A short evening in Paris

Posted by mayangrl on 10/15/24 12:55 AM

Hi all,

I'm going to Morocco in the spring and the flight back has a loooooong layover in Paris (first time). I arrive at CDG about 4:30pmish. The morning flight is at 7am. I'm planning on staying at a hotel in the airport and then I wanted to take a quick look around the main tourist stuff, so I thought a river cruise would be best. I've looked online (and other posts in the forum), but find mixed stuff on cruises. It seems they run until about 10pm in March. I'm thinking that by the time I land, go through customs, drop my stuff at the hotel, etc., it'll be at least 7pm, probably closer to 8.

Questions: Cheapest hotel at the airport? Which would be quicker way into Paris at that time? Taxi or train (which seems complicated)? Best river cruise and starting point? Good restaurant in the general area for dinner after the cruise?
TIA!

Posted by JHK

Florida (previously California)

10/15/24 01:36 AM

3942 posts

Generally the train is a bit faster. It is not complicated, especially of you take the Vedettes de Pont Neuf cruise that leaves from Ile de la Cité. You'd take the RER B from CDG to Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame and walk over to the island and the boat. Au Bougnat is a good restaurant on the island.

Posted by janettravels44

Chicago

10/15/24 07:23 AM

8498 posts

When we stay at the airport we use the Novotel which is a budget hotel and is right at the train station for the RER B into the city and also the CDGVAL train that goes between the terminals for your morning flight. Good break fast although with a 7 am flight you need to be at the check in very early so probably before breakfast.

I'd plan on getting dinner in Paris after the cruise; you don't have to book the cruise just take one that is available when you get to Paris. There is one that launches at the ET, one under Pont Neuf (very close to the RER B stop at st. Michel/ Notre Dame) and another that launches from Pont d'Alma on the right bank. I'd identify sailing times on line and then choose one that has a sailing about half an hour after you can get there. You don't need reservations but you also don't want to wait 2 hours for the next sailing so if your first choice doesn't have one soon -- then try another. Get something to eat at a place with continuous service before or after the cruise.

For this trip a day pass for 5 zones is the right idea; it gets you into the city and back (11.80 each way otherwise) and also covers any other travel you need to do.

Posted by TC

Atlanta

10/15/24 04:13 PM

5165 posts

With regard to a river cruise, consider Vedettes Pont Neuf.

https://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/cruises/

We've taken several night time cruises with them and have always enjoyed the experience. We've never had to have a reservation, although that might have changed in recent months. Wouldn't hurt to check to be sure.

With regard to dinner, consider L'Orangerie & Auberge de la Reine Blanche which is on the main street of the Ile Saint-Louis which is well within walking distance of location of the cruise boat dock. There is also St. Regis which is on the same street if you just want a light evening meal. We had a small plate of cold cuts and wine one evening and it felt very french.