5 Hour layover in Paris - any suggestions?

Hi Paul, five hours isn't enough time to leave the airport and get back through Security. I wouldn't take the risk. Grab a croissant and coffee in the airport. :)

Agree with Donna, not enough time. Get that croissant and coffee and bring a good book.

A good hour or more of this time can be spent in just connecting terminals. See also easycdg.com.

You need a minimum of 7 hours to even think of going into Paris. 5 hours is not a layover, it is a connection.

I hate to join the rain storm on your parade, but it goes something like this (assuming carry on only).

Clear the plane +15
Customs and Immigration + 15 (could be much more)
Get to RER B station + 15
RER B into Gare Nord, Paris +45 (not counting any wait for the train)
RER B back from Gare Nord +45 (not counting any wait)
A taxi into town will get you directly to a site, but it will generally take a little over an hour each way, more if there's significant traffic.
Check back in for your flight at CDG + 2:00 (at a minimum for a European connection, 3 hours if you are flying home to the US).
If checking bags, collecting your bags +30 (if no problem).
If you have bags, try to check in before you leave the terminal if you can. I'm not sure that's an option post 9-11 (I never have bags to check so don't really know).
Add it up, we haven't even talked about getting to a site once you're in Paris and getting back to Gare Nord nor any of the myriad of ways you can lose time along the way.

Sorry, I think you are stuck with a longish layover in CDG. There is some shopping in the airport.

If you have just landed at 6:00am from the US, you will likely be tired. With that long of a layover, I would purchase an airline lounge pass so you are more comfortable if you are not flying business class.

LacLeman, that's a great idea. Any idea what that costs?

Lounge Cost will depend on the airline. For example, Air France allows economy passengers in for €45 each. Others charge similarly. Check with the specific airline to see what their cost and requirements are. Some do not offer a pay per visit option and are restricted to 1st class or business customers of that airline.

There is also a generic lounge that lets anyone in for €35 but only for a limited amount of time per payment.

Sometimes your credit card (American Express, etc) will let you into the lounge too.

5 hours? You might not even make your next flight with the joke of an airport CDG is.