France, rental car or train?
Aug 10th, 2004, 09:28 AM
#1
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France, rental car or train?
We're going to London, France and Italy in Oct. and were wondering the best way to see the backroads and villages of France. If we take the train, won't we miss a lot?
Aug 10th, 2004, 09:45 AM
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Rental car is the best way to see the backroads and villages of France. Without a doubt.
And generally speaking flying is the best way to move from one country to another (of the three you mention).
I'd recommend putting Italy in the middle, believe it or not (flying to/rfom there) - - and arriving/departing from London (or Manchester) and Paris (or Nice) - - in either order.
If you don't plan to drive in England, nor in Italy - - then perhaps leave France until last (you'll be more ready for it).
Best wishes,
Rex
And generally speaking flying is the best way to move from one country to another (of the three you mention).
I'd recommend putting Italy in the middle, believe it or not (flying to/rfom there) - - and arriving/departing from London (or Manchester) and Paris (or Nice) - - in either order.
If you don't plan to drive in England, nor in Italy - - then perhaps leave France until last (you'll be more ready for it).
Best wishes,
Rex
Aug 10th, 2004, 10:44 AM
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What Rex has recommended is best if indeed you fly from a major city in each country to the next major city, and then take trips in some kind of circular route that brings you back to each city so you can fly to the next country. An advantage in renting a car separately in each country is that there will be no dropoff fee.
My suggestion would be that if you do want to drive only in France, you should fly into Rome, enjoy the city and possibly day trips to the Italian countryside, then fly into Paris and rent your car for a sweep around the country in a circular route that is as big as the days you have available, then catch a train through the chunnel from Paris to London. There are other variations of such a trip, but this would be my choice.
My suggestion would be that if you do want to drive only in France, you should fly into Rome, enjoy the city and possibly day trips to the Italian countryside, then fly into Paris and rent your car for a sweep around the country in a circular route that is as big as the days you have available, then catch a train through the chunnel from Paris to London. There are other variations of such a trip, but this would be my choice.
Aug 10th, 2004, 11:14 AM
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Flying from England-Italy, and then Italy-France would be cheaper than train England-France and then fly France-Italy.
Also, an open jaw into/out of England/France will probably be cheaper than into/out of either country plus Italy.
Also, an open jaw into/out of England/France will probably be cheaper than into/out of either country plus Italy.
Aug 10th, 2004, 12:38 PM
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France Rail 'n Drive pass lets you mix train and car days - picking up an AVIS or Hertz (AVIs is in the stations) and returning it at any other station in France. Therefore you escape the drag and expense of long-haul freeway driving but can drive through the countryside as well. Autoroutes - the only way to get anywhere quickly - charge very steep tolls - about $100 Paris-Nice plus $4-5/gallon gas.
