Renting a car in France

Old Jul 15th, 2012, 07:24 PM
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Renting a car in France

Hi,
I will visit Toulouse, Sarlat, Albi and maybe Rocamadour for the first week of October. I will arrive in Toulouse by train and plan to rent a car. I will travel solo and wondering which rental company is realible and how hard it is to deal with the paperwork. Is it better for me to rent an automatic or manual car? I used to drive stick shift car long ago before moving to the US. Does the gas station in France operate the same way as the US and accept credit card? How much do I expect to spend for gas for a week driving around those area?
Thanks.
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Old Jul 15th, 2012, 07:51 PM
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Manual transmission rentals are much cheaper than automatics. Also, it may be difficult to find an automatic transmission rental car where you are picking up. Gas stations do accept credit cards, but if unmanned, may only accept a chip/pin card.

Try kemwel.com or autoeurope.com for rental cars.
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Old Jul 15th, 2012, 08:34 PM
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First, I almost always rent from Hertz, as they have a great reputation and don't try to nickel and dime you.

In Toulouse Hertz has 4 locations, including one near the train station. If you go to their website, you can see the cars that they rent at each location.

Petrol prices are very expensive in Europe, but they help pay for some wonderful roads, of a much higher quality than anything in the US.
http://www.drive-alive.co.uk/fuel_prices_europe.html

Prices are per liter, so you will have to do a conversion to gallons to get an idea. As you see from the chart, Diesel is mch cheaper, and also gets great gas mileage. I rented a Renault that got a consistent 50mpg of diesel.

Gas stations, except in very small towns are self service. diesel mitts are at every pump. They have no problems taking credit cards.

How much you spend is determined by how much you drive.

I always pre-print some www.viamichelin.com trips. They offer alternate routes, tell you what the speed limits are in each area, tell you where toll collections are, and more.

I've done this a few times, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Old Jul 15th, 2012, 10:48 PM
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I have generally found the best prices with kemwel or autoeurope (they are sister companies) when using their basic rates, which means that the CDW is carried by my credit card. Check that yours allows that.
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 01:25 AM
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Your US credit card will not work at any pay-at-the-pump location. You must find a station with an attendant or cashier available to process your credit card manually. On holidays and weekends, it may be difficult to purchase fuel, I never allow my tank to deplete beyond one half full.

I have been a return customer of Autoeurope for many years as their pricing has always been competitive. However, this year they have initiated a 3 day cancellation requirement for on line rental cancellations (it was previously anytime before pickup). Other fees that are generally not covered in a price quote:

1. Location surcharges, typically 40€ for pickup at an airport or train station

2. Environment fees, about 35€ for cars with automatic transmissions.

3. Road taxes - depends upon rental duration, can exceed 20€

4. Additional drivers - typically 25€

5. Ticket processing - an additional 20€ on top of any ticket you may receive (there are radar cameras all over France).

6. One way fees - in France there is generally no charge unless using Hertz or Avis.

Be sure to read your contract carefully and fully understand the terms and conditions of a rental. Most of the disappointing and unpleasant rental experiences are based upon a failure to understand the basics contained within the agreement.
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 01:38 AM
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Another thumbs up for autoeurope. I used them for vehicle hire in Avignon from Hertz. I also found hertz rental to be good. The attendants at Hertz Avignon spoke enough english for effective communication.
From what I recall the documents for the vehicle hire issued to me at Hertz were in both French and English.
A holding deposit will be deducted from your bank account upon pickup of the vehicle and deposited back into your account within a few days after returning the vehicle.
If traveling solo also think about renting a GPS.
As others have mentioned, if you have a chance to top up your tank before getting below half, you may aswell, the tank needs to be full upon return anyway, otherwise they will charge you an excessive price to do so themselves.
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 02:05 AM
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I also did a solo trip to this part of France on my own for two weeks last year. You may find the below useful:

1. I agree with Michael - rent with Kemwel or Autoeurope. I don't live in North American anymore so I wasn't able to use my credit card fo my insurance. Hence I purhcased full insurance with zero deductible for my piece of mind. Worked out well with no issues.

2. I picked up my automatic rental in Toulouse airport. The gentleman at the counter spoke perfect english and I picked up my car without a hitch. If you request a car with advance notice, you will be able to get an automatic. If you're not comfortable with driving a manual, I strongly suggest getting an automatic.

3. I had a GPS which I believe is MUST if you're traveling solo. I didn't even have a map with me I don't know how I could have done the trip solo without a GPS.

