Chels

Hi,

I am wrapping up the plans for a trip that includes Paris in June. For the first time, we will be renting a car for a daytrip outside of Paris. Right now, we are scheduled to return to Paris at night, and return the car the following morning at the rental location near our hotel. (We will be coming in on a Sunday night.) We then have the entire day free, with an 8:30 p.m. departure for Germany from CDG. As we have been to Paris many times, we were thinking of taking the train to Fontainebleau on the day we leave. However, I am now thinking that perhaps we should simply keep the car, drive to Fontainebleau the morning of our departure, and drive from there to CDG.

Has anyone done the drive from Paris to Fontainebleau? Or Fontainebleau to CDG? Are we better off on the train? (If we take the train, we would go from La Defense, where are hotel is located, to Fontainebleau early in the morning (about 1 1/4 hour via train). We would have about 4.5 hours at Fontainebleau, then we would train back to La Defense, and take a taxi to the airport.) It seems to make much more sense to drive from a logistical standpoint. However, from a realistic standpoint (unfamiliarity with Paris traffic on a weekday), I am wondering if this is too ambitious.

Please give me your thoughts!

As always, thanks.

Chels

ira

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MorganB

I would drive but only if you can avoid the AM rush hour which is from around 7:30 am to 9:30 am. Otherwise the traffic will be grueling and you will easily double or triple the time it takes to get to Fontainebleau.

JaneB

We have driven to Fontainebleu AND taken the train to Fontainebleau. Both times Fontaineblue was CLOSED! Be sure and check opening times and dates before going. We did have some delicious lunches at a restaurant just outside the entrance, however.

nini

We took the train from Paris to Fountainbleau last October. You will have to transfer to a bus in Melun. There is a shuttle between Fountainbleau and Vaux le Compte which is definitely worth seeing--and a good place to have lunch. This day trip took the better part of a day but if you drive it would take less time.

Chels

Ira - Thank you for topping - I am sure you saved my post from obscurity!

Thanks for the responses; we are leaning towards driving. Has anyone had experience driving from Fontainebleau to CDG?

JaneB, we are heading to Fontainebleau because Versailles is closed on Mondays. Hopefully their website is correct and it will be open...

Thanks again,
Chels

kerouac

If you drive from Fontainebleau to CDG, you will probably want to take the A104 freeway. It will be proposed as you drive back up in the direction of Paris and will circle Paris on the right hand side. CDG Airport being a very major direction, you will see it indicated on the signs. More information by checking out www.viamichelin.com and entering your itinerary details.

Chels

Thank you, Kerouac. We will look into that route.

Thanks again for the responses,
Chels