Can cabs accommodate 3 adults? In all our many trips I can't say that I've ever seen someone riding in the front seat. We will be staying in an apartment and need transport for our return trip to CDG. I imagine that each of us will have one large suitcase and one small carry-on bag. We're staying in the Marais in case that matters. If a car service makes more sense please let me know if you have any recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

Yes. Try to avoid the large suitcases if possible, you will be much happier.

The real question is will it take 4. If you are travelling without luggage they will take 4 with one in the front seat for an extra charge.
For your need have your hotel call a taxi large enough for your need specifically. We have done that for 4 with luggage. There are van taxis, and the cost for the taxi will be less per person than a shuttle or car service.

French cabs are not tiny Deux Chevauxs anymore! LOL Many are minivans that can seat 6. And yes... you can sit in the front seat of many cabs. It depends on whether or not the driver uses the front passenger seat as a desk or not.

A couple of trips back my wife, daughter and I ran across the courtyard of the Louvre in pouring rain and grabbed a cab that had just dropped people off. As the girls scrambled into the back seat I noticed the front seat was clear so dove in there.

So your fears about 3 in a cab are unfounded. Besides, on that same trip we took taxis several other times (it was a rainy week!) and always found comfortable room for 3 in the back of large Mercedes cabs.

I've never seen anyone riding in the front seat, either, 3 people are supposed to fit in the back seat. French taxi cab drivers have the right to refuse anyone be sitting in the seat next to them, actually.

They might have the right to refuse but I have done it. More than once actually as that same trip I rode out to CDG in the front seat of a cab.

I had interesting conversations with the drivers on both occasions.

I have sat in the front seas when we traveled in 4. The driver usually had to clear the seat of something such as sandwich wrappers or newspapers. Sometimes the seat was occupied by his dog.

Like others here, yes we have taken cabs with 3 and 4 people. With 3, most of the time we were all in the backseat, but a couple times the driver had one of us sit up front. With 4, we have only done it a couple times, but there were no issues.

>>I imagine that each of us will have one large suitcase and one small carry-on bag.<<

Why? Many people manage w/ just a carry-on plus small satchel or daypack. And staying in an apartment even more so since presumably there will be a washing machine.

But even if you can't manage to travel that light, a small suitcase like a 24 inch checked bag plus a carryon should be enough for any length trip.

And yes, a taxi "can" refuse, but we have had good luck with them taking us as 4.
And yes, we would all probably encourage the OP and his/her friends to pack lighter and in a smaller suitcase. I have never worn everything in my 22" case yet!!

We've traveled with four many a time, and my husband has often sat in the front seat.

We never carry that much though--our standard is a 22" per person and one backpack that can fit on our laps if need be. Like Gretchen, I've rarely worn everything in the 22".

Does your apartment have an elevator? If not, you should downsize anyway.

Just call G7 or Taxis Bleus the night before and order a cab. Tell them how many people you are and how much luggage, and they'll send the right-size cab. There are loads of station wagon and minivan cabs in Paris these days, so a party of 3 is never an issue.

When we were there with another couple, all 4 of us often rode in the same cab, with someone in the front seat. One evening my cousin had to put the taxi driver's small dog on his lap in the front seat!

Three people would sit in the back. I think the issue would be a ton of luggage - and you might have to get a van taxi to have room for all of it.

A third passenger does not sit in the front of a cab - any more than they would in the US.

Thanks. I'll arrange for a cab.