Joe18

We're thnnking about renting a car and driving through Provence this summer. The last time we did this--in 1997--we learned that there was a major difference in rates among different companies. If I remember correctly Kemwell?? was cheapest. Does anyone know the best buys now?

Thanks,

Joe

Surfergirl

We used Autoeurope, which is a conglomerate of several agencies, and their prices were really reasonable, especially if you book far enough in advance. Last time we used them was in 2009 -- picked up the car in Nice and dropped off in Avignon.

Similar to booking here in the states -- the further out, the better the deal. Although I remember I did get a pretty good deal just going to a rental company back in '98 in Cannes. So long as you can manage a stick shift, and have insurance so you can waive theirs, the cost is pretty cheap.

StCirq

Kemwel and AutoEurope, which are basically sister companies. You can often get better rates by renting through their overseas websites.

I have never noticed that renting the farther out gets you a better deal.

Carlux

But you do get a much better deal by renting ahead of time rather than waiting till you get to France.

Michael

On a 15 day basic rental for the smallest standard shift car, Kemwel came out at $25 per day while Autoeurope cost $30 per day.

joannyc

I have always found the earlier that I rent a car the better price that I receive.

Even here in the US, that is true. I've already booked my summer weekends, Thanksgiving and Christmas rental cars because it is much cheaper!

Surfergirl

I rent cars enough, both in the states and abroad to know that, for the most part (not always), as the time gets nearer, the price gets higher. A lot like air fares,

JackDarcy

I think rent would be the best option. The travel season is almost here. That kind of relaxing vacation will have you feeling great. I think rent should be 26$ per day.

Sarastro

I don't think I have ever seen a rental available in France for $25 a day. Are you sure you have included: road tax, location surcharges, environmental fees, or other miscellaneous fees such as additional drivers?

Michael

My note, and I have not gone back to the site, is that Kemwel was $355 for 14 days. The smallest standard shift cars are not subject to the environmental fee, at least were not last year, and I am the only driver. The only surcharge I would expect would be the road tax and the possible airport/train station surcharge of 35€. I don't believe that this was a special, but I'll find out when I have my itinerary finalized and actually book the car. Even with whatever extra fees tacked on, the basic point is that Kemwel, for whatever reason, is cheaper than AutoEurope.

On a different note: In Norway we had to go with AutoEurope because the rental agencies that Kemwel used tacked on a one-way fee that made the rental more expensive than AutoEurope's although the base price was significantly lower. I found that out with the agent on the line, who was the same person for both Kemwel and AutoEurope.

plastic_paddy

I've said it before and I'll say it again - holiday autos is always the one for me in most of europe!

Checked today and their rates have dropped down quite a bit for this March anyway ($180 for a week plus the airport tax and vehicle fee).

Car rental in euope really doesn't work the same as home in the US - prices will pretty much be the same in advance than a week before you fly, depending on any special offers coming in,