Ask your travel agent to reserve a Renault Espace van, automatic transmission with diesel fuel. It's roomy, easy to drive and diesel is way cheaper than gasoline. Ask your travel agent for an airport pickup and dropoff, this will save the time, expense and aggravation of finding a cab big enough to take a bicycle box, from the airport to the hotel. Ask the rental agent for their map and to mark the best route from the airport to your hotel in St. Quentin en Yvelines. Remember to return the car with a full tank of fuel.
Many French people speak English.
The French people living in the country are friendly, understanding and helpful. As a PBP crew, you will get even more compassion. Communicate what you need by speaking English and using sign-language. Buy a Larousse French-English dictionary and brush up on a few French phrases on the plane. Stock up - opportunities to shop during PBP are slim and none.