Hi listers. I am off to France in 17 days and have just received a phone call from my American cousin, now in France telling me she has an apartment for us in Reu Des Grands Augustins in the 6th Arr. near Ponte Neuf. Now my question relates to how to get into Paris from Charles De G. My cousin suggests I get the Air France bus from the airport (altho Iam not travelling Air F) and go to Les Invarlides (??spelling).This must be the bus station? <BR>Then catch a cab. Is this going to work? <BR>Any suggestions as to what is around that area that I can visit that day as I am going to try to stay on my feet from 6.30 am arrival to Paris nightfall after 23 hours in the plane. I want to see anything and in that area, just in case I have to head back and hit the pillow. Thanks Denise

Denise, <BR>Enjoy Paris! You can use the Air France Bus even if you do not fly on Air France. Just make sure you ask at the information booth the the Airport which one to take. The staff speaks English so don't be shy! It is about and hour from the Airport to Les Invalides. (It used to be a hospital now a museum)Have your cousin meet you there. Start in that area. Then use the Metro or bus to get where you are going. The Metro has maps and all booths will give you a pocket map of the public transportation systems. In 17 days you will have plenty of time to see the sights so go easy on yourself the first day. Try to get a nap in early afternoon so that you are not dragging the next day. Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy!!

Hi Denise: <BR>I agree with Love. We take the AF bus whenever using Paris as a hub. My recollection is that it is about 1/3 to 1/2 as much as a taxi, a little more expensive than the Metro. Metro has a disadvantage if you have lots of luggage. Air France used to have maps of the routes the AF bus takes on their website. There are other bus services as well, but AF has been our best choice. By the time you leave, you will be so used to using the Metro, you problably will use it to return to the airport! Have a great trip?

If you have minimal luggage (like a pilot case and backpack), you can take the RER (train) to Pont St Michel, which is about a 10 minute walk from rue des Grands Augustins. Pont Neuf connects the west end of l'Ile de la Cite with the Left Bank and Right Bank, so you are near the Conciergerie, St Chapelle/Palais de Justice; further east on the Ile, and you've hit Notre Dame. The neighborhood around des Grands Augustins is very active; just walking around, stopping for coffee, lunch, afternoon pick-me-up, is interesting enough. Lots of shopping and people watching. Early afternoon, why not take a boat tour of the Seine? Bateaux Mouches, the Vedettes or Bateaux Parisiens all offer cruises that last about an hour. Good way to see some of Paris with little stress on your body or brain. It's a very good idea to stay close to the apartment; I have 'hit the wall' a couple of times, and been really glad I was not too far from my bed. <BR> <BR>Enjoy Paris; it's a walker's city with the added bonus of an excellent subway/bus system.

Denise, as a fan of Les Invalides, I hope you will stay there for a bit and visit, before you tromp around Paris. Les Invalides is a beautiful building, erected to care for the aging soldiers of Napoleon's armies, I believe. In fact, the great man himself has his tomb in the complex, and it is certainly worth seeing! If you are interested at all in the Napoleonic Wars or 19th century military history, then spend an hour going through the historical exhibits. They really are fascinating. <BR>You are so famous among fodorites, Denise, for having started the *who are you* thread, and we all thank you for that, and for contributing to the fascinating one now going on *where are you this minute.* Hope you have a smashing trip to France! Enjoy and bon voyage!

There is a shuttle that can be arranged prior to leaving from the states. Search this forum and I'm sure you can find the exact site. That's how we found it. This will take you directly to where you are going. Cost was about $18. You can e-mail and they will respond quickly with the information as to phone number to call when you arrive. Call before you get your luggage and they will tell you where to meet them. The baggage claim area is round and only has one or two exits to the outside exits. It's a bit confusing. Check with your cousin for advise on finding your way out. <BR> <BR>Have fun. Report to us when you return.

If I'm traveling during the same time , plan to go to the 6th ,,and traveling with 2 poeple (total 3) is AF better than a cab?

You may find a cab to be a better option just be sure that do not charge per person. Will you be able to put all your luggage in a small cab? AF buses have compartment under the bus as well as racks overhead. You can get round trip AF bus tickets before you leave the US by calling 800-Air France. Enjoy yourself!*

Thank you all. I am more comfortable now about this point. I just didn't like the idea of lugging a suitcase (even if on wheels) and a rollaboard strapped to it's back in peak hour on the train. (Need the rollaboard for trip back 16 hour layover in K.L. Malaysia) Thought to shout myself a cab, even if the cost is high but the bus sounds wonderful. Going back to the airport no problem, I've booked TVG from Tours direct, then staying the night at the airport. Will let you l know how it went when I return. We are in Paris in this apartment for a few days it seems then off to Monets, then Roeun and the coast (excuse my spelling, nothing in front of me at the moment to correct it) then a night on Mt St Michel and over to Loire and the cousin's oldfarm house for a few days then down to Dordogne area. Yipeeee so excited, and I don't have to worry about anything. Again, my thanks listers as usual you've been just great. <BR>Denise in Australia