CDG to Denfert-Rochereau

I have stayed in this area quite often. I travel with a roller board and a personal item and have never had a problem finding a seat and getting to this area. It can be more problematic going back to the airport because the trains are full but leaving the airport you are the first stop so you can get a seat

Now, if I have more stuff than that, I probably would not do it. You need to make sure that you can easily control and take care of your items. As a matter fact, my roller board expands, and there have been times when I have just put everything in there at the airport. Because I know I’m tired and I know I might be as alert as normal, I will put my money belt on in the bathroom before I get on the train. I realize I’m jetlagged and let’s not make myself an easy mark

The station itself has e elevators to take you to street level so that’s not a problem

If you choose not to do this, I would definitely go with a taxi over your other options. I’ve used welcome pick ups and other countries. They’re easy. They’re good but not so much in Paris. If you decide to do the taxi you just follow the blue footsteps to the taxi stand. Do not engage with any of those people who will tell you they can give you the deal of the century to take you and let you skip the taxi line. They will rip you off!!!!

Hi Anita. My wife and I always take the train into town after we land at CDG, usually early morning like you. Don't know why you say the train would be standing room only, we never experienced that or had trouble getting a seat. Have a great trip!

You are boarding an empty train at CDG. Get on and grab a seat.

Thanks Carol. This is what I was wondering.
Bob, it’s the RATP app is what’s saying it will be extremely busy. I wasn’t sure what that meant. Around here that means standing room only, and having larger items such as suitcases makes it difficult. I would assume many people would take the train into Paris. If the train is mostly empty at the airport then that’s great!

CDG is the terminus of that line so at the furthest CDG station it will be empty; it does sit there and fill up but we have never not gotten a seat. Get on and arrange yourself with your luggage and you are set till DR ---

Be sure you are pickpocket proof -- not just on the train but any crowded spot in Paris. Violent crime is rare but pickpockets are ubiquitous. And of course just arriving you. have all your stuff with you. FWIW. we have had many attempted pickpocketings over the years in Paris -- my husband once put his hand in his jeans pocket and discovered a hand was already there. but the only aggressive pickers we have run into were at Denfert rochereau. Obvious amateurs -- three doofus guys who surrounded my husband who was carrying our two suitcases down the stairs and frisked him and searched his pockets -- an old lady waved her umbrella at them and shooed them off. All in a few seconds. They didn't get anything because I was carrying all our valuables in a money belt under my clothes; alas I was a bit too far ahead of him carrying our cabin bags to be of much help -- we were more careful to stick together after that.

Thanks for the heads up Janet. I generally am pickpocket proof as my favourite daypack is a Pacsafe one with good security. Hopefully, by the time I get to denfert-rochereau the pickpockets will have gone for a coffee break!

I have used that RER and Metro station more times that I could even begin to count. as I said I have a favorite hotel that I stayed in for years that is within walking distance to that station and I never had a problem like Janet reported. I never had any problems at that station so I don’t think what occurred is a routine occurrence.

Aggressive pickpockets like that are rare. But more subtle ones are not. You don't see them, you discover later that your wallet is gone . The only real defense is good security -- nothing where a skilled dipper can get it.

That sounds like an awful, aggressive situation right on the stairs, Janet, and glad the old lady chased them away with her umbrella. As you said, not a usual event at Denfert. Umbrellas can be useful: my husband once slapped his umbrella into the palm of his hand and the clipboard girls scattered.

So DH grew up on the RER B line, and I lived on that line for several years, using Denfert Rochereau quite a bit. I wouldn't label Denfert any more dangerous than anywhere else. I witnessed a robbery at Concord, three against one, so these things happen. As Janet said, be prepared.

Yes, we've had plenty of pickpocket attempts, even in the Louvre of all places. The only empty room in the place suddenly had four well-dressed women interested in the same tiny painting in a corner that I was looking at. When I didn't recognize the language, I moved away fast. One of my three purse zippers was open. They vanished. LOL

I had to go into downtown Vancouver today, and since I hate looking for parking, I took the train. It was full seated and some standing at the very first stop. At one stop three ladies got on with enough baggage for a year, in my opinion. One lady had four suitcases just for herself! They struggled because there was no seating, and the bags were rolling around. They had to stand near the doors. But, it made me realize that I will never be in that situation as I am a carry on only kind of traveller. Everyone was polite and patient. I will be fine on the train.

Well, that was fun. My flight arrived at CDG at 0805, and it took until 0930 to get a stamp on my passport, then by the time I collected my bag and got to the train it was 1015. It was easy to follow the signs to the RER. It’s well marked. The ticket machines were easy to find, but they were all out of service due to a technical issue so staff were telling people to just get on the train, but get off at Gare du Nord and buy a ticket. I took this opportunity to learn how to use the RATP app with Apple Pay, and it was quick and simple. It took almost an hour to get to my hotel from the airport. The train was busy, but only some standees so no trouble with the bags. So far, so good!

Sounds like another CDG adventure. Glad you made it!