Ransomed

We (4 people) are considering renting a car to drive through Germany, Belgium and into Paris. There's the option of leaving the car in Brussels and training it into Paris, but if would be more cost effective to drive and returning the car after dropping off our bags at the hotel. However, I'm kind of scared when I think of how crazy the Parisians are with their driving reputation...! Any thoughts? (note to Parisians: I hope I'm not insulting; I'm more scared for myself!) Also, any good ideas on finding a cheap, safe apartment there in Nov. for a week?

garrisonbight

Just how good is your French and German? If you can't speak the languages you are really sticking your neck out to drive there.Paris is CRAZY... I refused to drive there when I lived there... between the narrow streets and the fact that everyone is a F1 driver it's one of the worst places to drive I can think of... besides Rome.Bruxelles isn't too bad, but those buses and street cars whizzing past just inches away from your left arm are enough to make a pedestrian out of you in a hurry.

laurens3831

relax & drop off your car -- maybe at the airport or a nice town -- before you get to paris & taxi or train to your hotel. having 4 people makes the taxi cost efficient....do not drive in paris...why should you? do you need a huge hassle? walk, use mass transit & taxis in the city.....

cherryblossom

Driving is fine, per se, but only if you know the areas intimately. I did not find that it was very crazy or anything compared to other big metropolitan cities around the world. It's the same, people tend to be more aggressive in the big cities, BUT you really do need to know your way around.Paris has small alleys and some roads don't even look like the cars should be permitted to enter, but they do, and if you don't know that kind of stuff, you'll be going around in the same circle trying to find the street., etc.

Rillifane5388

I was raised in New York City and London and lived in a variety of big cities so I am used to driving in crowded cities but I do not drive in Paris which can be very difficult. In between all those beautiful broad boulevards pushed thru the city by Baron Hausman in the late 19th century there is a rabbit's warren of narrow, twisting, medieval streets. So if you do choose to drive into Paris be sure you have very carefully laid out your route to avoid any encounter with them.Any of the following agencies can rent you an apartment and are reliable:http://www.paristudios.com/http://www.parisaddress.com/paris-apartment-rental/index.phphttp://www.paris-apartments-for-rent.com/http://www.rentparis.com/home.php

bahjij6

Take the train, you'll be safer.

BruceT3210

Driving in Paris is awful and ppl who are fine with driving in US big cities are terrified of driving in Paris. Even a C-class Mercedes is too big to maneuver comfortably in Paris and the C-class isn't that big.

tonton674

confirmed: the parisians driving reputation is not robbed! i would just give you an advice, try to learn french insults, that won't help you a lot, but you will know what to say to them!

alan

Driving in Paris is no harder than any major city. Parking in Paris is the problem. If you are to drive through Germany, Belgium and into Paris get a Sat Nav then you will have no trouble try here http://www.a-taste-of-france.com/driving-in-france.html

helenm

it depends if you are up for the challenge. i really enjoyed it as you have to keep on your toes.