Flying in on Air France, where and how do we rent a car for 5 people? Our plan is to leave CDG to drive to Lisieux, spend a couple hours, drive to Caen for 1st night stay, tour D-Day Beaches the next day, spending that night by or at Mont St Michel (need suggestions on where to stay), tour Mont St Michel the following day and drive back to Paris that afternoon. I know this is a short time, but it's all we have. Any and all advice would be appreciated including car info, routes, hotel! Many thanks!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
You can pick up a rental at CDG. One day is not ideal for self-touring all of the D-Day sites, but you can hit at least 3 of the major ones in that amount of time (American cemetery, Point du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Sword Beach, etc.). With only one day, however, I would probably skip the museums.
The quickest route to Mont St. Michel from the D-Day areas is to drive south on the E03 towards Avranche and Pontaublaut, then follow the signs along the secondary roads to the Mont. You'll see it from miles away, so it's easy to find. You may as well sleep on the island- it would be like traveling to see New York and staying in Newark! I have stayed at Auberge St. Pierre, which was more than adequate, if not spectacular.
One question for you- is this the begining of your trip? If so... you really haven't factored in jet-lag, which can really bite you if you don't address it. My bias would be to skip Lisieux, go straight to Caen, spend a relaxing day, and go to sleep early. Otherwise... I'm not sure it would be wise to do all this driving if you don't plan around the inevitable fatigue.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
2 posts
Thank you for your advice and suggestions. Unfortunately - yes - this is the 1st day of our trip Thank you for your advice!
In checking autoeurope.com - I am seeing about 1000 USD for the 2 1/2 days - is this an average rate? The driver needs an automatic.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
"I am seeing about 1000 euros for the 2 1/2 days" ?! No, that sounds far too high! Check the websites of the major international firms, like Alamo, Sixt, National, etc.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
What kind of car were you looking at on the Auto Europe site that cost $1000? I just checked the AE site and found a three-day rental for a VW Touran (automatic) for $445 and a Peugeot 407 wagon (automatic) for $543. These are basic rates, not inclusive rates. The driver would need to decline CDW coverage to get them. This will work if the driver's credit card provides insurance coverage in France. The inclusive rates with CDW aren't all that much higher. Even the 7-passenger Chrysler Voyager has a basic rate of $593.
Posted by
Danville, California, USA
139 posts
With the short time I would forget about Mont St Michel. I would also consider staying in Bayeux. I understand there is a new museum about WWII with is suppose to be very good. You need a full day to visit the cemetary, Gold Beach (Brits landing area), Omaha and or Utah. Also Maire St Englais is well worth the visit and has a nice informative small museum. While in Bayeaux you can see the tapistry, very interesting. We stayed at a well situated nice small hotel in Bayeaux. Don't recall the name but if you send me a private note I can look it up. The drive to Mont is long an slow, and if you are going during a touristy time it will be packed. There is so much more to see and do along the coast, Touville, Douville (sp).