How hard is it to use the transit in Paris? Are we better off taking a cab to our hotel?

Question

We are going from Charles de Gaulle to a hotel near Parc de Monceau in the 17e Arondissement. It says it's near a metro station. Also, does anyone know anything about the area around Parc de Monceau? Thanks! It's for my honeymoon in May.

Answer 1

Most hotels would offer a shuttle I would take that if possible. Taxis are quite expensive. The best way to get around in town is the metro, one of the cleanest I have ever seen, or walk. We did alot of walking, the best way to see the city. Enjoy your honeymoon!!

Answer 2

From Charles de Gaulle you take the regional train service RER to Paris. It takes about 30 minutes to the centre from the airport's train station.

Unlike most countries, French public transport is very well integrated, so you can transfer directly to the Metro. You will probably do this at Chatelet les Halles, but without knowing the Metro station you need I cannot say. You can check on www.ratp.info, which is also in English.

There is also an airport bus that goes to Opera, which may be near your hotel.

Answer 3

Hi from France !

Easier to take a cab, but of course more expensive !!

Have a nice day and welcome to France,

Cat.

Answer 4

Once you get to the city, walk!!  It's a wonderful city with something exceptional around every corner.

And the pastry shops will help you replenish those lost calories.

Also, if it's your honeymoon, why are you even thinking of leaving the hotel? :-)

Answer 5

If you do not know Paris it is a lot easier to take a cab straight to the hotel. It will cost more but save you time and stress

Answer 6

LOVE THE PARIS METRO!!!! Easy good metro, a bit dirty like all metros

Go to the airport website it will explain the routes from the airport.  The most challenging part is to find the metro after a long flight.  Buy the big multi day pass (9 zones I think) that will get you to and from teh airport and versailles on the metro.

The metro will take you from the airport to the main north east train station.  Unfortunately and fortunately  one of the biggest stations in the city.  Good because you can transfer to almost any metro line there , bad because it can be a long walk.

Depending on your final metro stop - you may be able to transfer at a differnt station and avoid the big station

Answer 7

My first time in Paris I took a taxi. The next 2 times i took the subway. Paris has one of the top best subways in the world. The train "RER" is available from the Airport and transfer to the subway that will bring you close to your hotel.

The downfall ..sometimes the escalators DO NOT work and you are stuck lugging all your stuff up "endless stairs" with people pushing and shoving! (NOT the best thing to experience your first time in Paris.

It's your honeymoon.. take the taxi ! then venture out by subway to all the sites in Paris..  :)

Answer 8

The transit system is pretty easy to figure out. I don't speak a word of french but managed fine. Most people in Paris talk english if you should need help finding the right train. But if you have a lot of luggage it might be easier to take a cab from the airport. Or just take the airport train/buss to town and a cab to the hotel from there.

They will most likely have an information desk at the airport where you can ask for the best way to get to your destination.

Answer 9

If you're asking about getting from CDG airport to your hotel then take the RER B (a suburban commuter train) from the airport into the city and then catch the Metro.

More specifically, take the RER marked "Direction : Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse" to Gare du Nord.  

Get off and follow the signs that say "Correspondence: La Chapelle."

Look for Metro line 2 and get on the train marked "Direction : Porte Dauphine (Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny)" and get off at the Monceau stop.

The area is a nice one though perhaps not the absolute most convenient for a tourist. It It is north of the Champs Elysee and about a four minute Metro ride from the Arc de Triomphe.

Answer 10

I would try to see if there is a bus or shuttle to the hotel.  Nearly every experience I have had with cabs in France was bad and I speak French fluently (French ppl might consider it semi-fluent).

Answer 11

From the airport to Paris, there is the RER or bus shuttle. The cab is expensive and depending the traffic on the road you can pay between 50 and 70 euros. (65 - 97 US dollars). The bus shuttle is a good solution also. When you arrive in CDG ask to the information desk.

For the are of Parc Monceau, i live close this place. It is very nice. You have to go inside the parc and take a raste on the garden if it is sunny...This at the limit of the 17th district (or arrondissement) and  8th district (one of the most expensive of Paris). Around the Parc Monceau it is quiet. You wont find lots of shops, except if you going in the area of Villiers, with the street "Levi" in french : rue de Levi. Everymorning there is an outside market where you can buy food. (fruits, vegetables...)

But from the Parc Monceau you just need 10 mn buy walking to arrive on the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysées. So your hotel is wery well localised.

Also, buy subway, you are not so far from Sacré Coeur/Montmartre. The subway in Paris is quiet safe in the day. Just be careful of the pickpocket. That's it !!!!

Enjoy your trip and happy honeymoon !!!!!!

Answer 12

I agree with Jon A with the walking part once you get to Paris. To get from the airport there will be numerous taxi drivers very willing to take you anywhere you want for a price. The bus system from the airport is good if you have the time to figure out the schedule and routes. my recommendation would be to take a cab to your hotel and you can get the bus on your way back to the airport. There are numerous stops for the bus going to the airport plus your hotel staff will be happy to assist you and give you directions. You will really enjoy Paris if you walk for the most part.

Bon voyage