Prior to spending a few days in Paris, we will be in the Alsace Lorraine area with a car, and after Paris we will travel with car to Normandy. While in Paris, we have reservations La Defense Mercure #5 and intend to park the car in their garage and use the metro as we've heard traffic is difficult within the city. Since we are staying in the outskirts of the periphery road, will it be easy to drive into initially and then out of Paris? Does anyone know about parking fees and use of this particular hotel's garage?

Hi S,

Would it be cheaper to drop the car near Paris and then get another one to visit Normandy, rather than paying about 20E/night for parking?

Didn't know it cost that much for parking. Thanks for the info. We got a good car rental rate for 11 days so just for ease we are considering keeping the car.

We might change hotels if this hotel doesn't have easy access.

We might change hotels to the Ibis Berthier in order to meet up with our grown son who is staying there (sorry for the confusion), so would your advice be the same for this hotel?
Appreciate any input about both locations you provide.

I guess the deciding factor would be...what is the difference in price between 2 rentals and one rental plus several days of not using and ,say, an average of 20 euros to park?

Alternatively, since some people here have done it..they stay in Paris, take train to area going to tour, and rent car there. When done, return to Paris by train.

I've driven in Paris. If you are used to city driving, you will be fine. Get a good city map, determine what your route to major highway will be, and go. Since you are already on the outskirts that removes having to drive to the centre.

The location of the Ibis Berthier is very good for accessing the Peripherique, so that is a good start.

They have an indoor and outdoor lot, fee probably varies. You should ask them what they charge, but a lot of garages in Paris charge between 17-23 euro per day, so I imagine it's in that range.