Rental car in Brest on May 1

[canadianeh?]

Are rental cars only at the airport in Brest? We will be in port for 1 day and wanted to explore on our own(group of 4). Every search we do only shows airport pickup and that is about 18 Euro cab each way. We could book a ships tour but prefer something less crowed.

Emailed a cab driver who said it would be 150 E each way to Quimper. When we get off the ship will there be people offering private excursions to Quimper , or other areas?

Can we expect almost everything to be closed/

Any help would be appreciated as this port's arrangements seem to be defeating our best efforts.

[Hlitner]

Are rental cars only at the airport in Brest? We will be in port for 1 day and wanted to explore on our own(group of 4). Every search we do only shows airport pickup and that is about 18 Euro cab each way. We could book a ships tour but prefer something less crowed.

Emailed a cab driver who said it would be 150 E each way to Quimper. When we get off the ship will there be people offering private excursions to Quimper , or other areas?

Can we expect almost everything to be closed/

Any help would be appreciated as this port's arrangements seem to be defeating our best efforts.

 

I would not even waste my time looking for a rental car in town...on that major holiday. The French do not like to work on holidays (and they have plenty) or Sunday...and it can become a real frustration. In fact, we take that into consideration whenever we book European cruises.

 

As to finding a tour as you leave the ship...that is doubtful. There will likely be a few taxis for hire (and they would be happy to take hundreds of Euros to take you wherever you please)...but there will not usually be any real tour companies or professional guides. Its hard to find these any day....and near impossible on a major holiday. And yes, many things (especially shops, boutiques, and other retailers) will be closed. If you do want to arrange for a private excursion it would be best to do this online (long before your trip) and perhaps get a few others to join you via the CC Roll Call for your cruise.

 

Hank

[canadianeh?]

Thanks- looks like we will have to do the dreaded ship excursion.

[Hlitner]

Thanks- looks like we will have to do the dreaded ship excursion.

 

Oh My! That is almost a fate worse than you know what :(. A few years ago we faced a similar situation when we were at Cherbourg on May Day. Fortunately, there was a couple on our cruise who found a tour company willing to provide a large mini-bus type van...with a driver. The couple was able to get enough folks (via the CC Roll Call) to fill their van (including us) and it worked out OK. We go to desperate lengths to avoid any cruise line excursion :).

 

Hank