Hello, we have a 13 hour layover at CDG in May 2026, en route to Egypt. Anyone have experience hiring a Rick Steves or other reputable guide to pick up from airport and do a 3-5 hour tour of Paris? Trying to be creative with the time rather than sitting in the airport. Thank you!
Posted by
Chicagoland
2294 posts
I have not used a private tour guide in Paris.
You can have a lovely half day in Paris on your own. After storing any bags at the airport, either take the RER B train to St. Michel-Notre Dame stop (about 45 minutes) or a taxi to the general area. You're just a 5 minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral. Your wait in line may be about 10-20 minutes. You can rent an audio guide at the shop.
If the weather is nice, either head to the Luxembourg Gardens (15 minutes) or take a 1 hour cruise on the Seine with Vedettes du Pont Neuf. The cruise will take you past many Paris sights including the Eiffel Tower.
if rainy, the wonderful Cluny Museum is a 10 minutes walk from Notre Dame.
Be sure to enjoy a cafe or patisserie stop in the Latin Quarter. Then you can take the RER B (or taxi) from either the Luxembourg station or the Saint Michel-Notre Dame station back to the airport.
Time permitting, there are a few other attractions in the area for a walk by or a visit depending on your interests: the Archeological Crypt, the Pantheon, the Delacroix Museum...
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
11787 posts
Jeanm has given you a perfect outline for a short visit. Be sure to get the RER B back to the airport at least an hour before check-in. Some trains are express with no stops once it leaves the city, others stop in every suburb. Watch the sign once you are on the platform that tells you if you train is direct/express or omnibus. Also, be sure the board says Aeroport Charles de Gaulle because the train lines branch off.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you both so much! This seems quite do-able for us.