juliejj

We have a 7 hour layover in Paris in early Dec. Any suggestions on what to do? We are flying into and out of the international airport.

travelbunny

..not sure that you can do much of anything..If your flight is on time..and that is always abig IF, you will be lucky to leave the airport 1 hour after landing (if your luggage is checked through again another bonus)..It is about an hour into Paris (again..might be less depending on traffic)..an hour back to the airport to arrive 1 hour before the flight (minimumum..prob 90 mins..If I do arithmetic correctly that leaves you 2 1/2 hours..It is enough to have a lovely walk along the Seine and see Notre Dame and walk to the Latin Quarter of Ile St. Louis...I might be overestimating travel time, but I have done the Roissy central Paris trip many times and I don't think I am being overly cautious.

Robert2533

travelbunny is pretty much on with how much time you'll have to enjoy Paris during your layover. 2 to 2-1/2 hours is about it, even if you are flying first class and don't need to be back at the airport until 60 minutes before domestic departure, two hours minimum for international departures, again, first class or frequent flyer status only. Traffic can be a headache in both directions.

Scarlett

My son had 8 hours once in Paris. He took a train into the city and walked as much as he could, then back to the airport. You could do the same or take a cab.

jck4

we recently had a 5 hour layover in Paris flying from Venice to Washington. Air France has 3 or 4 buses that take you to central Paris locations. These buses run on 15 (or maybe 30??)minute increments - our bus from Charles de Gaulle to the Arc de Triumph took 45 minutes. We had a lovely, leisurely lunch at a cafe near the Arc, then took the bus back 2 hours later to the airport. I forget where the other buses go, but ours was the stop closest to the airport. It was a LOVELY and very unexpected way to spend a lunchtime, after a wonderful week in Italy. The cost is around 18E pperson RT.

JeanneB

If you won't have luggage, why not take the RER into the city? I've never done it, but it sounds pretty easy. You can get off at St. Michel, walk over to the Iles, grab a bite at a cafe, then back to CDG on the RER. Even if it's only 2 hours and a tiny bite of Paris...I would take it.

ira

Hi julie,

Even one hour in Paris is better than 7 hr at the airport.

Michael

The RER is the best bet because it gets into Paris in a reliable way. No potential traffic jams to slow you down. Get off at St. Michel.

vatraveller

Any chance of enjoying a quick lunch in Paris with a 4 hour layover?

machin

I was about to respond and noticed this poster asked in November.

jck4

va traveller, it would be a VERY quick lunch, i'd be too nervous. we had 6 and I was nervous. would depend on time of day, day of week, potential for traffic if you do the bus option, dont know about RER

Christina

I don't think there's any way you can go into Paris for lunch with a four hour layover, even if your plane is on time landing.