Car rental pick up and drop off suggestions for lower cost.

We are planing on going to France for two weeks. Will be spending 4 days in Paris, then head to Loire Valley and make our way down to south of France and end our trip in Nice. Car rental is costing us $1100 for ten days. This seems to be a bit more than we were expecting to pay. Since we are not familiar with France I%26#39;m wondering if pick up and drop off locations would make a difference in the cost of car rental(as it does in U.S.A). We were looking to pick up from CDG(Paris airport) and drop off in Nice airport. We are open to taking a bus or train to reduce the overall cost but from what I%26#39;m reading it seems that a car is a must in most areas of France.

Any Suggestions? Should I take a bus to Loire valley from Paris? Do I need a car in Loire Valley, we will be traveling with luggage.

Is it cheaper to contact the companies rather than booking online?

Thanks

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Forgot to mention that we need an automatic car. That might be driving the price up.

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You will usually get the best prices online. Check out www.autoeurope.com which often has good prices with the major rental companies.

However, around €80 per day for an auto car is not a bad rate. Europeans do not use auto cars and regard them as a luxury, so they are priced accordingly.

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Since you%26#39;ll already be in Paris renting a car at CDG is not the best move... it%26#39;s on the opposite side of the city from where you want to go.

I think a car is the best way to cover the areas you wish to see... it is possible by train but there are things that would be hard or impossible to get to.

You can either take the TGV train from Paris to a station in the Loire valley in Tours called St Pierre des Corps and pick up your car there or drive from a rental office in Paris. Contrary to what many will tell you, driving OUT of Paris is not that difficult.

You will get the best deals by booking your car ahead. As Nick mentioned, AutoEurope.com is a broker many here have found good to use. As they are based in Maine you will find it easy to talk to them by phone. Probably a good idea in your case since you seem to have a specific need for an automatic.

Have a great trip!

Rob