Help! Paris overnight connection
Mar 3rd, 2008, 06:11 AM
#1
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Help! Paris overnight connection
First time to Paris so I'm overwhelmed. Going mid-April. Making a 24-hour connection before heading to Italy (first time there too). Getting in from NYC at 10 A, leaving for Pisa by air the next day at 6P. Just 2 adults, one with bum knees, so we won't be running. Please help with a hotel or neighborhood idea, and suggestions about what to do in such a short time. We'll be travelling back home from Venice thru Paris a week later, with 3 nites in Paris then for a slightly slower paced stay.
Mar 3rd, 2008, 06:27 AM
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For simplcity, I'd recommend staying in the Left Bank's 6th district. Simplicity because the RER train from the airport has a station at St Michel.
To be even simpler, the Hotel Le Notre Dame is across the street from the station.
What is nice about this location is that you are across the street Notre Dame, St Chapelle, Ile St Louis. Boulevard St Germain is a short walk away. The Seine is right there, 5 minute walk to Seine river cruise, lots of restaurants. My room at that hotel gave me views of sunrise over Notre Dame Cathedral.
This is one choice. You could also stay in the 6th near the Luxembourg Gardens, another RER stop. And so on.
I like the RER, but taxis, while much more expensive than the RER are another easy way to get into the city. So the above ideas are one option. A lot of first timers seem to end up in the 4-5-6-7th districts. So something in those areas is OK, each has its pluses. Knowing what you will want to see might help you decide to pick one over the other.
Also, the public transit system is very good, so that while walking is probably the best way to see the city, if you reach a point of not wanting to walk anymore, the Metro will get you back home. In choosing a location to minimize walking, you might look at which Metro line is near your hotel...having to switch lines 3 times to get to where you want to go might be a negative...some 'hub' stations require a bit of a hike to switch lines.
Hope this helps,
Mike
To be even simpler, the Hotel Le Notre Dame is across the street from the station.
What is nice about this location is that you are across the street Notre Dame, St Chapelle, Ile St Louis. Boulevard St Germain is a short walk away. The Seine is right there, 5 minute walk to Seine river cruise, lots of restaurants. My room at that hotel gave me views of sunrise over Notre Dame Cathedral.
This is one choice. You could also stay in the 6th near the Luxembourg Gardens, another RER stop. And so on.
I like the RER, but taxis, while much more expensive than the RER are another easy way to get into the city. So the above ideas are one option. A lot of first timers seem to end up in the 4-5-6-7th districts. So something in those areas is OK, each has its pluses. Knowing what you will want to see might help you decide to pick one over the other.
Also, the public transit system is very good, so that while walking is probably the best way to see the city, if you reach a point of not wanting to walk anymore, the Metro will get you back home. In choosing a location to minimize walking, you might look at which Metro line is near your hotel...having to switch lines 3 times to get to where you want to go might be a negative...some 'hub' stations require a bit of a hike to switch lines.
Hope this helps,
Mike
Mar 3rd, 2008, 06:31 AM
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I used the Sheraton right in the airport once. It couldn't be more convenient. I would expect that they would hold your bags for the day of departure.
Take the RER to Luxembourg and enjoy the left bank.
Mar 3rd, 2008, 06:38 AM
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As a follow up to hopscoth, I steyed one night at the Sofitel at CDG. They have a shuttle bus to and from the terminals/RR station. Very nice hotel, I could afford it since I found a 120 euro internet special.
Mar 3rd, 2008, 06:52 AM
#5
I'm not one to usually say "stay at the airport", but in this situation I just consider it.
Otherwise pick the 5th or 6th arrondisement for convenience to touring and sights. Maybe do one a short city-bus-tour your first day to get an overview? Especially with the bum knee and all.
Otherwise pick the 5th or 6th arrondisement for convenience to touring and sights. Maybe do one a short city-bus-tour your first day to get an overview? Especially with the bum knee and all.
Mar 3rd, 2008, 08:28 AM
#6
An airport hotel usually makes sense for a layover. But not in your case IMO. Arriving mid morning and leaving late afternoon the next day gives you a decent amount of time IN Paris. And staying near the St Michel RER/Metro station could not be better. Even w/ bum knees - you would be close enough to stroll over to Notre Dame, Ste Michelle and to the pier for the river boats.
You don't have to see/do a ton of stuff - and you'll probably be jet lagged anyway. But Notre Dame, Ste Chapelle and an early evening cruise on the river would be a perfect and low key entree to Paris and give you a head start for the stay at the end of your trip.
The boat will go past the Louvre, Musee d Orsay, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame which are all lit at night.
You don't have to see/do a ton of stuff - and you'll probably be jet lagged anyway. But Notre Dame, Ste Chapelle and an early evening cruise on the river would be a perfect and low key entree to Paris and give you a head start for the stay at the end of your trip.
The boat will go past the Louvre, Musee d Orsay, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame which are all lit at night.
