Renting a Car in France?

Question

My soon-to-be husband and I are travelling to the South of France on our honeymoon (August 13-August 20). We are flying into Nice, then travelling to Antibes staying there for a few nights, then traveling to St-Tropez staying there for a few nights, then traveling back to Nice to spend our final night. Anyone have any suggestions as to how we should get from place to place? We believe our options are to rent a car, hire a driver, take a taxi, or take a train/bus. Any knowledge in this area would be great. Thanks!

Answer 1

As the travel agent said there is no train service between St. Tropez and Antibes. The other thing to consider is whether or not you want to see anything in the back country such as Vallauris (a town of artists with a chapel painted by Picasso) and Grasse (the city of perfume) both close to Antibes.

A car would allow you to get away from the shore if you decide it's not what you thought. Keep in mind that in August half of France is on vacation and a lot of them go to the beach.

Answer 2

If you pick up your car at the Nice airport with Europe Car the price for a small car is USD361.00 VOLKSWAGEN LUPO 1.4  and that is with no Insurance.

The next category is

USD404.87 FIAT GRANDE PUNTO 1.3D 75CH 5P AC

As for the train it does not go between Antibes and St Tropez. I have been looking on the SNCF and there is no service.

If you need more help feel free to contact me.

Answer 3

Hi

Most convenient is to rent a car from the airport. It would also allow you to explore the "arrieres pays" or hills behind the coast.

August  traffic is pretty busy. Do some research on St Tropez - road access is very congested at certain times.

Peter

Answer 4

Just a piece of advice as i'm a frenchy living in the south east. If you want to travel from Nice or Juan or Antibes, to St Tropez or Frejus, it would be better to avoid taxis, it will be ridiculously expensive. Besides, if you plan to get here and around, the best and most handy solution would be to rent a car directly from the Airport. Most car rentals offer weekly rates which are quite a good value. If you're not used to the warm and hot mediterranean climate, i advise you to rent a car with air conditioning as it is still pretty hot in August ( though it's not as hot as the middle/ end of July ) As an example, today ( July , 22 th ) the temperatures in several areas between Marseille and Nice range from 26 to 35°C , depending if you're on the coastline or in the countryside.

As for the train, it can be valuable if you travel from a busy town to another, since the trains between small villages can take a long time to get to your destination ( but if you're on holidays and not in a hurry, why not choosing this option ? ) Some regional trains stop off in lots of small villages, but i'm not sure about getting to Saint Tropez and as the travel agent said, some villages don't have train stations.

I hope you'll have a great time in here and bring back unforgettable memories! And i wish you a happy marriage as well !

Answer 5

You should rent a car and drive!

Suggestions.

1. GPS - we couldn't of done without it!

2. Most cars are manual transmission.  Renting an automatic can cost you up to 100% more!!!  No kidding.  Brush up on your shifting!

3.  Shop around for the best price online!

4. Toll roads.  Don't dive into the 'carte' lines.  You will have to back out or have the toll person come out and fix your s***w up.  Look for the gates with a person in the booth!  Very stressful...

Enjoy!

Answer 6

Bear in mind that August is the  holiday month in France. I have rented a car from Nice airport in the past - but not in August.

I suggest you try and book now online.

Answer 7

Hello,

The more simplistic to travel in the south of france is to rent a car.

But in august much tourists are on the road around St tropez... it's take much time to do some kilometers....

I' ve got a solution is taking a train antibes towards St raphael, and then the boat towards St tropez...it's very fun and you have a nice view on the coast ...

you can have some informations on place and internet

(sorry for my english) !!! lol !!!

hope i help you !!