I have a 9 hour layover in Paris. I do not want to spend the whole time in the airport terminal. Here are my questions:

1) What is the procedure for getting out and back into an international terminal?
2) Is there somewhere to store our carry ons?
3) Fastest way to Paris from De Gaulle airport?

Thanks for your help!

9 hours sounds like for ever . . . But it really isn't.

Say it take 90 minutes from landing to catching the RER. Then about 35 minutes to St Michel station. Or 25 minutes to Gare du Nord where you can leave your carry-on and then time on the metro to get anyplace interesting from the station. You need to allow time to drop and collect your bag.

Same back to CDG. Then you want to be at CDG 3 hours ahead if your flight is to the USA-a little less to other destinations (there is extra security screening for US-bound flights)

From your 9 hours - all the travel/immigration/security/etc = nearly 7 hours.

Concur with janisj.

Basically, you'd get into Paris and have to turn right around and go back, and hope for no contingencies that create delays.

For example, if you don't have Euro coins, you could wait 1/2 or more in line for RER tickets (or not, you never know). And, once in a while, there are interruptions on the RER, such as unexplained stops lasting 20 minutes or more.

And, if you don't have all carefully planned out, something could go very wrong.

If your destination is not to the USA and/or you are leaving from terminal 2E, that would give you extra time. Not having to store anything you're carrying would also give you more time.

There are lots of tips for this on the TripAdvisor forum.

If you do decide to venture into Paris, be SURE to check schedules in case you miss your flight, and know that you'll have to be reticketed, at walk-up fares (!), and probably with no credit for the unused ticket. No one will be the slightest bit sympathetic or care what the excuse. And, there won't necessarily be seats on the next flight or the one after that.

You might want to investigate day rates at some airport hotels. The Marriott is a 5 minute shuttle
ride away and they have a gym and pool... nicer than idling in a terminal and safer than missing your flight by going into Paris...

Thanks for all the advice. We are looking at hotels near the airport to get a some rest and downtime. Any recommendations for a hotel near the airport besides the Marriott?