Hi all!
We are very excited to travel to France after Christmas, to see some of the Christmas markets in Alsace.
We arrive CDG at 8:15AM. Trying to figure out best train options to get to Colmar as soon as we can. There is a train that leaves Gare de l'Est at 1:43 PM. Do you think that is enough time to clear customs and get a car to Gare de l'Est or am I too ambitious?
Thank you so much for any feedback!
Karen
Hi Karen,
Why not take the train from CDG to Strasbourg, then take the short train ride from Strasbourg to Colmar? That way you're not having to travel all the way into Paris and spending the extra money getting there.
Hope this helps,
-- Mike Beebe
I agree with Mike. Took the TGV downstairs at CDG to Strasbourg this fall, super easy! And then you head on to Colmar.
Hi Mike!
Thank you for responding so quickly! We are thinking about that. There is a train at 11:58 AM (which I am concerned may not leave enough time for customs) and one a bit later, at 4:55PM (we are excited for Colmar and didn't want to wait that long to leave). That may be where we end up - but trying to weigh pros and cons of going into Paris for an earlier train.
Thanks again!
A few weeks ago I landed at CDG at 7:35 am and got to the CDG train station around 9:00 am.
hey hey karen
where are you flying in from USA/Canada? my own opinion is if a long overnight flight, i would not be driving 5-6 hours with considering jetlag, it's REAL!! take the train as others have mentioned, so much easier and what if your flight is not on time/delayed?
when after christmas are you planning to arrive, knowing many of the markets may have closed up by the eve or day? have fun
aloha
Karen,
There is a train at 11:58 AM (which I am concerned may not leave enough time for customs)
I looked at my notes from my last trip into CDG and I arrived in Paris at 11:15am on a Sunday and was through customs by 12:30pm.
I'm not sure about your own arrival time, or day (nor can I guarantee there won't be an Emirates A-380 deplaning just ahead of you), but I think 3.5 hours is probably pretty safe.
Happy travels no matter which way you go!
-- Mike Beebe
Thanks again, everyone, for the helpful advice!
Yes, we are definitely taking the train! No driving here. :) Our 3 teenagers will be with us so trying to keep things as easy as possible recognizing they will be wiped!
Flying in from Dulles/Washington DC direct to CDG.
The Christmas markets in Colmar and neighboring villages are thankfully open through the 30th!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Barring some horrible delay with your plane, you wouldn't have any trouble making the 11:58 train to Strasbourg. In fact, you are more likely to be sitting around bored waiting for a couple of hours.
(You used the word "car" when you meant train in an earlier response is I think why someone got the idea you were thinking of driving )
