Please help with RER/Metro Directions: CDG to Rue Cler
Jun 14th, 2003, 06:40 AM
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Please help with RER/Metro Directions: CDG to Rue Cler
It looks like Ecole Militaire is the metro stop closest to our hotel on Rue Cler. If we take the RER, where should we stop to change trains for the last leg to Ecole Militaire?
Or, is there a drop off point from the RER from which we could simply walk to Rue Cler? That would make it easier... for some reason I can't seem to figure this out, and I can't get the "route planner" on the RATP site to work.
Incidentally, we've taken the metro all over New York City, but have never been to Europe and are a little intimidated by the Paris metro. Still, we want to do this to save a few dollars and for the experience. We've packed light--lighter than ever thanks to so many suggestions on this board!
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Or, is there a drop off point from the RER from which we could simply walk to Rue Cler? That would make it easier... for some reason I can't seem to figure this out, and I can't get the "route planner" on the RATP site to work.
Incidentally, we've taken the metro all over New York City, but have never been to Europe and are a little intimidated by the Paris metro. Still, we want to do this to save a few dollars and for the experience. We've packed light--lighter than ever thanks to so many suggestions on this board!
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Jun 14th, 2003, 06:52 AM
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Jun 14th, 2003, 07:11 AM
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I just tried the subway navigator link above and had a tough time.
First I had to know that it is Roissy/Charles de Gaulle airport for the origination.
Second when the web site brought up a list of possible stations I would select one, but there didn't seem to be any way to press enter and go on. I had to go back and paste in the exact station name.
Third I would never pick the route they did. Change at Les Halles and Opera/Auber on the right bank? You've got to be kidding! You might as well walk from CDG.
OK, enough grousing and a suggestion. Take the RER B to the RER C at St Michel/ Notre Dame. Take RER C to the 8 line at Invalides. Take the 8 line to Ecole Militaire. You shouldn't have to walk much at all at these two stops, especially compared to Opera-Auber.
(Over all it is a pretty cool concept for a site Flyboy. I'm gonna bookmark this one. Thanks!)
First I had to know that it is Roissy/Charles de Gaulle airport for the origination.
Second when the web site brought up a list of possible stations I would select one, but there didn't seem to be any way to press enter and go on. I had to go back and paste in the exact station name.
Third I would never pick the route they did. Change at Les Halles and Opera/Auber on the right bank? You've got to be kidding! You might as well walk from CDG.
OK, enough grousing and a suggestion. Take the RER B to the RER C at St Michel/ Notre Dame. Take RER C to the 8 line at Invalides. Take the 8 line to Ecole Militaire. You shouldn't have to walk much at all at these two stops, especially compared to Opera-Auber.
(Over all it is a pretty cool concept for a site Flyboy. I'm gonna bookmark this one. Thanks!)
Jun 14th, 2003, 08:03 AM
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Indytravel, how do two of us purchase tickets for this plan? I've read about "RER plus metro" tickets, but this is two RER trips...
We'll be in Paris for one night, then on to Avignon, and back to Paris a week later for 3 nights. Would an RER, plus a "carnet" do the trick?
Also, unfortunately, both of us are somewhat directionally challenged. Will it be apparent at the changes which train to get on to continue in the same direction? (I can imagine some eyes rolling here... but I just don't know what to expect. I suspect the language barrier will be a factor, too.)
Thanks again for your help!
We'll be in Paris for one night, then on to Avignon, and back to Paris a week later for 3 nights. Would an RER, plus a "carnet" do the trick?
Also, unfortunately, both of us are somewhat directionally challenged. Will it be apparent at the changes which train to get on to continue in the same direction? (I can imagine some eyes rolling here... but I just don't know what to expect. I suspect the language barrier will be a factor, too.)
Thanks again for your help!
Jun 14th, 2003, 09:14 AM
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Kathy, please consider alleviating your Metro anxiety by taking a shuttle. A lot of travelers on this board recommend Parishuttle. You can contact [email protected] to make a reservation. Tell him you found his address on Fodors and he will give you a small discount. It's not worth the worry!
Jun 14th, 2003, 09:27 AM
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Hi Kathy,
I used the RATP route finder.
Enter RER AEROPORT CHARLES DE GAULLE 2 TGV for Departure point
Enter your address on Rue Cler, Paris for Destination (I used 12 Rue Cler, Paris)
Enter departure time: I used 09:20
Result
TAKE THE RER B AT AEROPORT CHARLES DE GAULLE 2 TGV AT 09H25 DIRECTION MASSY-PALAISEAU UNTIL SAINT-MICHEL NOTRE-DAME AT 10H01
TAKE THE RER C AT SAINT-MICHEL NOTRE-DAME AT 10H05 DIRECTION CHAMP DE MARS-TOUR EIFFEL UNTIL PONT DE L'ALMA AT 10H13
IT WILL TAKE YOU ABOUT 1 HOUR
Betsy might be right.
I used the RATP route finder.
