How Far Paris to Bapaume?

[Herekawe]

Hi

I have a friend going to France shortly who would like to add a trip to the Caterpillar Valley Cem and Longueval into his plans and spend an afternoon in the Deville Wood - Flers area.

I don't know where he is staying in Paris but can anyone give me an idea of how long it takes from the outskirts of Paris to Bapaume up the A1. Never gone that way myself as have always come from GB.

Also in France do they have a car hire company similar to what we in the Antipodies call Rent a Roughie or Rent a Dent where you can cheaply hire an older but still safe and sound car for a couple of days?

Thanks

James

[JimSmithson]

Hi James

A lot depends upon where on the outskirts and time of day as traffic can be bad until you get to the A1. I would say an hour and a half should do it though.

Not sure on the hire car bit though - you need to be on the ground to find the smaller cheaper deals.

Jim

[angelab]

My sat-nat says it's just under 160km from the centre of Paris to Bapaume.

It could be worth his taking the TGV (high-speed train) to travel from Paris to Arras, and then renting a car there. It would avoid the traffic around Paris itself, which can be pretty daunting.

I have never heard of any cheapie car-hire in France, but sites like HolidayAutos do comparisons, and can probably show you which of the main companies is offering the best deal.

Angela

[veklee]

you need to leave paris at about 6 am to avoid the traffic ,bout 1/30 to 2 hrs on motorway and under 10 euros for the toll , returning is bad unless u leave late as traffic round stade de france is terrible take u ages t odo the last few miles , but the good thing is its an easy run ,

[veklee]

when is he here ? might be able to take him there not doing much at this time (or any time if i can help it )

[old-ted]

Hi.

I do Charles de Gaul airport in about 1 hr 30 mins from Longueval. Bapaume is off jcn 14 but for Longueval take the Albert junction which brings you off on the Albert/ Peronne road. This junction has automatic cash machines for the toll. I have found Francecars as good as any for car hire but shop around on the net and see what sort of deal you can find. You will need your passport as well as your driving licence when you pick up the car and it may be worth taking out the additional insurance they offer to make sure your fully covered for windscreen damage etc.

Regards

John

[Herekawe]

Hi

Thanks everybody for your help and esp. Veklee for your kind offer, but they won't take you up on it. I handed him these posts plus a pile of useful stuff I have collected over a couple of visits to the area and they are off on Friday.

Thanks everyone for your help.

James