4. Go to the gas stations in the big supermarkets and they is usually a gas attendant. Go during business hours and you wouldn't need to use your credit card to pay. I paid cash for all my purchases at the gas station.

Bon chance et bon voyage!
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 06:10 AM
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Hi J,

>which rental company is realible and how hard it is to deal with the paperwork.

I book through www.kemwel.com. They will match any other rate that you might find.

I have no idea of your handicaps. However, I just sign where it says "sign".

>Is it better for me to rent an automatic or manual car?<

Manual is less expensive and more readily available. You can ask for an automatic, but sometimes there won;t be any when you get there.

>Does the gas station in France operate the same way as the US and accept credit card?<

Yes. However, they are usually closed on Sunday and your US CC won't work in the machines.

>How much do I expect to spend for gas for a week driving around those area?<

How many miles a day will you drive? Do you have a heavy foot on the gas pedal? Do you like to spin wheels when you start off? Do you ride the clutch?

Have a nice visit.

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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 06:11 AM
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PS,

Diesel is cheaper in France than gasoline.
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 08:02 AM
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I always use AutoEurope. If you use their European websites, you may find cheaper prices than on their American one.

Manuals are way cheaper than automatics. Diesels are cheaper than cars that use sans-plomb.

You won't be able to use your cc in self-serve gas stations. Find ones that are manned.

Don't understand what your concerns are about the paperwork. You sign a rental agreement as with any rental anywhere.

Fuel is expensive in France, about twice what it is in the USA. Of course, no one can tell you how much you'll spend without knowing what kind of driver you are, what routes you're taking, and where you'll end up buying your gas.
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 10:06 AM
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Request a diesel when you book. It might not be guaranteed but we always have gotten one, much more economical to drive.
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 12:26 PM
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Thanks so much to you all. I am delighted to receive all of your useful information that I need before my trip. I certainly try to book deisel compact car and try to avoid toll road and probably borrow my friend's car to learn how to drive stick shift here in Portland first.
Theresa
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 02:20 PM
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try www.carrentals.com i have had very good luck with them... they use the major rental companies..

you don't really want to know the gas price!! think USA times 2 or 3
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 02:53 PM
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We have used Autoeurope and found them the best deal. We book ahead in the US, very competitive prices. We haven't tried the European web site.
Pick up at the airport or train station.
Book any accessories ahead, gps, phone, car seat etc. Safety equipment required. The auto rental company will supply the equipment.
Gas up at the markets in town for a better price.
The highway price is steeper.
Nobody mentioned the breathalyzers.
Standard diesel the best economy but you will have hill towns where you need to use the clutch. Gas stations similar to US, ATM machines plentiful. The International driving permit not needed in France.
I like a car with a separate trunk for security.
I brought back a half empty tank to Paris once and it cost dearly.
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 02:59 PM
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I live in NYC and have used Europe By Car: www.ebctravel.com to rent a car when in France. They have an office in NYC on William Street, in the Wall Street area. I have rented a Citroen C3 Diesel with a/c and a 5 speed manual for about $250.00. You need to prepay the rental. The agency they use is Citer which is the European affiliate of National Rent a Car. I have found renting thru EBC to be a trouble free, painless experience.. Just my .02 cents worth.
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 04:31 PM
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Hi Langcarft,
Did it include all surcharges (gps, insurance, tax, etc) for the amount of $250?
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 07:46 PM
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^$250 for how long?
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Old Jul 16th, 2012, 08:05 PM
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That too. Thanks StCirq.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 01:40 AM
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As of right now, a 7 day rental picking up at and returning the vehicle at the train station in Toulouse, a Citroen C3 with a/c and manual transmission, including applicables taxes is $249.34 US. I find EBC still to be the cheapest way to rent a vehicle.. I am surprised more Fodorites haven't heard of them or used them.
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Old Jul 17th, 2012, 04:31 AM
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A couple of points I'll add to the advice above:

- Before leaving the rental lot ensure you know how to work the parking brake and can get the car into reverse. Seems silly but there are many variations on finding reverse and parking brakes are now sometimes electrically controlled by a button on the dash. And check the car carefully for existing scratches and scrapes.

-Have decent maps and take your own GPS. If you don't have one of the latter, borrow one from a friend or buy one locally on Kijiji, Craigslist etc. Or eBay. I have bought top of the line but slightly older units including European maps on eBay for under $100. You can buy European maps for a Garmin or TomTom for in the 80 dollar range.

- You have en excellent idea in brushing up your manual shifting skills with a friend's car.. much less stressful than in unfamiliar Toulouse traffic.
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