Hello, we just got back from a trip to Paris and I thought I would share logistics that worked for us, as that was my biggest concern. We have 3 children and although American, we do speak french decently due to school. That was helpful. My husband practiced DuoLingo for months but his favorite app for practicing French was Memrise. Most of the French know English quite well, though.
Our primary mode of transport was Uber XL. These seated 6, so that gave us a spot for our backpacks. They were always clean, on time, easy to order through the app (arrived within 5 min), and could be scheduled ahead of time if desired, for a longer distance, for example, to the airport. When initially arriving, we arranged a van pickup, with our luggage, to our hotel (through our hotel). This was 130 euros, which we found out later was rather expensive. (About 45 min distance, driving to CDG from city center, near Eiffel Tower). After our trip, we chose to schedule an Uber XL van to take us to the airport, which was around 100 euros. For short Uber trips around the city, when our legs (or the little legs) were tired, it was generally 15-30 euros, depending on the distance. For five people, we felt this was worth the roughly 10 euros extra per trip (over the cost of the Metro) to get around easily in comfort. My husband rode the metro with our son and he said it was fine. Less easy than London, although, and not every entrance has the ability to buy a card. You can not pay with your phone at the turnstile, as in London. Also, he said the hallways are really long, so to factor that in with walking, with little legs. We had a great time, visiting historical sights, for which you really should plan ahead, as tickets and timeslots are needed in advance. We splurged on the tour company, MUSE, for private guided tours of the Louvre and the Musee D'Orsay. They are for families with kids. Bon Journee!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
1181 posts
I agree with everything you said. Uber is very easy to use in Paris, and the Metro really needs to modernize its machines/processes. I would love a tap to pay with a credit card option like NYC and LON have.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
222 posts
Thanks for sharing your trip review, sounds like you had a good time with the family!
BONNE journée!
Posted by
Chicago
9098 posts
You really got hosed on airport transport. The most expensive airport ride in Paris to CDG for 5 people by cab would cost you 70.50 coming from the airport into the city and 77.50 (including the 7 Euro reservation fee on return). This would be a comfortable 7 seat van cab that fits all of you. It is a flat rate of 65 from the left bank for 4 people and 5.50 for the additional person. If you were staying on the right bank it would be 56 plus 5.50 and so 61.50 from the airport.
for me with American kids, using local transport like the metro is an important part of the travel experience. You can use your phone if each person has one but you load tickets not cash.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2931 posts
Please, Paris is not London. Who wants it to be? As a tourist, you only see part of the Parisien mass transit fare network. Fares in Paris are user specific, not payer specific as they are in London. What you ultimately pay for transportation is a function of the Navigo card you carry, not a Visa or MC card.
Just to compare what you paid for ubers vs. what I might pay for a Taxi Parisien, the fare between CDG and anywhere on the left bank is fixed at 65€, plus 5.50€ for the 5th passenger or each additional passenger up to 7. That would be 70.50€ vs. what you paid. Even more important than the fare savings is the fact that only Taxi Parisiens have access to the HOV lanes along A1 between CDG and Paris, plus they uniquely have access to bus lanes, and a number of streets otherwise closed to cars. Taxis can be a big time saver. This information is really for the benefit of others, you seem happy with your transportation solutions.
You can not pay with your phone at the turnstile, as in London.
I am sorry but you most certainly can. It is done with either apple-pay or google-pay, probably similar to what it is done in London.