My wife and I plan a short visit to London in late September with an add-on of Western France and the northern coast of Spain. We have spent some time in other parts of France and in southern Spain so we are aware of this strangeness.

We have the following in mind: take the chunnel to Paris, then a rental car for 3 or 4 days to western France as we make our way to Spain. Then cross the border and take a second rental car for 3 or 4 days as far as the northwest coast, possibly staying in the Parador Santiago de la Compestela.

Would it make better sense to use train travel in either France or Spain to reduce the cost of two rental cars? Can you suggest good places to visit for no more than a day each?

Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

gene

Gene,
Why do you need two rental cars?

Hi genec,

Are you planning to leave from Spain?

I have no trouble understaning why you are thinking you should rent two cars (one in France, one in Spain), but I don't think you need to do that.

I would recommend, fly from London (Stansted) into Biarritz on Ryanair, and then one car rental can serve you in both countries. I am assuming that you would get a French car, tour Spain first and then return to France for your western/Atlantic destinations, returning the car anywhere you want in France. Or you may be able to rent a Spanish car in Biarritz (and reverse the Spain/France order), if you prefer to fly home from Spain.

Either way (I would prefer the Spain first option) sounds like a great itinerary. And it is textbook illustration of what I hink mkes for good combination of assembled modes of transportation:

Fly trans-atlantic "close" (i.e., UK, Ireland, France or Benelux) to save money

Fly intra-Europe "far" to get it over with, and take advantage of low-cost air fares IN Europe.

Rent a car at a border to see two countries without a trans-border car return drop charge.

Make your way "back" in the general direction of a "closer" return-home gateway airport.

Best wishes,

Rex

Hi

just an observation.
Spanish car rental rates are often cheaper than French car rental rates.

Peter
The Languedoc Page
http://tlp.netfirms.com