We just got back from our 20 day vacation in France. The good news is the French people were wonderful - I was cautiously optomistic, but we really had no problems at all. I do speak some French, but most people just went directly to English. For those who didn't speak English, they were as tentative as I was about my French, so it made for a fun time. Speaking to the Gendarmes and the pharmacist was really a trip.<BR><BR>Bad news - we were robbed four times while there. Never in Paris (they tried to pick my husband's pockets, but we foiled them with the Rick Steves travel tricks. Unfortunately the tricks didn't work when they broke into our trunk in Amboise, Menerbes, Montpellier and Rousillion. They took the 20-zippered-hidden-pocket-secret sports jacket ($398) from TravelSmith. Kind of funny, but lost passports, etc. weren't. Be careful if you drive, do not leave ANYTHING in your cars. We had a great trip to otherwise. Paris, Loire Valley, Dordogne, Carcassonne, Coulliers (skip it), Provence, Aix (ok), Cannes. Email me if you want details.<BR><BR>Theresa

Robbed FOUR times in 20 days?? I have to hear details.<BR><BR>

I hate to be negative because we actually did have a wonderful time, it was just so tedious having to deal with theft. In the Paris metro we foiled the pickpockets and were feeling pretty travel-savy-smug about it. We went to the Loire Valley two days later and while we were in the Clos Luce museum in Amboise, our car, that was parked directly in front of the museum was broken into. We had our luggage at the Chateu de Pray, but our daypacks with our (yes, I know. . .)passports, maps, glasses, credit cards, etc. were stolen. They also got gifts for family we had just bought while in Chenonceau - tapestries, Laguoile knives (2), etc. Next we were hit at the Ibis Hotel in Montpellier. We only stopped there due to a bad storm. It was dark and rainy when we were taking our luggage out of the trunk and didn't notice that my husbands sports coat (with all of those thief-proof zippers) and his winter coat were on the floor of the trunk. They broke in that night. Next was in Menerbes while in Clementine's restaurant. We were the only car there (it was raining) and they got in. Didn't get anything just rifled through the glove compartment - papers were stewn all over when we came out. Last was in Rousillion in the parking lot with a zillion people around. Again, nothing missing because by now we knew we had to carry everything on our backs. It got to be a hardship after a while. The Gendarmes and Municipal police in Amboise said the Clos Luce is hit a lot. The thieves are gangs of 12-19 year old boys who are looking for cash. They didn't get any, but replacing the passport in Marseilles was not something I'd want to do again. We did have copies with us though.<BR><BR>We aren't stupid tourists and we wore money belts, etc. We've been all over the world and have never had a problem. We were just not used to thinking that a trunk isn't safe. After that we never left anything in the car and if we had to, one of us stayed with the car. It was almost like having a baby with you - taking a car requires a lot more planning. <BR><BR>When the French people heard about our troubles, they expressed their embarrassment and sorrow. It was nice to see how many people cared. My question is why can't the police do something about this if they know?<BR><BR>We skipped Nice after speaking with the American Consul General's office.<BR><BR>Thanks for asking<BR>Theresa<BR>Theresa

Theresa. Did they damage the car every time they broke in? If they did, that would be a nightmare in itself. You aren't being negative. I will be driving around the Nice area and it does not hurt to be reminded that these things do happen.

This really has me concerned, as I will be traveling alone by car in France in June. Do any other Fodorites have some hints about preventing trunk theft? Of course, I'll try not to leave anything in the car, but since I will be passing sites on my way to lodging for the night, how will I protect my carryon bag without carrying it with me into every historical site or into every restaurant? I've heard that Paris rental cars are easy to pick out for some reason. I shall be renting in Arles or Avignon. Any tips?

It's a wonder that with such theft prevalent the trunks aren't fitted with alarm systems.

This is astonishing. I am putting together a trip for May, and it will involve two nights in Assisi, where, as far as I know, the parking will have to be in an unguardrd lot with totally open access (Piazza matteoti) - - far from view of the hotel.<BR><BR>Besides leaving thr car totally empty, this makes me think that leaving the car unlocked will be better than locking it.<BR><BR>No matter what experience I have doing at, of course, it will be an an anecdote of one.<BR><BR>Only break-in I ever had was in Washington DC when a (rental) mini-van got a window smashed in because there was a(n) (empty) computer box in it (and nothing else of any value). They DID take the box. I have often wondered if the smash-in would not have occurred if the van had been left unlocked.<BR><BR>I suppose that there is the risk of vehicle theft - - higher for an unlocked car? Anybody ever take a steering wheel lock ("the club") with them to Italy for use with a rental car?<BR>

I read something recently by a man who when he travels by rental car always covers the rental company sticker with another one (like a flag?) to try to disguise the car. I thought that seemed a bit too paranoid, but now I'm not so sure. Is there some way to disguise a rental car? Obviously you don't want to leave your guides, maps, etc. in plain view on the seats.<BR><BR>Theresa, your story kind of gives me the willies. We'll also be traveling soon by rental car in France. I think maybe we'll avoid the more famous tourist sights and towns, and head for more rural areas.<BR><BR>I'm sorry you had such a terrible experience. I admire the positive attitude you maintain despite your losses. Four times! It's almost unbelievable. I know having your passport stolen is the worst.<BR><BR>Are you sure you're not a French person fed up with us tourists, and you're just posting this to discourage us from inundating you this spring and summer?

I don't doubt Theresa's story in the least, but I thought I'd post my recent experience for balance.<BR><BR>In March we rented a car in Nice and drove and parked in Santa Margherita Ligure (Italy), Monterosso (Italy) and Menton (France). Only in SML was the car in a protected lot, and we never had any problems. <BR><BR>In Monterosso, we parked in the large public lot near the train station and were probably an easy target as we were one of only 3-4 cars parked there.<BR><BR>So it is possible to get through a 10-day trip to Europe without getting pickpocketed or robbed.

