I%26#39;ll be renting a car in Paris (Gare du Nord) for a tour of Normandy during the first week in June. I%26#39;m not too familiar with Euro cars as they are different(smaller) than Canadian cars. Can someone recommend a car that will carry 3 people, 2 large and 1 medium suitcases? Also, do hatchback cars have a cargo cover to conceal your luggage? I%26#39;ll be visiting the Dday beaches and heard that a$$hole$ will be looking to steal luggage from parked cars along the beaches so I need to make sure everything can fit in the truck/boot and out of sight. Thanks for your time.
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While there is only the two of us, I always reserve the smallest (and cheapest) car avaiable. They usually don%26#39;t have this car avaiable so I get an upgraded version for the same price as the cheaper car.
As far as leaving your bags in the car? Aren%26#39;t you going to stay in a hotel? leave them in the hotel!
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If you go to the Hertz.com or Avis.com websites for international and %26quot;pretend%26quot; to go through the process of renting, you can view the cars and the people/luggage recommendations.
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I%26#39;m a rather ambitious person who likes to see alot. I%26#39;ll be leaving Paris 8 in the morning and won%26#39;t be getting into my hotel until 6pm in Dinan (400kms) away. So I would like to leave the luggage in the car during the stops we%26#39;ll be making along the way. Also, I did do a mock rental to view the cars size and it%26#39;s not easy to gauge the size of the trunk.
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1. Trunk space in European cars does not begin to approach that to which someone from N America will be accustomed. By large suitcases, if you mean larger than a standard 22%26quot; rolling case, you will indeed have concerns as to keep everything hidden in the trunk (highly advised) may be difficult - even at the mid size car class. If you are carrying cases as large as 27%26quot;, you may want to rethink your overall packing strategy. Three (or 4) 22%26quot; suitcases should easily fit into most trunks if placed wheels first, lengthwise (pull out handle pointing aft). Carry larger than that and you may have difficulty.
2. I could give you a comprehensive list of every rental company operating in Paris as well as every broker handling European rentals. However I recomend you do what I and many other frequent auto renters in France do, contact Autoeurope for a quote (3 day minimum):
www.autoeurope.com
3. I have yet to see a hatchback lacking a cargo cover. I suspect the reason is because break ins are all too frequent. Be very careful about leaving valuables in your unattended car and never attempt to do so in the Parisian metropolitan area. These simple steps might help:
a. Lock valuables in the glove box.
b. Leave nothing in plain view, particularly maps and English language magazines or newspapers.
c. Place a copy of a local French newspaper (date not important) clearly visible in the windshield.
4. If you are staying in Paris before you depart, find a rental office at some location other than a train station or airport. You%26#39;ll save the 30€ to 60€ pickup surcharge fee.
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Here%26#39;s a site that will give you details on many European cars to get an idea...
http://www.parkers.co.uk/
Look at the car classes available. I wouldn%26#39;t recommend anything smaller than a Ford Focus size car for 3 plus luggage.
Last summer I rented a VW Passat Wagon and drove from Nice to Paris via Andorra. It was perfect for my wife, daughter and I. I will try to snag the same car next time although it%26#39;s always hard to be sure you%26#39;ll get exactly the model you want.
The Passat wagon had a sliding cover over the luggage area. Any hatchback you might rent will have a cover also.
Have you decided on who to rent from? I had excellent service from autoeurope.com and you can discuss your needs by phone very easily as they are based in Maine. They also run the Kemwel.com site. They say they will match any lower price so there%26#39;s little to lose by talking to them.
More car questions? Ask away. 2 things I love are cars and France! ;^)
Rob
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1. Trunk space in European cars does not begin to approach that to which someone from N America will be accustomed. By large suitcases, if you mean larger than a standard 22%26quot; rolling case, you will indeed have concerns as to keep everything hidden in the trunk (highly advised) may be difficult - even at the mid size car class. If you are carrying cases as large as 27%26quot;, you may want to rethink your overall packing strategy. Three (or 4) 22%26quot; suitcases should easily fit into most trunks if placed wheels first, lengthwise (pull out handle pointing aft). Carry larger than that and you may have difficulty.
2. I could give you a comprehensive list of every rental company operating in Paris as well as every broker handling European rentals. However I recomend you do what I and many other frequent auto renters in France do, contact Autoeurope for a quote (3 day minimum):
www.autoeurope.com
3. I have yet to see a hatchback lacking a cargo cover. I suspect the reason is because break ins are all too frequent. Be very careful about leaving valuables in your unattended car and never attempt to do so in the Parisian metropolitan area. These simple steps might help:
a. Lock valuables in the glove box.
b. Leave nothing in plain view, particularly maps and English language magazines or newspapers.
c. Place a copy of a local French newspaper (date not important) clearly visible in the windshield.
4. If you are staying in Paris before you depart, find a rental office at some location other than a train station or airport. You%26#39;ll save the 30€ to 60€ pickup surcharge fee.
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Seems it might be a good idea to ditch the idea of taking large suitcases... most people can do fine with smaller ones nowadays. Even for extended stays.
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Okay, I%26#39;ve decided to use AutoEurope. I%26#39;m going to pick up the car in Paris, Gare Du Nord Train station. Do I go to the AutoEurope desk or do I go to desk of the rental company they choose for me? How does this all work? Thanks.
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%26lt;%26lt;Do I go to the AutoEurope desk%26gt;%26gt;
Autoeurope is a broker, not a rental car company per se. You will proceed to the rental desk of the company with which arrangements have been made, i.e. Europcar, Sixt, Citer, or some other.
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samsvoc,
Sarastro is quite right. But don%26#39;t hesitate to call AutoEurope... they have an 800 number and will be happy to give you details or info over the phone.
Rob
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