8 hours Layover in Paris
Jul 6th, 2015, 07:57 AM
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8 hours Layover in Paris
Hi, I have an 8 hour layover in Paris on July 17 - arriving at 8:00 am from Canada and leave at 4:20 pm - going to Lisbon. My bags will be checked in to retrieve in Lisbon (so no luggage to pick and store).
Do I have enough time to visit Eiffel Tower just from outside? I will use RER - can you please give me directions for RER. Are there any constructions going on? Thanks!
Do I have enough time to visit Eiffel Tower just from outside? I will use RER - can you please give me directions for RER. Are there any constructions going on? Thanks!
Jul 6th, 2015, 09:50 AM
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Yes you can even book a time to go up it. Take RER from CDG to Notre Dame-St Michel stop/interchange and take RER C right to the Eiffel Tower (Champs de Mer stop I believe) - on the way back you probably have time to get out at Notre Dame-St Michel stop to bop into the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral - buy tickets at the CDG RER station and look for trains going to Notre Dame-St Michel or some RER trains go different destinations - you may have to change trains at Gare du Nord RER station - again look at the overhead sign to see if Notre Dame-St Michel is lit up if so that train goes there - if not wait for the next train.
Check similar signs at CDG RER station (best go to ticket counter and ask - English probably spoken and pick up a RER map or have one printed out.
Check similar signs at CDG RER station (best go to ticket counter and ask - English probably spoken and pick up a RER map or have one printed out.
Jul 8th, 2015, 02:35 PM
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While it does take about an hour to get from CDG to the Eiffel Tower on the RER, there is disruption on RER C between Gare d'Austerlitz and Javel from July 15th until August 22nd.
There is bus service in place, but the better bet might be to ride RER B to Denfert-Rochereau, transfer to metro line 6 toward Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (a metro station at Arc de Triomphe, not to be confused with the airport), getting off at Bir-Hakeim. You could of course, ride all the way to Arc de Triomphe (there's a splendid view on the above ground tracks of the tower on the way), then ride back and get off at Trocadero - where many proclaim is the best "first view" and terrific for photos. (You'd need a t+ ticket for the extra ride.)
You would need to allow an extra 20 minutes, each way, or so if going only to Bir-Hakeim.
It's usually about an hour from gate to through passport control. Then you have to get to the RER station and purchase tickets. You should purchase return tickets so you'll have them in hand for the trip back. You need to be back at CDG about two hours ahead of departure for your ongoing flight. So, that's at least five - six hours.
You really need a detailed plan, a good map, and to keep an eye on your watch.
Note also that you should take care to secure your valuables (passport, cards, cash) so as not to be vulnerable to pickpockets. Obviously, you'll need to plan your return trip carefully so you don't take a train in the wrong direction.
Know, too, that, after an overnight flight, even if you've managed some sleep on the plane, you just never know when you'll succumb to jet lag whereupon it may be challenging to stay alert.
There is bus service in place, but the better bet might be to ride RER B to Denfert-Rochereau, transfer to metro line 6 toward Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (a metro station at Arc de Triomphe, not to be confused with the airport), getting off at Bir-Hakeim. You could of course, ride all the way to Arc de Triomphe (there's a splendid view on the above ground tracks of the tower on the way), then ride back and get off at Trocadero - where many proclaim is the best "first view" and terrific for photos. (You'd need a t+ ticket for the extra ride.)
You would need to allow an extra 20 minutes, each way, or so if going only to Bir-Hakeim.
It's usually about an hour from gate to through passport control. Then you have to get to the RER station and purchase tickets. You should purchase return tickets so you'll have them in hand for the trip back. You need to be back at CDG about two hours ahead of departure for your ongoing flight. So, that's at least five - six hours.
You really need a detailed plan, a good map, and to keep an eye on your watch.
Note also that you should take care to secure your valuables (passport, cards, cash) so as not to be vulnerable to pickpockets. Obviously, you'll need to plan your return trip carefully so you don't take a train in the wrong direction.
Know, too, that, after an overnight flight, even if you've managed some sleep on the plane, you just never know when you'll succumb to jet lag whereupon it may be challenging to stay alert.
