My husband and I will be traveling to Paris for the first time in September. We will be staying close to Palais Garnier and about a 20 minute walk to the Louve. When we leave Paris for Normandy we would like to go see Giverny if at all possible. I have been reading on the travel forum that many do not recommend renting a car in Paris. However some suggest we rent from either a place near Arc
D' Triomphe or Gare de Lyon or one person suggested Les Sablon metro station. From what they said those were the best places to rent a car that is a more direct route out of Paris. The other idea was to take a train to the Vernon-Giverny station and then rent the car there. It looks like it is about a 20 minute walk (with luggage) if we rent there. So, my question is, what is our best option? Is it best to just get a car in Paris at one of those stations, and if so, which station? Or would you take the train? If we took the train are there taxi's or Uber to the car rental place. We are in good health and can walk it too, just a little awkward with luggage. I would also like to do what is most economical, time efficient and safe. Any clue what the tolls are from Paris to Bayeux? Thanks for your help. Having never been there, I just can't picture how to do this!
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
I would normally say to avoid getting a car in Paris if possible, but in this case I would expect that there might be slim pickings iat a station like Vernon-Giverny, and most likely no automatics if that's what you need.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I personally like to start using a car when it's necessary and take a train until then. When I toured Normany last September, I decided to train to Rouen from Saint Lazare to pick up a car. After a morning looking around the town, I drove the car to Etretat, my first stop.
Posted by
10 posts
Avoid renting at the big train stations. Extra fees. We are staying in Le Marais and picking up a car at Pont Neuf to head to Burgundy. Call Auto Europe. They can be super helpful. If you get someone less than helpful, ask to be transferred or call back in a few minutes.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions! I really appreciate your help a ton!!!
Posted by
San Diego
187 posts
We are also staying in Le Marais and did your trip in reverse. Drove from Normandy to Paris via Giverny. I'd planned to return the car at Gare de Lyon which is supposed to be super straight forward but DH decided Gare du Nord would be better. Worst idea ever!
Nav took us straight through the center of the city at rush hour and it was impossible to figure out where to drop the car until three separate people helped me. We love having a car in small Europeam towns as we turn off autoroutes in the NAV for incredible scenic drives. Stumbled upon an important 11th century abbey as well as a chateau in the middle of nowhere where we picnicked completely alone last weekend. I'm 0 for 3 trips so far, however, on successfully managing a car near a major city!
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10629 posts
Gare du Nord is particularly difficult to find the entrance the first time. My husband had trouble finding it on a Sunday night after we had been living in the neighborhood for four months. In general always look for the station parking structure. It's in there.
Posted by
Birmingham AL
346 posts
Based on my own shopping, I found it's generally cheaper and you have better selection if you rent at CDG.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
We picked up our rental at Ave Foch (Europcar). It's just past the Arc without having to go near it, and it's almost a straight shot to the periphiquere (ring road). And we were able to easily walk to it from the Etoile metro stop - unless you are not travelling light...we did OK getting out of the city...we actually got out to the ring road fine, except we messed up the GPS, which was speaking German to us, and ended up back by the Eiffel Tower...lol. Luckily, it was a Sun morning.
Posted by
263 posts
I would second CDG. There are numerous companies, prices are competitive, no problem in reserving an automatic - and no need to drive in the city:)