Theresa, what type of car was it?

We have traveled all over France in each of the last nine years and luckily have not been victims of a theft. Last week, however, my daughter was pickpocketed in Paris at The Metro station of the Gare du Nord in Paris.<BR><BR>France, unlike most of western Europe, still has a high unemployment rate. These thefts may be related to that factor as well as the heavy influx of immigrants, some of whom, let us say, do not share Western values. The warnings given are well worth heeding and I thank you for the reminders.

This is distressing! My husband and I will also be travelling throughout France in May in a rental car, and also plan to make some stops along the way to our night's lodging. In the US, I know that rental cars do not have an identifiable sticker anymore, is Europe still on that archaic system? I agree with Jan - any tips to foil theft besides emptying the car at every stop?

Theresa Good for you to still retain a positive attitude after being robbed... it speaks highly of you for sure!! A couple of tips, first of all Always keep your passport IN YOUR MONEY BELT!!!! Never let it go out of your sight except to be in a hotel safe, if you are sure you won't check out and forget it... that should be a golden rule of travel... keep it next to your heart at all times. <BR>Never leave anything in your boot/trunk! If you are visiting historic sights via car, you might want to ask ahead and see if they have a coat check/storage area at the sight. We found a surprising number of museums, castles and other historic properties, have secured coat/bag checks on the grounds. It might be worth looking into (yet another great excuse for packing lightly!). And lastly don't ever travel with anything you can't afford to loose, assume it will be stolen.. which is kind of a sad commentary on travel but at least you will be prepared. Thanks for you post.

Last year we traveled in a rental car in Italy. We made it a rule not to leave anything but an Italian newspaper in the car. We always unloaded the car at our hotel first and then parked. We never had the car bothered in Assisi or any of the many towns we stayed in. Marilyn

Marilyn: Thanks for the reminder about the Italian newspaper. That was one hint I had read about, leaving local papers or magazines in the car to make it appear more "local" than "tourist." What I've also done even in many large U.S. cities is to park temporarily prior to reaching my destination (parking garage, attraction lots). There I remove any items from the trunk that I wish to take with me at the destination stop. In this way, when I pull in to park, I do not need to open the trunk to give anyone the suggestion that there's anything in there!<BR><BR>Thanks to the folks who also provided some positive insights for those of us with rental cars in the future.

Theresa, your story was just plain scarey! My husband stopped a pickpocket attempt in Paris at the metro stop near Sacre Coeur so we knew to be alert in Paris. We are touring Provence for two weeks in May using a rental car and after reading of your experiences we will be equally alert there. I had read somewhere that it was recommended to find parking garages and back the car into the spot with the trunk against the cement wall, wouldn't that prevent access to the trunk? Where was your car in Roussillon, that was one of the towns we are planning to visit. Of course, I doubt if the small hill towns have parking garages, right? I know now that I better take all the insurance available when we pick up the rental car. Did you have any problems with your rental company when you returned your car?

Jan,<BR>Paris rental cars are easy to pick out from private cars probably because they have Marne department registeration, the license plates that end in 51. The inspection stickers are said to be cheap there, like Liberia for the ships.

I want to warn drivers of another car related scam that is prevalent in Europe.I found out about it at the US Embassy in Madrid.The question asks if you were part of the flat tire scam.We as Americans tourists are perceived as naive/too kind hearted and so we stop when we see someone pulled over on the side of the road in need of help.One word of advice DON'T.They work in pairs,usually very well dressed .As one of them engages you in conversation about a tire losing air, the other is slashing the tires of your car and cleaning it out.After a few minutes of profuse thanks and kicking of the tire which is the furthest one away from your car and view, they speed off in their car,leaving you stranded and minus your possessions.......Beware

I know that Rick Steves advocates trying to remove or cover stickers that identify cars as rentals -- although if it's part of a license plate, I'm not sure what you could do. When I lived in Germany for four months (a few years ago) the only theft I experienced was of a rental car friends and I had driven to Amsterdam. The truck was popped open -- nothing much of consequence stolen except keys to one girl's apartment.

Theresa,<BR><BR>I'm sorry that you were robbed four times but am happy to see that you didn't let it ruin your trip.<BR><BR>One of the cardinal rules of travel for my husband and I is: Never rent a car on an overseas vacation. I don't say this to rub it in, but we believe rental cars bring nothing but grief. We enjoy taking trains and buses in other countries, particularly in Europe. Not only does it help mitigate theft problems associated with the car, but it allows us to more closely interact with the locals rather than isolate us in a car for so many hours. With a car, there is so much potential hassle: Accidents, thefts, flat tires, fighting traffic, driving on the left side of the road (like in England), liability, getting gas, finding a parking spot, paying for parking, storing items in the trunk, etc, etc. Sure, a car will let one see what they want at their own pace, but to us it's not worth the trouble. Trains and buses are much less stressful to us. We like to let someone else worry about the driving.<BR><BR>We'll be going to France ourselves late next month for three weeks. We'll be based in Paris for the entire time, and on some days we'll take day trips to other areas. Our possessions (basically clothes - no true valuables) will be left in the hotel while we wander about. We have neck pouches that fit under our clothes, and in those pouches we'll each keep our passport, a credit card, money and airline ticket. Of course, no one, including ourselves, can declare themselves immune to crime. But these are the steps we take.<BR><BR>I realize that this will be of little solace to you, but perhaps this will be of use for future trips. <BR><BR>By the way, what did you do to foil the pickpocket in the Paris Metro?<BR><BR>Louise