Arranging a trip for grandkids and could book a flight with 8 hour layover in Paris. Understand there is luggage storage at CDG, but don't know if this is a simple as the old luggage locker or if storage is via a staffed facility with security scans, etc. The basic question comes down to how long the process would take to both store and reclaim bags.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
It's a staffed service, so you're correct - it could take some time.
Here's a page on it from Easy CDG: http://easycdg.com/airport-guide/baggage-storage/
And here's the page from the operator, Bagages du Monde: http://www.bagagesdumonde.com/en/left-luggage/offer
Posted by
Chicago
8069 posts
8 hours is very minimal for a run into Paris from the airport with the need to get back to go back through security for the flight. I would check luggage through and travel with small day packs on the plane so you have no need to check luggage at the airport; you really don't have time to be checking luggage in and out with such a narrow window. 7 hours is the minimum time for a trip into Paris -- you should count on at least an hour for immigration, then an hour into Paris and it could be more than that. It is an hour back to the airport and you need a couple of hours for security and boarding (assuming this is all on one ticket and luggage is checked and you have boarding pass). That is 5 hours off the top. That would give you 3 hours in Paris but it is easy especially with a group to eat up more time with bathroom trips, confusion, just missing the train and waiting for the next one etc etc. A cab into the city is probably the way to go, but of course then there is the risk of traffic; I would take the train back and that means buying tickets. At any point in the process, be prepared to head back to the airport if things fall apart i.e. keep an eye on the clock at all times.
8 hours is not a lot of time for this.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Checking through may not be an option. If you can't do that, maybe you can immediately recheck your bag and check in for your next flight. Then at least you know how much time you have to get into Paris, and back, and already have your boarding passes - all you need is an hour plus to get through security to your gate. Carrying a small daypack on the plane, with necessities for the flight, needed medications, and a change of clothes is always a good idea.
The RER B train from CDG to Gare Nord gets you to Paris faster than a taxi because there isn't any traffic to worry about.