Does anyone know if it is a hassel to catch a train from the airport with one big luggage? or is a taxi the way to go - to Paris I mean. I'am the one staying at the
Jardin du Marais somewhere around the 19 & 20 AR ... he he I think I picked up a thing or two - now all I need is to pronounce the dang French names.

Freddie, this is a wrong place to post this message but for the first time to Paris and with a large luggage I recommend taxi. Depending on the time of the week and time of the day it should cost you around 50 euros

you'll need to post this on the Europe/France forum to get responses. If your bags are big I'd probably opt for a taxi or the Air France shuttle and then taxi.

My son said that last week when he arrived there were shuttle hustlers right outside that wanted E100 - but then he was approached by a legit shuttle filling the van and he went for E40. He took a taxi back.

Get a legit taxi at the taxi stand. Have the name AND address of the hotel written down. There are a number of hotels with exactly the same name or very similar names all over Paris.

After a long flight you do not want to hassle with the RER and metro. There are stairs up and down the stations and even with one piece of luggage it is a hassle. This is not the time to try to save money by taking a train which is what alot of people try to do.

I took a taxi from CDG to the Latin Quarter for about 60E last June and it was well worth the cost and hassle factor. My friends went in October, ignored my advice and regretted dragging themselves through the metro with luggage. They still laugh about it and can't believe their luggage still has all the wheels on it.

The metro and trains are safe but you do need to be vigilant about pickpockets who are so darn good at their job you'd be amazed. To be an American on the train with luggage and to be dog tired after a long flight is probably as good as it gets for the pros on the train.

BTW, have a blast...I'm so jealous!