Paris (CDG) Stopover Tips

[AFF Editor]

This thread is a place to share tips and recommendations for stopovers at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, France. You can discuss things like:

• How to get from the airport to the city
• Things to do (both near the airport and in the city)
• Where to stay/hotel recommendations (both near the airport and in the city)
• Your favourite CDG airport lounges
• Airport facilities such as luggage storage and showers
• Any other destination-specific tips or "hidden gems" you've discovered that could be useful for someone stopping over
• Transferring between Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris-Orly Airport (ORY)

Do you have a great tip that other travellers might find useful when stopping over in Paris? Add your suggestions to this thread, and your advice could make it into an AFF Stopover Guide article!

 

[OATEK]

Maybe by train city centre to city centre, but I would suggest significantly longer either landing at CDG then getting to the train station and likewise leaving LHR and getting to international station from Paddington and if with baggage not a pleasant transfer. The flights in and out makes sense. Also look at how many flights there are between CDG and LHR daily and that will.give you an idea of why perhaps people don't take the train.

The train service from CDG to Gare du Nord is a nightmare at peak times, with the locals very aggressive towards those with suitcases blocking aisles/seats (given there are no designated luggage spaces).

 

[PineappleSkip]

We love catching Europe trains, but avoid the RER from CDG like the plague. Much nicer jumping onto a TGV from CDG to ... well almost anywhere but Paris.

 

[AIRwin]

We love catching Europe trains, but avoid the RER from CDG like the plague.

Reminds me of this post by @Zinger :

Optus new $50 SIM only with roaming

Sorry to hear. Yeah I've noticed the same type of behaviour by their chat team. They must get commission for new sales is my guess. Optus has increased security for all of these type of services because of the hack

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[BNEFlyer]

We love catching Europe trains, but avoid the RER from CDG like the plague. Much nicer jumping onto a TGV from CDG to ... well almost anywhere but Paris.

I booked a private car to get me from CDG to my hotel in the 10th last year. It was reasonably priced and zero stress. I did the RER once, never again.

 

[Digicola]

The train service from CDG to Gare du Nord is a nightmare at peak times, with the locals very aggressive towards those with suitcases blocking aisles/seats (given there are no designated luggage spaces).

There are nonstop RER trains from CDG to Gare du Nord every 15 minutes which avoids the stops in the… less desirable neighborhoods. The biggest risk in that situation is the be stuck on the train with an accordeonist for the 20 or so minute ride downtown.

Thankfully from 2025 onwards the CDG Express train will operate from the airport directly to Gare de l’Est on dedicated tracks. But many here will bark at the 22€ pricetag. And I thought the train to mascot was expensive !!

 

[Thibault]

We love catching Europe trains, but avoid the RER from CDG like the plague. Much nicer jumping onto a TGV from CDG to ... well almost anywhere but Paris.

There are now some 'direct' services from Paris CDG to Gare Du Nord / Chatelet-Les-Halles and vice-versa which is quite handy and avoids all the train stations.

But I hate the RER B - as a former Parisian - I always felt embarrassed for tourists who have to use it to arrive in Paris intra-muros.

 

[PeterA]

Done the train from the airport many times and I was on the RER B only about 5 weeks ago into Paris. Luggage space is never an issue for my wife and I as we only ever use carry-on, but I was pleasantly surprised by the upgrades to the stations within Paris itself as it prepares for the Olympics. Some stations are just cleaned and brightened up but some have had their tunnel ceilings decked out in fascinating murals or the like.

 

[dajop]

Aaah, RER B, wait until there's trackwork. And you get booted off the train to a bus on the way to the airport, after only travelling one stop from Gare du Nord. Such fun!

 

[PeterA]

Aaah, RER B, wait until there's trackwork. And you get booted off the train to a bus on the way to the airport, after only travelling one stop from Gare du Nord. Such fun!

Done that one too. Almost missed our flight to Casablanca a number of years ago. It doesn't help that CDG is often a chaotic mess as well.

 

[dajop]

Done that one too. Almost missed our flight to Casablanca a number of years ago. It doesn't help that CDG is often a chaotic mess as well.

Yeh, we had fortunately allowed enough time, to spend some time in the lounge. We were stuck for 20 mins as the bus meeting our train filled up (people in front of us got on) and had to wait for the next train to arrive for them to fill the next bus up. Then making our way from the bus drop off point to the people mover to take us to T1. Best described in two words, the first being cluster and the second starting with F.

Then when we got to the lounge initially they didn't want to let us in as the "lounge was closing in 30 mins" !

 

[BriarFlyer]

So, I've booked my long-delayed week in Paris for next year. You guys aren't selling the experience ... well, the arrival/departure experience to be fair!

 

[PeterA]

So, I've booked my long-delayed week in Paris for next year. You guys aren't selling the experience ... well, the arrival/departure experience to be fair!

Sorry BriarFlyer. As I mentioned above, my wife and I been to Paris many times. Yes, the airport can be chaotic, yes, there are times they all go on strike or something, but we still love going. Give yourself a little extra time and I'm sure you'll survive. If you're up for it, a private transfer could be the go, but the train is still pretty convenient.

 

[PineappleSkip]

I booked a private car to get me from CDG to my hotel in the 10th last year. It was reasonably priced and zero stress. I did the RER once, never again.

Same here. Last two departures we just booked a taxi

The biggest risk in that situation is the be stuck on the train with an accordeonist for the 20 or so minute ride downtown.

Not to mention the panhandlers, pickpockets and scroungers. Not in a hurry to do the express.

But many here will bark at the 22€ pricetag

€44 for two, WOOF! The fixed taxi fare CDG to the right bank is €55. From Butte Aux Cailles we paid a whopping €62 for door to door.

 

[FlyingFiona]

The fixed taxi fare CDG to the right bank is €55.

Just be mindful that the return is not the same. Well it is, but they charge you 1 gazillion euros for a booking fare which hacked me right off that I still haven't stopped complaining about it. If anyone has any work arounds that don't involve trains (I'm not lugging 2 suitcases and a cabin bag on my own on the metro/RER! It's Paris, don't even think about telling me not to return home lightly packed ) I'd love to hear them.