We plan to rent a car to tour Normandy in late September. Avis lists 35 dropoff sites in Paris. Our accommodations are in the Marais (ARR 3) district. I can't find any of the addresses on the Rick Steves map in the France 2010 book. Any ideas on the closest place? Or would it be best to drop it off on the outskirts of town and take public transit to our hotel?
Posted by
Dallas, United States
707 posts
For us it was best to pick up or drop off cars on the outskirts of town and then take public transportation, the Metro. When renting I look for a station/agency near the peripherique and a Metro station that will get me to my hotel in a minimum number of train changes thus avoiding Paris traffic, finding directions, etc. Good luck.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I’ve rented and dropped off with Hertz before at the old Air France terminal at Esplanade des Invalides, but that’s in the 7th and not in the Marais…not sure if that’s helpful for you or not. The facility is within easy walking distance from Eiffel Tower, rue Cler, or the war museum - musée de l'Armée. There are several rental companies operating from that terminal. The one big drawback to renting anywhere right in the city is driving in and out of central Paris…challenging but doable for some.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
If you're just going to need the car for Normandy, have you considered dropping it in Caen, Bayeux or Rouen and training from there into Paris?