One evening in Paris

Posted by mayangrl on 03/06/25 03:13 AM

Hi all,

I have a nighttime layover in Paris on Sunday, March 23. My plane is supposed to land about 8:15pm, and the next day morning flight back to the States is at 6am.

I'm looking for ideas on what can I possibly do without spending a ton of money. What would be the best way to try and see some monuments? There's a Seine cruise at 9:45pm or so, but I doubt I can get through customs, quick enough. Forget checking into the hotel beforehand. (I'm thinking it'll be the IBIS at CDG.) The bus tours are done by then too. I saw on another post that there's a little town near CDG where I could possibly go eat, but I'd like to say I at least saw the Eiffel Tower, or something. Thanks.

Posted by Lin C

Surrey, UK

03/06/25 02:58 PM

106 posts

Given the small amount of time you have (where are you arriving from - how long will it take to get through immigration and customs and you'll need to check in 3 hours in advance), if you want to see the sights, the only thing I can suggest is to negotiate with a taxi driver to give you a quick tour. Even then, the round trip could take at least 2-3 hours (it's about 50 mins one way to the Eiffel Tower).

Posted by janettravels44

Chicago

03/06/25 03:21 PM

8812 posts

by the time you could get into the city even the Eiffel tower is likely to be dark. It will cost 26 Euro to go on the train and come back on the train which would drop you at Notre Dame. or you could go to Denfert Rochereau and take the 6 to the Eiffel Tower if you will get to Trocadero before 11. If your only goal is to at least see the ET, this is your best bet at least cost. You will need two tickets for the train as a pass would expire at midnight. You need to be at check in for a US flight 3 hours ahead.

I'd try to get a decent sleep before that crazy early flight but if you want to dip a toe in Paris it is either the round trip on the RER for 26 Euro or a cab. The usual cab fare to Trocadero is 58 and then back again the same. If you booked a cab on the meter for a quick tour it is going to be at least 100 if the cabbie would accept the ride.

Posted by Elizabeth

L'Occitanie, France

03/06/25 04:23 PM

10848 posts

If this is a big deal and you really want to feel the city, you can get a cab outside your arrival terminal door, have it drive you to the ET, drive along the edge of the Seine to see other lit buildings, Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe and then take you to a hotel at the airport. Price: fixed rate cab fare each way plus a drive along the Seine. The total will be about 140 euros max.

If your flight is at 6 am, your check-in is 3 am. Is it worth getting a hotel?

Posted by Carol

Atlanta, GA, USA

03/06/25 05:29 PM

891 posts

Honestly, I would get a hotel and not spend the night in the airport. It’s uncomfortable. It’s not really safe and if you’re planning to be reasonably alert the next day you’ve got a problem since you’re not getting any sleep.

Posted by mayangrl OP

03/06/25 10:37 PM

5 posts

Thanks everyone! I’ve got a few ideas now. I’m definitely staying at a hotel because I need to rest a tiny bit and take a shower. I’m thinking the Ibis Hotel at CDG.