Hi - we need to get from Paris to Florence the quickest easiest way we can on July 30 this summer - we are a family of 4 with kids ages 13 and 10. I was planning a flight from Paris to Milan and then train to Florence. Is this the best way to go? If yes, what airport in Milan is the closest to the train station to catch a train to Florence? I have never been to Italy. Have been scouring the Internet but still feel unsure. Any suggestions from the seasoned, experienced travelers on this board? Thanks so much.

You can fly Easyjet from Paris Orly to Pisa. From Pisa you can either take the shuttle bus service by Terravision to Florence (about 1 hour) or the train (also about 1 hour). www.easyjet.com
www.terravision.it

Ryan Air to Pisa is another option but they fly from Paris BVA which isn't very close to the city.

Milan is much further away and I don't see any advantage to flying there.

Air France flies from Charles DeGaulle to FLR, which is the Florence airport.

Hi I,

Check www.whichbudget.com to Pisa, PSA, Florence FLR

I think Myair flys CDG to Bologna - only an hour to Florence by train. Might be worth looking at if the price is OK.

Or hop the direct Artesia overnight train Paris-Bercy station to Florence's Campo di Marte station

with six in your party you could book up a whole six-person private couchette compartment and find advance online specials perhaps at really cheap rates at www.voyages-sncf.com if you act far enough in advance

You kids are familiar with planes and airports but this could be a once-in-their-lifetime chance to experience a European overnight train ride.

Boat in evening, bring your own picnic supplies on board, wake up in Florence in the morning.

save a hotel cost to boot

I just booked to go from Venice to Paris and got best deal for the early departure I need with www.airfrance.com. I did try all below, from a common thread on FODORS with tons of web sites galore! Try each as I did, put your dates in and see what is available. Good luck!

Cheaper flights within Europe

www.whichbudget.com
www.ryanair.com
www.easyjet.com
www.govolo.com
www.flybmi.com
www.opodo.co.uk
www.europebyair.com
www.thalys.com
www.vueling.com

We took the overnight train that PalenQ suggests, and it worked out great for us. It saves a night in a hotel, and you arrive early morning in Florence. Reserve a 4 person couchette (we had two 2 person "rooms" with an adjoining door). Your kids will probably think it is very cool to sleep on a train!

The EasyJet option looks great. It leaves out of Paris Orly...so much easier than CDG. The only downside is the departure times. 6am or 7pm. Not ideal. But it sure beats taking the train from Milan.

The next best alternative appears to be the MyAir flight to Bologna.