Enter RER AEROPORT CHARLES DE GAULLE 2 TGV for Departure point
Enter your address on Rue Cler, Paris for Destination (I used 12 Rue Cler, Paris)
Enter departure time: I used 09:20
Result
TAKE THE RER B AT AEROPORT CHARLES DE GAULLE 2 TGV AT 09H25 DIRECTION MASSY-PALAISEAU UNTIL SAINT-MICHEL NOTRE-DAME AT 10H01
TAKE THE RER C AT SAINT-MICHEL NOTRE-DAME AT 10H05 DIRECTION CHAMP DE MARS-TOUR EIFFEL UNTIL PONT DE L'ALMA AT 10H13
IT WILL TAKE YOU ABOUT 1 HOUR
Betsy might be right.
Jun 14th, 2003, 09:33 AM
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If you haven't already done so, I sugest you re-visit the RATP site and download and print a Metro map.
The route Indytravel suggests will work well.
But for the record, here is the route suggested at the RATP site: Take the RER B at Aeroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV direction Massy-Palaiseau until Gare du Nord. Take the Metro line 4 at Gare du Nord direction Porte d'Orleans until Strasbourg-Saint-Denis. Take the Metro line 8 at Strasbourg-Saint-Denis direction Balard until Ecole Militaire.
The RER/metro routes are marked by letter/number and by "direction" (the name of the last stop at either end of the line). Follow the "Correspondance" (transfer) signs when you need to change trains. Follow the "Sortie" (exit) signs to leave the system.
So long as you don't leave the system, the RER ticket you buy at the airport will also be good on the Metro and will get you all the way to Ecole Militaire. Keep your ticket with you. You will need to show it when leaving the RER to transfer to the Metro. But you won't need to show it when you change Metro lines.
Carnets will serve you when you return to Paris for your three-night stay. If you have any left when you're ready to go to the airport, use them to get to Gare du Nord and buy an RER extension to get you to CDG.
The route Indytravel suggests will work well.
But for the record, here is the route suggested at the RATP site: Take the RER B at Aeroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV direction Massy-Palaiseau until Gare du Nord. Take the Metro line 4 at Gare du Nord direction Porte d'Orleans until Strasbourg-Saint-Denis. Take the Metro line 8 at Strasbourg-Saint-Denis direction Balard until Ecole Militaire.
The RER/metro routes are marked by letter/number and by "direction" (the name of the last stop at either end of the line). Follow the "Correspondance" (transfer) signs when you need to change trains. Follow the "Sortie" (exit) signs to leave the system.
So long as you don't leave the system, the RER ticket you buy at the airport will also be good on the Metro and will get you all the way to Ecole Militaire. Keep your ticket with you. You will need to show it when leaving the RER to transfer to the Metro. But you won't need to show it when you change Metro lines.
Carnets will serve you when you return to Paris for your three-night stay. If you have any left when you're ready to go to the airport, use them to get to Gare du Nord and buy an RER extension to get you to CDG.
Jun 14th, 2003, 11:32 AM
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I agree with Betsy. That said, it seems to me that the change at St. Michel would be much simpler than the change at Gare du Nord. The RATP may know something we don't, or it may simply be suggesting the shortest route (not always the best in terms of miles of underground walking when you change lines).
Anytime you arrive at Ecole Militaire, look for the exit (Sortie) with the escalator sign. It puts you out just steps from rue Cler, rather than across the street or down a block.
Anytime you arrive at Ecole Militaire, look for the exit (Sortie) with the escalator sign. It puts you out just steps from rue Cler, rather than across the street or down a block.
Jun 14th, 2003, 12:35 PM
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KathyO
I just did this in late April and it worked well.
Take the train to the Luxembourg stop (one beyond St. Michel.) Exit toward the gardens. Take the 82 Bus to Ecole Militaire stop and walk 2 blocks to Rue Cler. This is the end of the line for the bus stop which is nice.
The advantage of the Luxembourg train stop is that it is a minor stop and does not entail a lot of walking. There is an escalator up to the exit turnstile and only a short set of stairs to climb vs. many stairs when trying to transfer in the metro.
I am 67 and had a rolling bag and a carry on - it was just fine!
I just did this in late April and it worked well.
Take the train to the Luxembourg stop (one beyond St. Michel.) Exit toward the gardens. Take the 82 Bus to Ecole Militaire stop and walk 2 blocks to Rue Cler. This is the end of the line for the bus stop which is nice.
The advantage of the Luxembourg train stop is that it is a minor stop and does not entail a lot of walking. There is an escalator up to the exit turnstile and only a short set of stairs to climb vs. many stairs when trying to transfer in the metro.
I am 67 and had a rolling bag and a carry on - it was just fine!
Jun 14th, 2003, 01:38 PM
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iloveparis, your suggestion sounds a bit more painless than the others (with the exception of the shuttle.) I hope you'll engage me here while I get a little more specific.
What sign do I look for if I don't see the actual bus #82? Are the bus stops clearly indicated?
