We have an opportunity for a FREE time share about 1 1/2 hours (via car) outside Paris and 1hr from Normandy. We want to travel to Normandy for 2 days then see paris for about 4 days or so. We are looking for the CHEEPEST way to get around. Renting a car seems cheeper than taking the train into the city. Once in the city the subway system sounds like the way to go. Now for my questions:
For a family of 4, 2 adult/2 youth, do you know what would be cheeper, a car or train for the week?
Is there any parking outside of Paris right at the subway line? (I think this would be easier than driving in the city.)
What are the fees for parking for the day? Is it safe?
I should also tell you that we plan to chunnel (one way) to London after our stay in France.
Lastly, where can I find simple information about the trains in France? The maps are hard to understand.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
It really depends on where your time share is. If you can't easily walk to a train station with access to Paris, you'll likely need a rental car.
To get information on train schedules, go to www.sncf.fr. For rental car rates, try www.autoeurope.com.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Yes, tell us where the timeshare is so we can help you determine your route--and thus your cost--by train. For example, you might be able to take a regional SNCF train. Or you might need to take the RER.
Posted by
OP
norco
3 posts
We are staying at the Le Manoir des Deux Amants in Connelles. It is some what near Roune. It looks like we will probably drive in to Paris everyday. The train will cost us $950 plus the cost of a car for 3 days to visit Normandy. It is much cheeper to rent a car for the week than take the train.
I need to know if there is a place to park my car outside of Paris but with in walking distance to the subway?
Is it safe?
How much would it be to park for the day? It seems like all the places I see are only for a few hours. I'd also like to know how much the tolls will be to drive to and from Paris? Thanks.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
In your situation, I would look for the end of an RER line as a place to park a car for the day. From my Metro/RER maps it's hard to tell which line would be most convenient.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
After checking train timetables, it looks like the closest train station to Connelles is at St-Pierre du Vauvray. Trains to Paris from there depart at 06:23 and 07:52. The last train from Paris to St-Pierre du Vauvray departs at 18:53. The fare is €15.10. FYI, taking the train from Rouen won't allow you to have a longer day in Paris because the last train leaves Paris at 18:10.
Check this site for parking: www.parkingsdeparis.com. The 16eme and 17eme arrondissements are on the west edge of Paris.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I checked the parking site I gave you more closely. Look at the map for the 17eme arrondissement, specifically on the western edge. There are several car parks close to Porte Maillot which is just inside the Peripherique ring road and has both a Metro and a RER station close by. The closest car parks are Porte Maillot (254), Le Meridien-Etoile (247), and Paris-Maillot (251).
Posted by
OP
norco
3 posts
Thanks all. Looking forward to the trip.