Thinking of flying to Paris and hiring a car
Discussion
Someone in our group has done this a couple of times. I can think there's any issues to worry about as you don't have to pre-book your car number plate on the official campsites (maybe some of the private sites?).
Another alternative, if you are traveling light, is to get the train from Paris.
Another alternative, if you are traveling light, is to get the train from Paris.
Yeah, I've done the driving thing for many years now and the journey from Sheffield is a pain, hence the possible change this year.
Hours on a motorway/autoroute is pretty dull. Alternate driving routes are available and I've done those as well.
A change is as good as a rest, as they saying goes!
Hours on a motorway/autoroute is pretty dull. Alternate driving routes are available and I've done those as well.
A change is as good as a rest, as they saying goes!
Couple of observations ...
Firstly, be very cautious about a Sunday night return flight from Orly or CDG. Orly would be easier. But, do not underestimate how long it can take to get to either of them on a Sunday evening in June. As an ex-resident of Paris and someone who has done the fly/drive route when I was living in Singapore, do not leave yourself short of time.
It has taken me 7hrs from campsite to central Paris after the race, 4hrs easily to either of the airports. Add in time to drop off hire car, check in etc and you that nice looking 21:00 flight home will soon become a 14:00 leaving time at the circuit.
Summary, leave yourself time. Fly home Monday morning and be prepared for hours of sitting in stationary traffic getting into Paris.
Secondly, trains are not as frequent as you may expect from LM to Paris. One of our group is returning to Spain after the race, but will have to leave early due to train times from LM to Paris on the Sunday. Sounds like you're driving as a preference anyway, if not, double check timings again.
Firstly, be very cautious about a Sunday night return flight from Orly or CDG. Orly would be easier. But, do not underestimate how long it can take to get to either of them on a Sunday evening in June. As an ex-resident of Paris and someone who has done the fly/drive route when I was living in Singapore, do not leave yourself short of time.
It has taken me 7hrs from campsite to central Paris after the race, 4hrs easily to either of the airports. Add in time to drop off hire car, check in etc and you that nice looking 21:00 flight home will soon become a 14:00 leaving time at the circuit.
Summary, leave yourself time. Fly home Monday morning and be prepared for hours of sitting in stationary traffic getting into Paris.
Secondly, trains are not as frequent as you may expect from LM to Paris. One of our group is returning to Spain after the race, but will have to leave early due to train times from LM to Paris on the Sunday. Sounds like you're driving as a preference anyway, if not, double check timings again.
sahajesh said:
Thanks Johno.
My plan would be fly to CDG and then get a hire car from there. Return would be a Monday afternoon/evening flight back to Manchester.
Paris on Monday will be busy hence a later flight back to Manchester then.
Whilst it's a poor airport generally, car pick up is easy enough there in my experience. Also, I'd try to stay at the airport on Sunday night, or drive up early Monday morning.My plan would be fly to CDG and then get a hire car from there. Return would be a Monday afternoon/evening flight back to Manchester.
Paris on Monday will be busy hence a later flight back to Manchester then.
Trains to CDG from central Paris are very very easy, but it'll be a PIA to get into central Paris on Sunday night and then you've still got the car to dump anyway. So I'd avoid any sightseeing ideas for Monday
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