We are arriving Paris/CDG on Sat, 9/29, renting a car from Hertz, driving to Honfleur/Bayeux/Mt. St. Michel. We would like to drop off in a place with train station close by, so we can take a train into Paris. Will the train track work be done at that time, so we could take a train out of Paris to another location to pick up car/drop off at same site, or should we rent at CDG and then drop off WHERE? I do not want to drive in Paris (and I know I'll take heat for this !). Thank you for your advice.
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
From what I've read, the construction work starts about mid-August, so most likely won't be done. Probably better to go with plan B at this time. Lots us don't want to drive in Paris, so that's cool. As you probably know, the car rental cost will be higher if you return it to a different location. Also, you need to think about what the effects of jetlag might have on your ability to focus on driving immediately after landing. Something I've done a couple times is to take a train to a town just outside of Paris that I want to visit and rent the car there. Versailles, Chartres, and Vernon (near Giverny) all have car rental companies (including Hertz).
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Based on the timetables on voyages-sncf.com which I checked a few weeks ago, the construction was originally scheduled to start around 15 July. However, the timetables have been revised and now the longer times with connections don't appear until 1 September. They still show for 29 September (which is as far in advance as one can see them as of today). I suggest that you rent a car at CDG and return it at Rouen. Direct trains from Rouen to Paris make the trip in around 90 minutes and that route will not be affected by the construction. So long as you pick up your car and return it in the same country, you shouldn't have to pay a drop-off fee. However, you will pay extra for picking up a car at CDG (or any airport).