temi

What is the best way for a family of four - mom, dad, kids 12 & 15 and lugage to get from the CDG airport to the champs du mars hotel in the 7th arrondisment? <BR> <BR>Thanks for any information.

Bob Brown

Hi Temi. For my last two trips to Paris, I have used the Airport Shuttle to get from the airport to my hotel. <BR>Here is where you can find out more. <BR>http://www.paris-anglo.com/clients/ashuttle.html <BR> <BR>The vans can carry more than 4 people and there is no extra charge for luggage. You reserve before you go by using Internet and email. You send in your credit card number and let them know your arrival time. After you enter the airport building, you call the Van Service using a toll free number that requires no phone card at all. The receptionist-dispatcher will then tell you where to wait. The van picks you up shortly after you clear passport control and customs. <BR>(Customs my last visit consisted of a man waving his hand as people went by.) <BR> <BR>There is also a bus that takes you downtown close to the old opera house (Opera Garnier). But from there you need to get across the creek to your hotel. And there is also the RER local rail service direct from CDG airport (and Orly too) to various stops in Paris. And of course there is the taxi option. [Estimated cost for 4, if one taxi will take the 4 of you, would be about 500-550 French francs because there are extra charges for extra people and luggage.] <BR>A lot of the decision depends on how much luggage you have because bus and Metro are not user friendly if you have considerable luggage to transport as well as yourselves. Also Paris taxis do not have to accept 4 passengers with luggage. I have never faced that situation, so I cannot speak from direct experience. My two experiences with the shuttle were fair to good. Last year we were dropped off at our hotel in the 6th Arr after an intermediate stop. Last month we came in from the west side all the way over to the south east side in a rather circuitous route. But we got there. <BR>In your shoes I would consider the van. <BR>All 4 of you can get in one van, and there is no extra charge for luggage, and you will be taken to your hotel with perhaps an intermediate stop for other passengers. But with 4 in your party, the number of other stops will be minimized.

Lori

Go with the Shuttle, a taxi will only take 3 people and 2 taxi's would cost a small fortune. We've used them and they were very good and punctual as well. They have a toll free number and speak English so that is no problem.

Paul

Agree with previous posts except our experience with shuttles has been very poor. They just do not show up. We have gone many times from CDG to the Hotel du Cadran (across the street from your hotel) sometimes by Air France bus <BR>to Etoile and then taxi or by taxi all the way. There have only been only two of us so the taxi fare all the way was appox. 250-300 FF ($34-41). It depends on the amount of luggage you have, the time of day, traffic and how tired you are. Good luck and have a great trip. You will like the Champs du Mars and the rue Cler. Send regards to Stephane at L'Ecallier Normand on the Rue Cler. (oyster stand) If you are into oysters these are something special. Since it is already October (R month) he should be there about 4 days a week. <BR>Paul

Jeff

Temi: You've rec'd good advice. I just wanted you to know that we have done the Metro/RER from the Rue Cler to the airport (the reverse of what you are doing). It was a little confusing and took longer than we thought it would, but it is very doable.

Joan

Another vote for the shuttle. We used Cityrama Airport Shuttle from CDG to the 7th arr near your hotel and booked it through the internet. It costs more than the train, less than the taxi, and worth every penny. They sent confirmation via email and tell you right where to go when you arrive. We only waited a few minutes and were on our way with one other pickup. On the return they were right on time, again with one other pickup and it was all hassle free. With four passengers you may not even make any other stops but both times we met friendly fellow travellers. It worked out perfectly for us. <BR> <BR>Whatever you plan, have a great time!

temi

Thanks to all for the advice! Au revoir!