Does the bus driver announce the Ecole Militaire stop? Or will the fact that it's the end of the line make it obvious to get off at that point?
And finally, how much did this trip cost?
Thanks again everyone for your responses. Everyone has a first time, don't they?
What sign do I look for if I don't see the actual bus #82? Are the bus stops clearly indicated?
Does the bus driver announce the Ecole Militaire stop? Or will the fact that it's the end of the line make it obvious to get off at that point?
And finally, how much did this trip cost?
Thanks again everyone for your responses. Everyone has a first time, don't they?
Jun 14th, 2003, 02:16 PM
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KathyO
I was not clear. The Luxembourg stop is the end of the line. This is convenient because you can only go in one direction LOL!
Every bus has several maps of the stopsin places convenient to see from almost anywhere on the bus and the bus stops have the name of the stop across the bus shelter or on the small street sign if there is no shelter. You can easily follow the stops. Some busses announce the stops, others do not. The stop before Ecole Militaire is Vauban - Hotel des Invalides and the stop before that is Saint Francis Xavier.
The train fare from CDG is about $8 each now. If you will be returning to Paris I would get a carnet (10 tickets) for the bus since the two of you will be using 4 for the trip back and forth. You will have 6 left for your return trip.
This was the first time I stayed in that area and I enjoyed it. Easy walk to the Eiffel Tower and very convenient to bus and metro stops.
Enjoy your trip. I can hardly wait to return!
I was not clear. The Luxembourg stop is the end of the line. This is convenient because you can only go in one direction LOL!
Every bus has several maps of the stopsin places convenient to see from almost anywhere on the bus and the bus stops have the name of the stop across the bus shelter or on the small street sign if there is no shelter. You can easily follow the stops. Some busses announce the stops, others do not. The stop before Ecole Militaire is Vauban - Hotel des Invalides and the stop before that is Saint Francis Xavier.
The train fare from CDG is about $8 each now. If you will be returning to Paris I would get a carnet (10 tickets) for the bus since the two of you will be using 4 for the trip back and forth. You will have 6 left for your return trip.
This was the first time I stayed in that area and I enjoyed it. Easy walk to the Eiffel Tower and very convenient to bus and metro stops.
Enjoy your trip. I can hardly wait to return!
Jun 14th, 2003, 03:55 PM
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What Iloveparis was trying to say, I think, is that you use a metro ticket in the bus. Buy a carnet of 10 when you buy your CDG-Paris RER ticket so you have one for the bus and use the rest during your stay.
Jun 14th, 2003, 04:42 PM
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Jun 14th, 2003, 04:45 PM
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Have a ball and let us know how Iloveparis's route worked. It sounds ideal to me, especially with Luxembourg G. being the end of the line for bus 82. Plenty of time to get your suitcase on, and no chance of going in the wrong direction.
Just watch the signs on the stops and when you reach Vauban-Hotel des Invalides, you know your stop is next. There is a red button you push to ask the bus to stop, but EM is such a big stop, I'm sure it will stop. Look for the red sign above the windshield that says "Arrete demande".
Bon voyage!
Just watch the signs on the stops and when you reach Vauban-Hotel des Invalides, you know your stop is next. There is a red button you push to ask the bus to stop, but EM is such a big stop, I'm sure it will stop. Look for the red sign above the windshield that says "Arrete demande".
Bon voyage!
Jun 15th, 2003, 11:59 AM
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KathyO I like iloveparis' idea too. FYI I thought I'd answer your question about the two RER metro trip.
Once you are inside the heart of Paris the Metro & RER Zone 1 are identical in cost. You can take either train. So you buy one ticket at the airport for about 9 euros and it covers you to switch to other Metro and RER lines inside Paris. You just keep making connections until you get to Ecole Militaire.
Once you are inside the heart of Paris the Metro & RER Zone 1 are identical in cost. You can take either train. So you buy one ticket at the airport for about 9 euros and it covers you to switch to other Metro and RER lines inside Paris. You just keep making connections until you get to Ecole Militaire.
Jun 15th, 2003, 05:27 PM
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Christina is correct; the Air France Shuttle bus from CDG does not go to Invalides as does the Orly bus. From CDG the bus goes to Arc de Triomphe and Port Maillot, both of which are much too far away to walk to rue Cler. My choice is RER line B from CDG to Gare Nord, Metro line 4 to Strasbourg-St.Denis, Metro line 8 to Ecole Militaire. CDG to rue Cler should not take you more than 45 minutes. Do not be afraid of the Paris Metro. It is extremely easy to use and the best transit system in the world. It is said that no place in Paris is more than 500 meters from a Metro station. Take a passport sized photo and buy a Carte Orange RATP pass. One week Mon-Sun zone 1,2 costs 13.75 euros. Unlimited rides on all Metros (14 lines), buses, RER trains (5 lines). Best transportation bargain in Europe. Have a great trip.
Ryan
Ryan
