Does Caen offer good car rentals? We want to rent a car in Caen and travel to Chartes Cathedral and on to Chinon and onto Amboise where we want to leave the car and take a train to Paris. This will be May, 2009 Any thoughts? Dorsey
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
When I plan to rent a car, I always do a google search for 'auto rental Cannes' or 'Monaco'. You will learn which agencies have the lowest rates.
Compare rates for each agency and use the toll free phone number to talk with an agent so you can ask questions.
Be sure to ask about drop charges if you leave your car at an office other than the one you took it at.
And remember that you pay the airport tax when you take you car at the airport.
I request taking my car at a hotel or RR station in town and take the public transportation or a taxi to that location and save way more than the airport tax.
You have to research those costs in order to know which is cheaper.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
AutoEurope is a consolidator that finds you the best rate from among the rental companies with which it has contracts. If you find a better rate on your own, AE promises to either match or beat it. Their Web site gives two rates, a basic rate that doesn't include CDW coverage and a higher rate that does. If your credit card company provides insurance coverage in France, you can decline the CDW coverage and save some money. Call AE's US toll-free number to ask about deals that don't appear on the Web site.
There is a pick up point in Caen right by the train station.
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
We rented through Auto Europe in Caen this spring. Very convenient to the train station. No problems at all.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Just one thought, that it might be logistically cleaner to visit Chartres last, leaving your car there.
You know best about that obviously.