It makes lots of sense to pick up a car outside of Paris, rather than in Paris! Do I recall that you're planning to be traveling for about 3 weeks? If so, do look into a car lease, which is available for car hire in France. The advantage is that taxes on the lease will be far lower than for a traditional rental. The disadvantage is that you may have to return the vehicle to a location in France, although not necessarily the one at which you picked it up. The point at which lease becomes cost effective is at 21 days of use, the minimum lease time for most car hire companies. It can even be cost effective to use the vehicle for only 18 or 19 days & pay the 21-day rate.

Gail In Eugene but never for long