Best rental car companies in France
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 |
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. |
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. |
But you do get a much better deal by renting ahead of time rather than waiting till you get to France.
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On a 15 day basic rental for the smallest standard shift car, Kemwel came out at $25 per day while Autoeurope cost $30 per day.
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I have always found the earlier that I rent a car the better price that I receive.
Even here in the US, that is true. I've already booked my summer weekends, Thanksgiving and Christmas rental cars because it is much cheaper! |
I rent cars enough, both in the states and abroad to know that, for the most part (not always), as the time gets nearer, the price gets higher. A lot like air fares,
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I think rent would be the best option. The travel season is almost here. That kind of relaxing vacation will have you feeling great. I think rent should be 26$ per day.
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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?
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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. |
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, |
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