I have a six hour layover in Paris...?

Question

I have a six hour layover in Paris, is there anything I can do in that time? Like is there any shuttles to and from the airport that go to cool places?? - thanks for you help :)

Answer 1

Sorry, I don't know-I have never made it to France yet, but I do have some advice. Last year on my way to Germany I had about a 6 hour layover in Amsterdam, but we did not leave the airport because we knew we would have to go through security and customs and everything and get our passports stamped. In hindsight I really really wish we had gone out and set foot on the ground of the Netherlands and taken a brief tour of the city by bus or find a neat restaurant or something like you are asking about. My point is to not waste the time you have in the airport and go do something fun, but to make sure that you have plenty of time to get checked in with your airline once you make it back for your flight. Have fun!

Answer 2

Dont even think about it.

6 hours?

Leave airport, get to Paris, see anything at all, get back to airport?

No chance. Sorry

Answer 3

I have questions...are you an EU citizen?  If not, is your final destination inside the EU? If not, you might not have to claim your bags in Paris, which would cut down on the amount of time spent at the airport.  Passport control has never taken me more than 30 minutes, and it takes about 45 minutes to get into the center of Paris.  You'll need to be back at the airport at least 90 minutes before your connection, so that leaves you just over three ours in the city.  (30+45+90 = nearly 3 hours).  While you certainly can't see anything in depth, there are a couple of things you could choose from.  

If you like gothic architecture and stained glass, visit Notre Dame or St. Chappelle.  They both can be reached from the St. Michel stop as Rillifane suggested.  

However, if you'd rather get some air and not be cooped up inside, you could take the same RER train a little further, to the Luxembourg station, and spend your time visiting Jardin du Luxembourg.  

There are lots of other places to see in Paris, but I really wouldn't suggest wandering too far away from RER B.  For me it would be too big a risk that I might miss my next flight.

Answer 4

Unless you have done this before, and speak French, I would never advise doing this.  It is too risky, unless you don't mind missing your connection.  Think of the hassle!  Would you enjoy anything if you are having to worry all the time about getting back?  Is that going to be worth it?  Paris must be seen and experienced at a more relaxed pace.  There are too many ways you could get hung up going to and from Paris if you are unfamiliar with what you're doing and where you're going and how to get there.  If you can't even ask for help and understand the response you are in for trouble.  Paris is worth it, but not this way.  Plan a trip when you have time to see Paris and really appreciate it instead of trying this and perhaps hating the attempt.  Its not going to be fair to either you or Paris.

Answer 5

wow.  it is tempting but not sure... You can get to Chatelet, Gare du Nord, or Saint Michel in about 30-40 minutes by RER (follow the signs to the Gare, then to "Paris by train", buy a ticket at blue sncf machine, then go!).  

I'd choose Chatelet!  Get off the train then just walk around that area (tons of stuff there - Notre Dame, Louvre, Rue Rivoli shopping).

I'd go for it!  Give yourself 45 minutes to get there and back though.  That leaves you 3-4 hours to just chill and have a drink or coffee in a cafe somewhere and just wander a bit...

Answer 6

I don't really know if 6 hours is long enough to do anything considering how long it takes to get into the city and the fact that you need plenty of time to get back before your connecting flight takes off. When I went to Paris, it was my final destination so we did not have to make another flight, but it takes a while to get into Paris (about 45 minutes). By the time you get there, you probably won't have time to do much before you would have to head back. I probably wouldn't risk it, but then again, I'm somewhat paranoid about it all. But you just can't guarantee there won't be a problem checking back in for your next flight, etc. Good luck if you decide to go for it, but Paris should really be seen over several days!

Answer 7

It might be more trouble than it is worth.  You are going to have to go through security twice.  Plus - the airport is on the out skirts and it is going to take time to get to and from Paris.  If you do this - you will have time to do one thing for about an hour.  So if you want to spend  4 to 5 of those 6 hours in lines and traveling for 1or 2 hours of sight seeing - go for it.  

You'll have to know what time you need to be back at the airport and you should allow your self an hour to make it back by then.  Call your airline for that information.

Rilifane made a nice suggestion about ile de la cite with the rer.  You really won't have time to see a museum.  You could go along with that suggestion, or stop by jardin du luxembourg, the eiffel tower (no you will not have time to go up), or maybe mont montre.  Pick one place, walk around, maybe visit a cafe and get a bite to eat and then head back.

Someone else above was right.  It takes days to see Paris.

Answer 8

Sadly, six hours in not that much time when you consider that it can take you an hour to go thru customs and passport control, another 45 minutes to get into the city and the same to return.

I suggest that once you clear passport control you take ther RER (light rail line) from the airport to the St. Michel stop. When you exit the station you will be standing on the banks of the Seine and Notre Dame will be to your right across the river on the Ile de la cite and clearly visible.

You should have time visit the Cathedral and perhaps take a little time to sit at one of the many sidewalk cafes and have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine before returning to the airport.