Spring trip to Paris w/ kids

Old Dec 25th, 2008, 12:30 PM
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Spring trip to Paris w/ kids

I am planning a trip to Paris with my 3 kids (ages 16, 12, and 10) the last week of March 2009. I've been before -- my kids have not. I can't quite seem to figure out our transportation -- especially from/to CDG. We arrive on a Tuesday morning. I had thought Carte Orange (now Passe Navigo) was good for trips to CDG (even with a zone 1-2 pass). But it looks like I was mistaken -- or things have changed. I'd like to not spend a fortune getting to our hotel in the 12th arrondissement. Any suggestions?
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 04:57 AM
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For convenience and being jetlagged along with having 4 persons, I would just take a cab or private limosine. Most of the taxis are 50 euros or less.By the time you try and take the RER or the Air France bus with connections with luggage and kids,it is definitely worth it for the taxi.
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 05:43 AM
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I think your kids are old enough to deal with the RER and metro, but at 8.40€ per person, you won't save all that much money over a taxi.
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 05:48 AM
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50euros for all of us? That sounds like a deal! Seems like it would be at least $40 for the RER -- and involve a great deal more schlepping! I looked into shuttles -- which I took the last time I was there with a friend. But that looks like it would run $40-$50 PER PERSON. Ouch!
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 06:14 AM
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Taxi. Even if there's bad traffic it won't be more than 60 euro.
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 06:20 AM
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I don't think we'll mind the traffic! It'll give us an opportunity to look around!

Do you call for a taxi at CDG or just wait in a queue?

Any other tips for negotiating our way through the airport? I figured I'd try to pick up my Museum Pass at the airport, too.
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 08:51 AM
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bvholly,

Many museums in Paris offer great or free entrance for those under 16 or 18. Make sure your kids bring their student IDs.

Also, you just get in the taxi line out front of the airport and get a large cab that will fit you and your belongings.

Go to the Eiffel tower at night and be sure to stay for the twinkling at the top of the hour. My teens could not get enough of this.

Also, if you can afford it, try to have a tour of the Louvre. This is another favorite spot of my teens but I think it was the Paris Muse tour that really made it so wonderful.

If you have girls, a trip to the upstairs of Laduree in the 6th (there are several) is a must.

The walk up the Arc de Triomphe is actually worth it. Or, you can take the elevator up if you are claustrophobic.

My kids also loved the Rodin museum but that may not be for every teen.

Here is a trip report from one visit to Paris with my 17-year-old.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 09:31 AM
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At CDG, you basically just walk out the door and step in a taxi. I have never had to wait more than 90 seconds when I have taken a taxi.
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 09:35 AM
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Follow the large yellow signs that say Taxi. Walk to the curb and stand in the taxi line. Make sure the taxi has a Taxi Parisien sign on top. A guy with a whistle will point you to your cab in a matter of a minute or less.
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 10:15 AM
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Author: kerouac
Date: 12/26/2008, 09:43 am

I think your kids are old enough to deal with the RER and metro, but at 8.40€ per person, you won't save all that much money over a taxi.


RER for 3 adults + one child = 29,40€. Ticket valid from airport to any Paris Métro station. Do the math.
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 11:37 AM
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Sorry, Robes, children's fares are for children under the age of 10 on the metro.

Les enfants de moins de 10 ans
Ils voyagent avec des billets à tarif réduit 50 %.

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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 04:35 PM
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Okay, so 4 adults instead of 3˝ = 33,60€. Still beats the crap out of a 60€ taxi.
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 07:45 PM
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I agree, but you know how many of these people claim to have suddenly become handicapped just by spending a night on a plane.
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Old Dec 26th, 2008, 08:16 PM
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Old Dec 27th, 2008, 01:10 AM
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Are there taxis at CDG that can accommodate 4 (or 5) people and luggage?
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Old Dec 27th, 2008, 03:56 AM
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Yes, there are numerous minivan taxis.
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Old Dec 27th, 2008, 01:11 PM
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kerouac - that was a classic - LOVE IT!! I'll have to remember that the next time I hear someone moaning about their 6 hour direct flight!
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