My family is traveling between Lucca, Italy and Paris, France in late August. I have researched and there are 3 options to get to Paris: * travel via overnight train * travel via flight from Pisa or Milan to Paris
* drive 9 hours to Paris I would like to travel by car because I was thinking of stopping in Genevea, Switzerland and sightseeing for a day. We could stay overnight and then go up to Paris the following day. We have 3 kids who travel well. Any concerns with roads, or driving in general? Many thanks!!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10542 posts
My biggest concern would be the large fee charged for renting in one country and returning in another. Also factor in fuel ($$$) and tolls. I believe you need to buy some kind of vignette to drive in Switzerland, which I think I remember as being about 40€. You should see how much it will cost to do that before making your decision. I suspect going by train or cheap flight would cost less. If you do decide to rent a car in Italy you will need to be sure that all drivers have an International Drivers Permit (IDP). They are available at AAA for $15.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
In addition to everything Andrea mentioned, do you have a specific reason for seeing Geneva? I haven't been to Switzerland, but Rick is not alone in finding it of low interest (and high cost). Other places around Lake Geneva, including Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey, and Chateau de Chillon are usually ranked much higher. I see that the train from Lucca to Geneva involves multiple changes and takes over 11 hours (I just looked at morning departures for tomorrow, so there may be some faster way). In your situation, I'd probably fly, particularly if you can get a discount fare. Don't overlook flying out of Florence (although Pisa is a bigger airport and has more flights, Florence may have a better price or availability on the day you need).