Hi ! We are returning to Paris with our Hertz car rental on Bastille Day Sunday July 14th in the afternoon. We want to make the car rental return as stress free and easy as possible. (We are returning from Honfleur and possibly Giverny). Would it be better to do the drop off at Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon.
I know I can take the northern or southern Peripherique road to either destination. We will take a taxi from the train station to our hotel after the car drop off. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Nord. 'Afternoon' is kind of vague, but the parade starts at ten and Lyon is uncomfortably close to the break-up area. Nord is also a heck of a lot easier to reach from the A14/N13. The car return is under the southwest corner of the station. The entrance is a down ramp with a 'P' parking sign that leads into the garage. The ramp is beside (not in front of) the McDonalds across from the station. It might be Rue Compeigne, no promise.
Posted by
OP
Santa Monica, CA
22 posts
Thank you for your reply.
I guess Nord it is! Can you tell me what other festivities there may be in Paris on Bastille Day? Thanks again!
Posted by
OP
Santa Monica, CA
22 posts
By the way, we expect to be back in Paris between 3:00-4:00pm.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Nord is still better. Beats me, which sounds really stupid, but I've only been there twice on the fourteenth, both times by semi-accident. All I know about are the Fireman's Balls at the stations. all are invited, toss in a donation, it's a hoot; and the fireworks on the Champ, watch from any bridge downstream of Pont Concorde and you wont' get tangled up in the crowds.
Posted by
OP
Santa Monica, CA
22 posts
Thank you... much appreciated!
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
The balls start after sundown on the 13th. People are pretty much sleeping it off on the 14th. Agree with Ed, Nord.