I have a stop over in paris for 6 hours, anything interesting to see close to the airport?

Question

It will take about an hour to get out of immigration and we (my kids and I) need to be back at least 2 hours before the connecting flight so that leaves approximately 3 hours to look around. The kids want to be able to say they saw paris!! Can't blame them. Rates for different forms of transportation would be helpful too!!

Answer 1

There was great advice on the subject twice recently but the people had 12 hours. 6 hours may be a little short to be honest... It's feasable though if you're not the type to stress too much about being late.

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For public transportation info and fares, look at this website:

http://www.ratp.com/  Just click on the English flag to display the page in English. Then click on the tab "Discover Paris" and "Airports".

Taxis are expensive and you may get stuck in bad traffic, which is pretty common on that particular highway. I wouldn't risk it with only 3 hours ahead of you although it would be more comfortable with children, that's for sure.

OK, I just looked at the subway fares and times:

31 minutes from Charles de Gaulle to Châtelet les Halles by RER B (direction: Massy-Palaiseau)

8.20 € each way per person.

Once you arrive at Châtelet les Halles, you can walk to the Pont Neuf (5 minutes) and go on a boat trip along the Seine which will show you the main monuments along the Seine in record time: http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/

And then you better head back!

Edit: Oh yeah, I had forgotten about Mobilis. Rillifane is right, it's a better deal. His idea is also a good one. St-Michel is just one stop south of Châtelet - les Halles and you arrive in the lively Latin Quarter. His idea is better to get the real "feel" of Parisian life, mine (the boat trip) is better for seeing more of Paris (including the Eiffel Tower) in a short time (but it's a more touristy option). Now it's up to you!

Answer 2

Unfortunately the trip into the city is likely to take about 45 minutes each way (counting the time you will wait for a train) which leaves you no more than 90 minutes  to see anything.

Luckily the RER B line which leaves from CDG will take you to the blvd. St. Michel  across the river from Notre Dame. A stroll to the church and a little time to wander around inside will probably fill the time you have. If you have a few extra minutes, cross the bridge back to the Left Bank (which is where the RER station is) and get a picture of Shakespere and company, the legendary english language bookstore.

When you buy your tickets on the RER  ask for a zone 1-5 "mobilis" (This is a one day travel pass) for each of you. It will cost 12,50 Euros. The ticket agent may try to sell you a "Paris Visite" pass. Insist on the "Mobilis" (which they try not to tell tourists about...its cheaper).

Entry into Notre Dame is free (its a working church).