Ann1

We always rent from AutoEurope but their office (actually they use Hertz in Bayeux) in Bayeux has temporarily moved out of town.I don't want to take a car from Caen, we are looking into renting from Renault-Rent right at the Bayeux station.

Has anyone rented from them? What has your experience been?

Ann1

Anyone?

johnnydread1

Why would anyone want to rent a car in Europe? The price of petrol alone would stop me in my tracks. Along with the unbelievable traffic situation, parking, tolls, having to constantly refer to a map and the incredible expense of renting any car with an automatic transmission, there is only one way to travel in Europe. Public transport. Either bus, rail or air (AirBerlin, for example), you can't beat the price and convenience. And finally, think of your carbon footprint that you leave behind for the great inconvenience of renting a car. Give it up.

ira

Hi Ann,

Also check www.novacarhire.com and www.interrent.com/cms/com/index.jsp

hetismij

"Either bus, rail or air (AirBerlin, for example), you can't beat the price and convenience. And finally, think of your carbon footprint that you leave behind for the great inconvenience of renting a car"

What about the carbon footprint of getting to Europe in the first place? That makes hiring a car seem like nothing, plus you suggest she flies within Europe - hardly "green" advice.

Ann I can't help with the car hire, but don't be put off by johnnydread - try ira's suggestions. Good luck!

Ann1

Thank you Ira. I will see if they have office in Bayeux.

Hetismij: Thank you, but Johnnydread1 doesn't put me off. I will match my carbon footprint at home to his any day and I will win hands down.

Also people who say things like he did don't know Normandy. The best way to get around is by car. We also don't get a car with automatic transmission. We rent a stick shift.

hetismij

Ann I love Normandy, and agree a car is the way to go. Do have a great trip!

bilboburgler

I use these guys www.auto-europe.co.uk who act as a discounter and they seem to sort out all the francisees for me

Big_Red

When we rented are in Normandy, we picked the car up Caen. Driving to Bayeaux was no sweat.

In Caen the rental office literally across the street from the station exit. It was with Hertz.

traveller1959

The rental station is the official Renault Car dealer in Bayeux. It is indeed close to the rail station.

The opening hours are from 7.00 to 19:00 every day.

You can book online:

www.renault-rent.com

I have rented many times from car dealers (once in France, from Citroen, but never from Renault). It is somewhat different from car rental firms like Avis, Hertz etc. They may have just 2 or 3 car rentals a day (mostly by people whose car is in repair), but it is okay.

The cars will be new and the rates are usually good.

Ann1

Thank you, everyone, for your input. I appreciate it.

cpmac

Yes Renault rent hire place at Bayeux is 100 yds from the station.
Bayeux is much more convenient than Caen. It can take 20 minutes to get out of Caen then 20 minutes to Bayeux.

Another hire place is ADA, a national chain.

A poster said the price of fuel and the road conditions would stop them in their tracks. In France their are railways that you can use to get between cities and roads for the rest. There's no other option. Mini bus tours and driver guide fees reflect the price of gasoline. You can't walk round the 50 mile d day coastline.
Driving in Normandy is no sweat. The roads are not congested most of the time.