good info on Paris

[jcanary]

We will be spending 3 days pre disney in Paris and I was wondering if anyone knows of a good board where I can obtain informain on tours, coupons for non-UK resident for car hires, etc. I would greatly appreciate any information.
This is our first trip outside of the US. Thank you in advance.

Joann

 

[bavaria]

I would seriously reconsider car hire - are you talking about self drive ie a rental car? or about a taxi?

Even as a German I would never drive in Paris. First, no need with the excellent metro/bus/train system - see www.ratp.fr for more information. Secondly, the driving is insane. The French say that if you have only scratches, you are an excellent driver. If you have dents, you are a good driver.

You should also visit www.flyertalk.com - there are forums for travel to France, etc. Some Americans like Rick Steves - I can't stand his website/books/videos/TV shows/radio show, but others like his advice, which may be useful for novice travellers. (I won't go into detail as to why I don't like him, other than to say that I find his advice will make you stand out as American, and I find his tone patronising - to each their own)

There is also a thread on the budget board you can check out. Also read the stickies on this board.

Budget board thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1307736&referrerid=&highlight=Paris

 

[jcanary]

WE are going to rent a car because after Paris we are heading to Nantes to see my daughter at school and want to do some winery tours, Normandy, etc and a car would be cheaper than the train and tours for 4-5 people. While in Paris the car will just sit at a hotel. We are actually only getting it when we leave Paris to go to Disney and we are staying at the Marriott which has free parking and then from there we will use it.
thanks for the other links.

 

[bavaria]

ok, in that case I feel better! Are you going to DLRP from CDG? I would take a shuttle from CDG to DLRP, train to Paris and back, and then rent a car from Hertz at the train station by DLRP for the rest of the trip.

Hertz has some great rates in Europe - I use www.expedia.de (and Americans can book on that site) or check out the Hertz thread on www.flyertalk.com

Also be aware that unlike American car rental, rentals in Europe do not include automatic transmission or air conditioning. You need to pay extra for these, so make sure that you select a car with these items. Also most rental cars are much smaller than in America, as well.