I will be flying out of Rome on August 15th and have an 11 hour layover(11p-10a)in Paris. First question...Is it possible to leave the airport without having to hassle with luggage? Second question...any recomendations on what to do and see from midnight to early morning in Paris. Thanks in advance!

Hi farcar,

Will your luggage be checked all the way through to your final destination?

If not, I don't think that you can leave without it.

I suggest heading for the intersection of the Boulevard St Germaine and the Boulevard St Michelle.
Should be lively all night along the Boul St Germaine,

Most international airports have either lockers or human-manned checking stations where you can leave your luggage safely for a period of time.

Normally, I would recommend taking just a carry-on with you into Paris and leaving your luggage at a left-luggage area in the airport.

However, many airports have suspended these services since 9/11. Please see this link:

www.adp.fr

This is also another good source for finding airport services:

http://www.airwise.com

Also, is the 11 hour layover considered a "stop" on your air ticket?

If you are going on to another country and the layover is not a "stop" on your ticket but is rather considered "in transit", then there is a possibility you will not be allowed out of the airport during this time, if you don't have to clear customs and immigration there.

That's probably NOT the case for such a long layover, but just in case, thought I'd add that in!

I don't know specifically, but the guide Time Out Paris (see www.timeout.com) is geared to the younger set and may have suggestions under bars, cafes, etc for ideas.

Thanks all. I appreciate the suggestions!

My son and i are doing the same. this is what i have found. You can leave baggages at Baggages du Monde located at terminal 2 in the cdg airport. From there you can get on the train (also located in terminal 2, between 2e - 2f) to Paris, which is about a half hour ride.
Please note, that we have never done this but are planning on do so next week.
Google Baggages du Monde and paristrain for more info.
have fun!

so sorry - just reread your post. Apparently, the trains only run until ,idnight. You will probably need to take a car/taxi in. however, it looks like you can take train back in at the time you need to.

Be careful with the train if you chose to use it in the morning. We always use the train, but have had some problems (always on the return). One time the power was out on the line due to a powerful storm, another time the train switched to another track (most people had to get off and backtrack)and finally another time someone fell on the track in Paris and they shut the power off for a time. We always allow ourselves plenty of time to get to the airport. Just keep that in mind.

Duc des Lombards is a great jazz club in the 1st (?) not too far from Les Halles, Pompidou, etc.

I just reread the OP and it's from 2003. Oh well, maybe someone can use my advice, or not.

I loved getting this info about cdg/train etc. so despite the old OP, good stuff, thanks!