skatterfly

OK all you Paris logistics experts,
In all my previous Paris trips I have never had a problem hopping on the RER and metro from CDG or other train stations with luggage. We have always travelled lightly with 1 carryon piece each that we could sling over our shoulder.

This time, it'll be different with a baby and a set of parents. We'll still be travelling with 1 bag each (even the folks)... but still I think with 4 adults and a baby we'll be a bigger spectacle as a larger group with luggage, plus the diaper bag and small collapsible stroller.

Looking for a quick rundown of our options. I know the metro is a straight shot, but probably not the best logistically. What's the cost of a taxi that distance, and can we even get a taxi with a baby? (We're not bringing a carseat.) The apartment can set us up with a private car service, but I think he charges like EU 70 one way...and that's just a bit too high I think.

Are we nuts to think we can just take the metro? (OK, I know a question will probably yield the answer, "of course you're nuts"... but I have more to think about these days with the baby and I'm hopeful we can still have fairly easy travels with the added planning.

Thanks for the help.

Christina

of course you are nuts, are you kidding??!!!

take a cab, please. It will depend on traffic, of course, as to the fare, but I would expect around 15-20 euro. COuld be less if you are lucky, and it could be more if some unusual traffic job/rerouting. I always take a cab from Gare du Nord to Left Bank hotel when I only have a little luggage, and I'm only one person.

I will admit I don't know baby seat rules, but think there is no requirement you have one and a taxi will take you. YOu will have to take two cabs if there are three adults plus a baby and all that stuff, of course.

Why don't you take a cab with the baby and junk and send one set of adults on the metro so you don't need two cabs.

skatterfly

Christina,
I know, totallly nutty for us to consider it!

I forgot about the fact that we'd need to take 2 taxis, and depending on traffic, etc that could end up being a lot of EU. It might actually be a safer bet to get the private service where the cost would be a set 70EU... but MYGOSH that's a lot more than the price of a metro ticket. Yikes!

But you have a good idea about splitting up the group. We'll be thinking about it.

Do you know if RER or Bus might be a good option? I'm going near Buci Market/Odeon/St Sulpice and wouldn't mind walking to the apt.

Thanks,
Kat

hopscotch

Your group size is rather confusing, skatterfly. Regardless, we've done the metros with an infant and later when she was a 2 year old. The kid has twice as much stuff (including a portable crib) as two adults combined so it is a bit more work. But for a short zip through a couple of metro stations you can manage, especially if, as it seems, there are 4 adults doing the heavy lifting. As you know, the metro during rush hours is hectic.

jody

There are taxi/minivans in the regular Taxi Parisien line at Gare du Nord, that could handle your group size. We got one for 5 adults not too long ago, the dispatcher just called on down the line for us.
We've paid anywhere from 7E to 20E depending on time of day and day of the week.

MorganB

Just take the metro. Its only two stops on the RER from Gare du nord to St Michele... The station at Gare du Nord has been completely renovated and is well lit and very secure. There are plenty of escalators and some elevators as well. Just take your time and dont try to run loaded down. Also, when you enter the metro, rather than going through the turnsiles, ask the person at the ticket counter to buzz open the door for you. You then just pass all your tickets through the turnstile machine without going through so they are validated and then walk through the door taking care to close the door behind you. If you dont speak french just point at your bags and then at the door. They will get the idea.