these outer ring roads are interstate quality and easily navigated. Don't get too close to Paris to start your descent into CDG airport.
Returning the car early and staying in the Marias is a great idea. Take the subway from the airport. Paris RER operates a train from Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 to Châtelet les Halles every 5 minutes. Tickets cost €5 - €9 and the journey takes 38 min. The walk from Les Halles to the Marias is an easy walk. Flat, paved, occupied. You will likely pass by the Pompidou Museum. The beauty of taking the RER from the airport is that it is the terminus for that end of the line. You can not possibly hop on the train and have it go the wrong way. Getting off at the correct stop is also fairly easy. The 11th stop after getting on is Gare du Nord expect a lot of people to exit at this stop. The very next stop will be Châtelet les Halles.
Get off and get above ground and orient yourself by either using you phone' mapping, or by having a quality, detailed paper map.
enjoy,
wayne iNWI
