So everyone on here seems to have it down for luggage sizes for trains. Now how about a compact rental car in France? Will one 24 inch and one 27 inch fit in the trunk? thanks

Very likely not.

But check with the web site of the company you are renting from - and it will have car sizes with picture of the luggage it will hold. The smaller cars show trunks that usually hold one suitcase (27" would qualify) and a couple of carryons.

22 inch. 22 inch. 22 inch. Repeat this mantra after me.

Plus a small-medium nylon duffel, as you wish. As "squashable" as possible, for irregular spaces inside the vehicle.

Best wishes,

Rex

take a look at a VW Golf at your local Volkswagen dealer. compact cars in Europe have virtually the same size trunk. my guess is the luggage will fit, no sweat. My wife and I have driven in Europe every year since 1973 and often in a compact. we don't travel lite. get more info from the guys at gemut.com

Hi C,

We put one 27" and one 22" in the trunk of a Peugeot 307 and still had room for a bottle of wine, a piece of cheese and a baguette.

I have come to find that it really does depend on which kind of car you actually get...I love the term "or similar" since it is even better at describing the configuration and the size of various automobile "storage spaces."

Last Summer we eneded up with the infamous Lancia and its rather unique transmission in France which was a hatchback. And as light as we were traveling we still had some difficulty getting all the luggage into the rear (and out of sight) because of the way the storage area was configured, the spare, etc.

I'm still lookintg for the piece of luagge that is "crushable" but also has a handle and wheels...I may have found it with a new Eagle Creek number...

but remain flexible.

We were able to fit a 27 inch and a 22 inch plus some other bits into the trunk of a Citroen C3 with no problem.
The C3 is a common "compact" rental option in France. Who are you renting from? What kind of cars does the rental company list in their "compact" category? You are more likely to be given a French car--Renault Clio, Citroen C3, Peugeot 307, etc.--in France, but no guarantees. The "or similar" option is something you need to keep in mind.
I think you'd do better to go down to two 24" suitcases. You don't need to to restrict yourselves only to 22" cases, however. At least that's been our experience.

My husband and I traveled to Italy with two 27-inch bags. Only one fit in the trunk of the compact Opel we rented from Hertz. The other one had to go in the backseat. We weren't too comfortable with this (it went against advice and good sense) but luckily, didn't have a problem.

thanks all. It is with Autoeurope, compacts are listed as VW golf/beetle etc....

Hi chichi,

I think that if you click on the image of the car it will show you passengers and luggage sizes.

thanks Ira- Per other posters, you are so very helpful!

Wondering if anyone has rented a C2 and has comments on boot/trunk space - I know there is info on the website but nothing is better than hearing from someone who has direct experience

There are a few C2s in my neighborhood and they have less trunk space (from what I can tell) than the C3s. If I see another one this week-end, I'll take a closer look.

Many thanks BT - currently have a C2 booked but will go up to a C3 if needs be - it's not the money - I just fancied the C2 to nip around the back roads of Provence.

Actually, we like the C3 much better than the C2 and think it has a stronger family resemblance to the old "Deux Chevaux" than the C2. The C3 is on our short list when we go compact car shopping in a few months. It's nimble and peppy. Surprisingly comfortable for long rides (in the front; the back seats are suitable for young kids only).
However, are you guaranteed a C2 or could you be fobbed off with the dreaded "or similar"? I would hate to think I'm renting a C2, get there and be given the keys to an Opel Corsa.

Such a sensible answer - the comparison to the 2CV has me sold - would pay double if we could be guaranteed a 2CV - had a wonderful Renault 5 many years ago - 782cc engine and a heart of a well I not sure but it was big heart - sad day when that little fella died. Am going to change reservation now.
Many thanks

C3s are gone with autoeurope - so will go with the C2 and perhaps change for our drive up from Paris..fingers crossed no Opel!