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TGV Train Question With a (Date Specific) Twist

Posted by (Portugal) on

I've searched this site and posts suggest that if we arrive at Gare Lyon 30 minutes before our scheduled departure to Lyon, we will be fine.

The apartment we are renting in Paris is in the 7th (very close to the Orsay).

I understand that on Sunday of September 16, from 11 a. m to 6 p.m, all the center of Paris will be without any cars, buses or any kind of vehicles using gasoline or diesel. The only way to move will be, using the metro or walking. All this paralysis of cars and transportation is because September 16 ,2018 is the celebration of "Journee Sans Voiture."

With a departure time of 11:53 on that Sunday, what will be the best way for the two of us to get from our apartment to the station (with two rolling carry-ons)? And what time should we plan to leave for the train station?

Posted by
8166 posts

Take the RER C at Musee D'orsay to the stop Gare D"Austerlitz, This take 7 minutes
You can look up multiple ways how to get there on the Paris rapid transit site

https://www.ratp.fr/en/itineraires

You could filter your search to show by metro as on that day the schedule shows buses are running

Posted by
21160 posts

Maybe the RATP has not got the word yet on "Journee sans Voiture". You don't say exactly where in the 7th you are staying. If near the Solferino or Assemblee Nationale Metro station, I'd take the No 12 to Madelaine and then the No 14 to Gare de Lyon. The No 14 line has only a couple of stops to Gare de Lyon, and because it is the newest line, and fairly deep underground, all the stations have elevators/escalators. RATP shows leave at 11:00 and get to GdL by 11:24.

Posted by
10633 posts

Last year's Journée sans voitures still had plenty of taxis available. Just order one the night before. Lucky you because the streets will be nice and clear, whisking you to the Gare de Lyon in record Time. But Sam's metro advice is perfect, if you don't want a taxi.

What's planned and the reality are two different things. Last year, we we saw some buses and private vehicles on the streets, in addition to the taxis.

Posted by
768 posts

I'm going to assume you are taking a TGV fast train out of Gare de Lyon and this is your first time there.
If so, note that your train may not show up on the "big board" until 15-20 min before it leaves. That's been my experience.
Also be aware that there are two halls for the trains, about 5 min walk between them.

Posted by
192 posts

Thanks to all for the tons of info. I feel like I now have some flexibility, choices and info to cover whatever "reality" that day provides us. Yes, first time at Gare Lyon (though I've been to several stations in Spain). But now am much less anxious about this whole disruption. Just another potential adventure!

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