dianneb

We will be taking the train from Nice to Paris. Does anyone know which train station in Paris we will be arriving at? We want to book a hotel close to the station if possible.

Thanks

Patrick

I'm not telling you you're wrong, just asking why you're doing that? As much as I love European train travel, I'm even giving up on that route and booking an Easy Jet flight next summer from Nice to Paris -- so much shorter and wayyyyyy cheaper, so long as booked well in advance. What's more you fly right into Orly, which is relatively close for transportation. Even a taxi is about half the cost as from CDG and ours from Orly was the same price to our left bank location as a taxi from Paris Nord with Eurostar!.

But to answer your question, your train will probably come into Paris Lyon station. While there are some hotels around there, it isn't the best location as far as I'm concerned.

kismetchimera

The train station in Paris is la Gare de Lyon.

Underhill

Taking the train is an enjoyable experience, but it does eat up time--only part of the trip is by the high-speed train, with the balance by a slower one. As a result, you can plan on over 6 hours of travel time. If you fly from Nice to Orly, you can be in Paris in about 2 hours.

dianneb

Thank you for your speedy responses! Patrick and Underhill, my husband and I will take your advice and fly to Paris rather than take the train. This is our first trip to France, and we underestimated the time it would take by train. Once in Paris we will have only three nights--Nov. 5,6,& 7. What area (and hotel) do you recommend that will have easy access to tourist attractions and transportation to and from the airport.

ira

Hi dianne,

>What area (and hotel) do you recommend that will have easy access to tourist attractions and transportation to and from the airport.<

We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. About 124E dbl w/bkfst

Hotel Bonaparte
Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67

For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search this forum" box.

Photos are at http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-l95uyr

Patrick

You can go to the EasyJet site and book direct. Currently for November 5th you have four choices of time for the one and a half hour flight from Nice to Orly:
8:25 AM
10:15 AM
1:10 PM
8:40 PM

All the flights are available at 18.99 euro per ticket! Either of the first two flights (depending how early you want to get up) will get you to Paris in time for lunch and a bonus afternoon.

For your first trip, I too would suggest the 6th (Left Bank) area. What price range and "star" quality hotel do you look for?

dianneb

Thanks for your suggestions for staying in the 6th/ Left Bank area, and for the hotel suggestion. My price range for a hotel is what I think of as "moderate". We'd like to stay around $150, but can go $20 or so in either direction. The hotel does not have to be lavish, but should be comfortable, quiet, and have a private bathroom. Breakfast included would be nice. How does this correspond to the "star" rating?

Underhill

Your price range would mean a decent 3* hotel. But when are you going? Some hotels are now bumping up the room rate during September and October, but you can get good discounts at better hotels in July and August.

dianneb

We will be staying in Paris the last three days/nights of our four week trip---Nov. 5, 6, & 7. Maybe the rates will be lower then?? Does anyone have a favorite (3 star) hotel to recommend in the Left Bank?

harvey

I liked the hotel de l'esperance. It is South of the Patheon.

dianneb

Thanks, Harvey. I'll check it out.
Dianne