Gare Nord to central Paris
May 7th, 2003, 08:33 AM
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Gare Nord to central Paris
We will be arriving by Eurostar at Gare Nord. After hearing about the pickpockets, what is the fastest way to get to central Paris? Should we take the metro, RER, or a taxi? I appreciate the help. 
May 7th, 2003, 08:46 AM
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Tada,
I prefer a taxi. I assume you will have some luggage and it is so much easier to jump into a taxi. Most drivers don't speak English, so if you don't speak French, have the place or address you are traveling to written out on a card or piece of paper. It will make it alot easier to communicate where you want to go. You may need to wait a bit for a taxi, it depends on when you arrive at the station. Also, a taxi ride in Paris is very similar to an amusement park ride. Be prepared to see some unusual driving. Have a good trip.
Greg
I prefer a taxi. I assume you will have some luggage and it is so much easier to jump into a taxi. Most drivers don't speak English, so if you don't speak French, have the place or address you are traveling to written out on a card or piece of paper. It will make it alot easier to communicate where you want to go. You may need to wait a bit for a taxi, it depends on when you arrive at the station. Also, a taxi ride in Paris is very similar to an amusement park ride. Be prepared to see some unusual driving. Have a good trip.
Greg
May 7th, 2003, 08:49 AM
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Hi Tada. Can I just say something about pickpockets? I have come out of Gare du Nord many, many, many times. It's not like you will be besieged by them. Yes, there are some dodgy looking people - that is par for the course in every city. You will be fine if you keep your head up, not dress like a tourist and not consult your map as soon as you come out. It's very difficult when it's your first time to look like you know what your doing, I know.
Where are you heading? I always take the metro. It's clean, quick and safe. The drive into Paris will be fun if you want to take a taxi though
Where are you heading? I always take the metro. It's clean, quick and safe. The drive into Paris will be fun if you want to take a taxi though
May 7th, 2003, 08:56 AM
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I agree with AllyPally. However, if you are to arrive late, then you might prefer a taxi. We have arrived at 10 p.m. before and couldn't find a metro booth open to purchase tokens.
During the day, however, we didn't feel uncomfortable there.
During the day, however, we didn't feel uncomfortable there.
May 7th, 2003, 11:08 AM
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Paris is a fairly compact city -- much more so than London, for example. If you're feeling energetic, I'd recommend walking from the Gare du Nord to Notre Dame. It's probably only about a 15- or 20-minute walk, though most people would take detours here and there to stop for coffee and a croissant or to explore interesting side streets.
If you do take the metro, take the #4 line (from Gare du Nord) in the direction of Porte d'Orleans, and exit at the Cite stop. At the Cite stop, choose the elevator rather than the stairs unless you really, really enjoy climbing.
If you do take the metro, take the #4 line (from Gare du Nord) in the direction of Porte d'Orleans, and exit at the Cite stop. At the Cite stop, choose the elevator rather than the stairs unless you really, really enjoy climbing.
May 7th, 2003, 05:59 PM
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The #38 bus will take you from the station right to the Ile de la Cite.
http://www.citefutee.com/orienter/bus.php
http://www.citefutee.com/orienter/bus.php
