MaineGG

We'll arrive CDG around noon and plan to take the RER into the city. The closest Metro to the hotel is Raspail, but if we change to Line 4 at the Gare du Nord, we will run into works on Line 4 between Montparnasse-Bienvenue and Raspail. The RER stations Port Royal and Denfert Rochereau are close enough to walk if the weather isn't bad. I'm inclined to take the RER to PR or DR. Which would be the better choice, as they seem to be almost equidistant from the hotel? Any considerations as to stairs vs. escalators, etc.? We won't have much baggage, but escalators/elevators are always welcome. If the weather is bad, we will probably take the AF bus to the Gare Montparnasse then a taxi.

Michael

Denfert-Rochereau is one stop away from Raspail on line 4.

Surfergirl

I'd just take the AF bus. You can walk from there to Raspail in 10 minutes -- cut down Edgar Quinet at the Monoprix.

If the weather's lousy, take a cab from the AF station, or the Metro to Raspail (Line 4 or 6 will get you there). The bus is really nice with TVs overhead.

MaineGG

Thanks Michael. That may be doable. I just noticed the work on Line 4 should be over before we get there. Anyone out there familiar with these stations and the stairs vs. escalator/elevator availability? I remember once when we stayed in the 5th that one of the three stations near us had flights and flights of stairs up from the Metro, while the other two were much less challenging. Just wondering if there's a choice to be made here.

Surfergirl

Only stairs at Raspail. But it's not too miserable.

Ackislander

We are staying near there in May, and I have to admit that I forgot about the AF bus to Denfert Rochereau, though we have taken it in the other direction.

So your question helped me! Thank you!

Sarastro

You might want to check on Air France bus service to Denfert Rochereau, Ackislander. The service is to Montparnasse which is most likely what you meant.

Fodorite018

I stayed not far from your hotel and took the RER to the Port Royal stop and just walked. My metro stop was Vavin, so you can look at a map and see that it is a similar distance as yours. I had a 21" rolling bag and my purse, that was it, and it was a very easy walk. It also helped me orient the area a bit, FWIW.

MaineGG

Thanks so much for your input, everyone. I think if the weather's OK, we'll take the RER to Port Royal and walk. If not, the AF bus to Montparnasse plus a taxi will work. We have used the AF bus before between CDG and Gare de Lyon and do like it. The buses are nice and easy to access at the airport. There's a small discount if you buy and print your ticket online. http://www.lescarsairfrance.com/en.html

After starting this thread, I did some more research using the RATP interactive map. (Yes, I know, I should have done this earlier.) If you click on a station, then click on the circled "i", you get a page of information about the facilities at the station including accessibility for wheelchairs. At the lower left edge of this page there's a link to "infomobi" for even more detailed information about elevators/ascenseurs.

http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/carteidf.php (French)
http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/carteidf.php?lang=uk (English)

Ackislander

Thanks, it was the Orly Bus I took, not to CDG. No wonder I forgot!