I am leaving fior Paris tomorrow and have a few last minute questions that no one can answer. From charles D'Gaulle, it looks on the map like I should take the blue RER to Gare De Nord and transfer to my metro there ..my hotel stop is palais Royal, but there seem to be two pink lines on the map so I am not sure which one I get one. Any ideas? <BR> <BR>I am backpacking alone and would appreciate any help on this or any other helpful hints for the city you may have. <BR> <BR>Merci.

I don't remember the color, but it is the RER-B. Instead of exiting the airport (with the doors in front of you), head to the right. There is a big sign for the airport hotel (can't think of the name) but you should also see the sign for the RER. There will be an escalator going down to the next level. The RER is about $8.50. Now that I think of it, I believe it is a blue line.

Here's a web site for you to see the map: http://www.ratp.fr/Images/Pdf/plan.eng/rergb.pdf <BR> (RER B-3) <BR>

Take the navette (shuttle bus) from Porte 28 to the RER station (no charge). Take the RER-B to Châtelet, first stop after Gare du Nord. Look for the Correspondance sign, then Pont de Neuilly. Get off at Palais Royal. You may have a long underground walk at Châtelet. <BR>

You no longer need to take the shuttle bus to the RER. There is now a stop at the airport. In 1997 I had to take the shuttle, but not this past May.

Be sure you are pulling your wheeled bag . . . not carrying an overstuffed one. <BR> <BR>I just went upstairs and retrieved my Printemps Paris map and I'll try to give you the details . . . . map smells like croc monsieur . . . <BR> <BR>You know how the Metro stops work? You look for the line that has your stop on it . . . look for the final destination . . . <BR> <BR>Here goes. When you are in Gare du Nord, look for the Metro line direction to final stop called Porte D'Orleans. Take that to Chatelet. Get off at Chatelet, stay underground, you may walk a lot because Chatelet is BIG under there, find Metro with final stop, direction Pont de Neuilly. You'll have one stop at Louvre, don't get off. Next stop is Palais-Royal. <BR> <BR>There are HUGE maps on the wall at every stop. Read and remember. Watch your back pocket while you are reading and remembering . . . You won't get lost . . . ask questions . . . have a GREAT TIME. <BR> <BR>Go to Fauchon's for me and get some dark chocolate. Then please splurge one day and go to lunch at the Ritz. Then please stroll through the Tuileries one early morning and have breakfast at one of the side cafes, under the umbrellas, and have a croc monsieur. <BR> <BR>

Thanks, Monica, for the updated info on the new RER station. In Feb and May, I took the KLM minibus to my hotel. I now realize my info on the RER is old. I arrived in May on the day you met at Deux Magots, but got there a bit late for your meeting. Sorry to have missed you. Boots <BR>

May I, as a native, point out that to go to Palais-Royal, the RER solution means a lot of hassle and walking ? The best public transport solution is to take the "Roissybus" : it's a direct bus operated by RATP, the Paris transport authority : it stops at every terminal, and once out of CDG, goes straight to its end station : Opéra. There, transfer to the métro, line 7 : it's two stations, direct, to Palais-Royal (you might even walk there, it's 500 m). The Roissybus should be around 40 F (less than $ 7). Of course, I recommend this because it's vacation time, and there won't be a lot of traffic to go into Paris. Plus, compared to RER, you won't have to take a shuttle when you arrive (RER is only on Terminal 2, if you arrive in Terminal 1, you have to take a shuttle to the station).

Until you are in your room, DO NOT set any of your belongings down anywhere. Best if you keep everything in front of you and hold on tightly. No need to be worried, just cautious.

Hello Boots, sorry the group and I missed you at du Magots on May 16! I'm planning to go to Germany sometime next year and will definitely plan another Fodorite gathering. Will keep everyone posted. <BR> <BR>Vincent, thanks for clarifying about taking the shuttle bus to the RER if arriving at Terminal 1. I meant to add that to my message. <BR>

Let's hear three cheers for Vincent! He has restored my faith in the existance of the ever-helpful French citizen, the ones we used to know 50-some years ago, the ones we thought had totally disappeared under the tides of tourism.