Sorry, forgot to tag as "France" earlier. I unfortunately only have one day in Paris and am looking forward to climbing the ND towers for the view and get some nice pictures. I see that it opens at 10 a.m. If I can get in right when it opens, do you think I'll have enough time to do that and get to CDG for a 1:40 flight? (It's international flight if that makes a difference.) Thanks!

I haven't climbed the towers in years but I have seen long queues to climb them during recent visits to Notre Dame. I think you would be cutting it very close, assuming you have a requirement to check-in two hours before your flight.

I wouldn't do it. You'll have to arrive at the towers at least half an hour early (depending on the time of year) to get near the front of the line. 45 minutes to an hour for the climb and pictures. Then get to the metro/RER station, schlep out to CDG and have enough time to check in according to your airlines rules, get through security, etc. Not to mention where would your luggage be during the climb? Really don't think that's wise, or really even possible.

I'm flying from Venice and getting into CDG at 7:40 the night before (18 hour layover on my way to Boston) so trying to cram as much as I can into my short overnight stay. Figured my bags should be checked through to Boston and I'll already have my boarding pass but even then, doesn't look like I'll make it. Have to come back another time for a proper visit. Thank you for the advice!

The good news is/was that the RER station with the direct line to the airport is very near ND...it's the waiting and check-in times that will get you.

That's why I was considering it and I'm still tempted, but probably not worth being stranded in France and having to pay for new ticket home when I miss my flight

hmmm. you have an 18 hour layover and you think your bags are going to be kept at the airline for you? Is that what they told you or are you just assuming that? I really haven't done that, I just didn't think any airline would store your bags for you like that, especially now for security reasons, so if they will, that's interesting.

Both legs of my flight are AF and their website says bags are checked through for all transfers but I shouldn't assume such? Have never flown AF or done the long layover thing before so all new to me.

You do not have a hope in hell of doing this. You have to check in at least 2 hours before an international flight, so you must be at CDG by no later than 11.40 and as previously mentioned, the line-ups will be considerable at the cathedral. Do you intend to carry a case up the stairs to the top ? Think of something else to do.

Thanks much for the replies. I guess I'll just get up early and see as much on the ground as I can, then head to the airport. Have to see the gargoyles on another trip.

Like the others said, I wouldn't count on your baggage being transferred on an 18 hour layover.

You cannot do the ND tower. We spent more time in line there in April than in line at the Eiffel Tower. Small space only accommodates small group at a time.

You might try the top of the Arc de Triomphe for a great view of Paris landmarks, sans gargoyles. If you purchase a 2 day Paris Museaum Pass (carte musee), perhaps an extravagence, you could skip to the head of any line. The Pass does not have fast access privileges at the ND Towers, though it's good for admission to the sight.

Enjoy your time in Paris (and Italy).

I just returned tuesday 6/2/09 from a week in Paris. We stayed a couple blocks from ND - on the left bank. Was on the 1:40 flight to Boston. Took the RER right next to ND to CDG. We left got on the RER at 10 am and after all the check-in and security lines, had about 45 minutes to boarding. (they start boarding 45 minutes before flight time.) I must add that this was a tuesday, so it was not a heavy traffic day for flying. I have flown 2 other times from CDG, but on both times were on a sunday and it was much more crowded and took a lot longer to get through the lines. Also, CDG is one of those international airports that American Airlines has a 3-hr recommendation for check-in.

Tricky business. The RER B does indeed have an entrance directly in front of Notre Dame.

"International" flight is meaningless. Some such flights close 30 minutes before departure; others take MUCH longer for check-in and security clearance -- such as a flight to Boston. If you are indeed already checked in and have your boarding pass, I would say that if you at the airport by 12:30, that is fine. (meaning leaving Notre Dame before noon, since you have to factor in waiting time for the RER)

Travel time on the RER to CDG is 35 minutes.

My personal rule is to get to CDG 3 hours before a flight back to the USA. Even then, I often end up in an amazingly long line for check in and generally get to the boarding area with just enough time to buy a magazine or two and a bottle of water. I wouldn't attempt this.

Definitely 3 hours for the airport wait. Not sure when it opens, but there is a great view from the top of the Arab Institute which is left bank, near ND. Not as high as the towers, but the rooftops and the back(side) of ND make for good shots. And I would be very surprised if there was any line at all. Not so in April.

I often try to squeeze in a quick trip to Paris during layovers at CDG. Longest layover has been 11 hours and they did check luggage through, but that was not overnight. For peace of mind, I try to arrive at the airport 2.5 hours prior to takeoff, and even that can be a bit too close for comfort.

If you aren't too tired the night you get in, both the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are open late, I think midnight and 11 respectively. Ste Chapelle opens at 9:30am. Lines are generally not so bad there and you might squeak in a quick visit if you're early. Good luck!

EDM

There is extra security pre-screening for flights to the States. 3 hours at CDG is often the bare minimum, depending on who is in front of you during the pre-screening. I was once # 4 in the queue and because the three in front of me hit just about every profiling hot button - it took nearly and hour just to get to the check in desk.

No way on Earth can you to the ND tower that morning.

Mike,

From what I know, those bags will most likely be sent thru to Boston. I don't know where they go during all those hours, but when I had this same scenario in Frankfurt with Luftansa, I was "WARNED" that my bags will not be @ baggage claim in Frankfurt. The next time I saw my bags was in Denver. They made sure I knew this; I guess other ppl in the past assumed they would get their bags b/c the layover was overnight. Those travelers were out of luck. Luftansa was kind enough to give me a heads up.

With that said...
The fact that some very seasoned travelers here in this thread mentioned the opposite possibility makes me think you should do a double check with AF on the phone just to be sure.

~Jay

PS. my vote is to climb the steps @ the Arc in the morning. This time of year it opens @ 10am. Mid-week, there will be little in the way of lines if you arrive @ 9:30am to hold your place. Be back on the metro by 10:30am to make a connection to RER-B and I am sure you will be fine. You didn't say when you would be there. If it happens to be July 14th, it will be closed in the a.m.

The Arc can be climbed quickly. Snag a few pics, enjoy a few minutes of a grand view, and then high-tail it to CDG!!!

Thanks everyone for your advice. It is much appreciated!