Layover in Paris
 

I have a flight that arrives early afternoon from Rome, and I fly out the next morning (11am) from CDG. I've been to Paris before and can't decide whether to get hotel in the city for that period of time, or just get airport hotel and then--if I like--take the train into the city for a few hours.

Thoughts?

I stay at the airport and go into the city for a few hours.

I think you have enough time to get a hotel in Paris. If your flight the next day doesn't leave until 11, you can take the RER back to CDG in the morning and you'll be able to spend more time that night in Paris.

Here's info on your options for getting to/from the city:

http://www.visitingeu.com/western-eu...gaulle-or.html

I wouldn't be able to resist going into Paris.

If it's an international flight, most airlines require you to be at the airport at least 2-1/2 hours prior to departure, even with your boarding pass in hand. That means you would have to be at CDG by 08:30. It can take 1 hr and 20 min by taxi from the center of Paris, longer on the RER, which means that you will have to leave the hotel by 07:00? A very short night indeed.

I'd rather stay out near the airport, spend the late afternoon and early evening in the city and get that extra 1-1/2 hours sleep.

See
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...r-2-nights.cfm

I'm with StCirq on this - to be that close and not savor a brief time in Paris would be unbearable. In similar situation I have spent the night in the city, booked in at a hotel close to RER B stop then just hopped the RER to CDG in the AM. It's just so much nicer waking up in Paris than in an airport hotel.

Thanks all. Good advice

I agree with StCirq too. Who can resist Paris?? Good luck!

Since the RER from the airport takes you directly to central Paris, it's an easy choice to get hotel at CDG and go wandering till last RER back. Then in morning, shuttle to CDG

I'd get off at St Michel stop of RER. Perfect spot to start wandering.

Michel, thanks for that advice. I'm using some Starwood points, so I'm booked at the Sheraton CDG and just going in to Paris on the train. As I've said, I've been to Paris before on business so having the "Paris experience" isn't as important.

Gotta love those Starwood points, right? I have been a member for years and staying for one free week at the Westin in Venice, right on the Grand Canal!

Perhaps with your few hours in Paris you can stroll around the Marais area.

Thats a good idea, Jill