Recommendations for taxi service to take 3 adults, 1 baby plus luggage from apt in the 3rd to Gare du Nord (to pick up rental car).
Also, recommendations for phone cards to use in apartment in Paris (cell phones apparently won't work)
Merci!

My Cell phone works because it has been "unlocked" by the service provider and I go straight to any SFR store and have a French simcard installed and off I go!
There is a big branch on the Champs Elysses.
http://international-travellers.sfr.fr/en/index.jsp

Taxi: There are numerous taxis leaving Gare de Nord every minute so maybe you can find out how to call one from there?
Or, there must be a taxi rank nearby? I would ask any shop/assistant near the apartment how to get hold of one.

You can get a phone card at any tabac. I have had them in two sizes: 7.50 and 15.00 euros. I just ask for a carte telephone and tell them where I intend to call (the US). I have had a couple different brands; I think it just depends which ones each store carries. The rate to call the US from a phone in an apartment is extremely low- much, much lower than it would be using my US cell phone. I have never used up one of these cards; they always expire first.

Tod, I do not know whether the OP is in the US, but many US cell phones will not work in Europe; they use a different technology. If it is a tri-band or quad-band phone that can be used in Europe, then unlocking as you suggest is effective. But if you want to use the cell phone to call the US from Europe, a local sim card will be much more expensive than a phone card to be used from a land line.

I have used Taxi Bleu many times to pick me up at a hotel and take me to an airport or train station. I call the night before to arrange it. There is a surcharge for coming to pick you up, but it's only a few euros. Make sure you tell them you have four passengers and luggage (sounds like you'll need a station wagon or van). Or you can walk to the nearest taxi stand, but you'll have to scout out where that is in advance, and if it's very early or very late, there may not be any there.

Cell phones will work in Paris if they are tri- or quad band, unlocked, and fitted with a French SIM card.

Most cafés and all tabacs will sell you a télécarte.

Thanks all. I have a French cell phone that I'll load a sim card into when I arrive, but the VacationinParis apartment we're renting says cells won't work in there--who knows, maybe he's wrong.
Thanks St. Cirq for the Taxi bleu--I'd prefer to call ahead and pay a little extra as we'll need a van or 2 cabs--I remember the last time I took a Taxi Bleu they had great free maps of Paris in them. or maybe just that guy.

It may be that the apartment is located in the interior of the building and signal does not get there. Which VIP property is it?

# 41. Are you familiar with it? There was a discount and location and price seemed right for 31 grandma, 2 daughters and 1 granddaughter. We'll soon find out.