We are arriving in Cherbourg at the ferry terminal on a Sunday and have been advised that because all rental car offices are closed on Sundays in France, we can pick up the keys to the car we have booked at the Mercure Hotel in Cherbourg. Has anyone ever had a similar experience and can we rely on the key being there when we turn up at the Hotel? We are renting through Europcar.
Posted by
3123 posts
Not quite parallel to your question, but last year we had to leave our rental car in the Cherbourg ferry terminal parking and drop the keys in the security box inside the terminal. (Long story, related to a dock workers strike.) It worked out fine; apparently our keys and the car got back to the company and we weren't charged extra or anything.
Our rental company was Hertz but I would guess Avis, Europcar, and any of the other major companies serving Cherbourg (and other major Channel ports) are well versed in dealing with ferry arrivals and departures. Of course it would be a good idea to call the hotel on Saturday while the car office is still open to confirm your plans.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thanks Epltd,
There must be lots of people who arrive in France on Sunday and wish to rent cars.
I googled The Mercure and I think they are affiliated with Europcar. Thanks for your suggestion re calling them on the Saturday. Hope they speak English as my crash course in French probably won't help me.
Posted by
3123 posts
I find that workers in the tourist & transportation industries on both sides of the Channel tend to be pretty bilingual.
For the sake of courtesy, I'd try to start out in French: Bon jour. Je m'apelle Anne Monaghan. Then switch to English: I'm calling to confirm our rental car for tomorrow from Europcar.
This way, at least they know you made an effort to speak their language!
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Merci beaucoup epltd. Let's hope it all works out.