MAP

My husband and I are seniors and have been to Paris several times. We usually take cabs from CDG, but we'd like to save money this year and try the RER. Each of us has a 26" suitcase with wheels. Will there be any stairs to contend with on this route from airport to Chatelet, or will we encounter escalators? Our apartment is a stone's throw from Chatelet. Thanks for your help.

Sarastro

26¨ suitcases are enormous, particularly in the RER. You will need to get those things through the turnstiles and on/off the crowded trains. The good news is that the RER´s have elevators, just don´t transition to the métro where you might be lifting them.

For two, taking the RER will save you maybe 30€ and while the RER en route time is rapid, time spent making your way to one of the RER stations and purchasing tickets means a lot more effort after a long flight.

danon

Chatelet is one station I hate ...numerous exits, long corridors, number of lines and RER.

I hit the wrong exit and had to walk
t o the hotel ( hand luggage only, luckily) longer than I anticipated

On the way back to CDG, I took a taxi.

Gretchen

Your bags are 'way too big to manage that horrible station.

annhig

Hi Map,

you'll be ok at the CDG end, [there's a lift down to RER level] but Chatelet is another question entirely.

I'm sure that it is possible to find your way out without encountering some stairs, but it's not easy to navigate at all.

I think that I would feel inclined to get a taxi at least TO your hotel, even if I had smaller cases than you will have. you might feel confident enough of your route around the station by the end of your trip to get the RER back!

MAP

I appreciate so much all the valuable advice. My inclination is to just spring for the taxi and cut back on the pastries. Ha. Well, maybe not anything that radical. I think I might have a very tough time just lifting the heavy bag up to board the RER. With crowds, wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

gh21

Or take RER from CDG to Gare du Nord and taxi from there to your apt (approx 10 euro)

greg

For me, it is hard enough finding the right exit out of Chatelet even without stairs restriction. I recognize need to manage expenses, but if one thinks about it, there are usually areas where trimming expenses have little impact on the whole trip experience while in other areas it can ruin the whole trip. I have seen no shortage of couples with huge suitcases stuck in London and Paris metro corridors between stairs with that mistakable "I told you so, and you got me into this" look.

StCirq

Those are monstrous suitcases (why do you need all that stuff?). Yes, Châtelet will be a huge pain. As will be most of the rest of your trip.

annhig

I think I might have a very tough time just lifting the heavy bag up to board the RER.>>

you don't have to lift it - the trains are at platform level. and at CDG you have plenty of time to get on, as it's the terminus.

however, getting off might be a different matter.

BUT as others have said, do you need such a big and heavy bag? why not just take enough things for 2-3 days and send things to the laundry?