Hertz - Renting in Cannes, France

I'll be in Cannes in 2 weeks on my honeymoon. We are taking the TGV from Paris and renting from Hertz. Does anyone have any advice on what to expect, or look out for? Many thanks.

I'm picking up in Paris and driving to Nice. Got great Internet rate for July.

Dropping the car off in Nice, because everything I've read and heard says a car is probably the last thing you'll need on the Cote d'Azur. In the summer, traffic is a bear, and parking is tough.

In any case, there are several Hertz agencies. All major train stations have Hertz, Avis, and other rental agents. Take a look on the web site.

Also, several hotels have Hertz desks.

Mike

As always....FlyerTalk members always have the answer. Thanks!

FWIW, I travel to Nice twice a year and rent a car for 10 or so days each time. I have good success with Hertz and Avis. Be sure to use a Gold Visa and decline the additional insurance. Amex does not cover outside the US.

Be sure to rent a manual shift car. Some of the hills are actually mountains, and the hairpin turns are quite challenging (no guard rails in some areas.)

I have traveled during summer and winter and the traffic is heavier during the Monaco Grand Prix, but is normally not that bad throughout the year.

Parking is always an issue, but most buildings have underground parking for a reasonable fee ($3 per hour or so) and most places like restuarants and grocery stores like Car-foure validate your parking if you in-and-out within an hour.

Rental Rates are very resonable at $25 USD per day average but gasoline or diesel fuel is OUTRAGEOUS at around $4 per gallon.

Normally I spend more that the rental charges on gas. Which is why I think the rates are so cheap.

Be sure you reserve with two companies because I got stung once with no cars available, and not much I could do.

All of the rental car agencies at Nice/Cote D'Azur Airport are in one place. If this happens, just walk next door. I have rented around 25 times and had good experiences with the cars which are usually Puegot, Sterling, Rover and BMW.

Don't be afraid of Diesel, these cars actually perform better and the fuel is less expensive. Most have turbo engines and air conditioning, along with manual transmissions.

Most have many dings that need to be noted before you leave the lot.

Overall, I enjoy the experience.

Hope this helps...



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Tom

In Cannes, the hotel parking rates are US style....around $20 per day. There is parking throughout Cannes in various underground, underhotel places...The Noga Hilton has a large garage, as does the Grey D'Albion Hotel. There is also a big garage under the Palais, and also at the railroad station. Rates at all these venues are around $15 for 24 hours, skewed towards very expensive for short term.

If you're interested in daytrips from Cannes...you have many opportunities : Juan les Pins, Antibes and the hotel du Cap are anywhere from 30-45 minutes away ( because of heavy beach traffic and awful parking roadside often rendering the lane of traffic to one), but you shouldn't miss lunch at the Eden Roc Restaurant at the hotel duCap. Beware, CASH only.

Beyond that, you can drive to St Paul de Vence, or mote Carlon , but don't miss Eze, the hilltop castle town locerlooking monte Carlo.

going west you have to go to St TRopez, and depending how far you want to go, Aix-de-Provence. Enjoy, it's beautiful.

But Summertime is very crowded.