Our overnight flight from the US lands in Paris at 8:30 am Paris time. We are taking the train from Gare de Lyon to Barcelona at 2:42 pm that same day. I'm trying to figure out what our family of 4 (including an eight and four year old) is going to do in the between time. I thought about booking a hotel room for the night before with a late check out just to give us a place to rest, but not sure it's worth spending $200 just for a few hours. I also imagine the kids will be tired and need a place to rest after the long flight. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Can you find a flight from CDG to Barcelona around midday? That would save you time and energy. If not, take a taxi from CDG to Gare de Lyon. The station has luggage lockers, see the map. Find a cafe across the street for lunch, and if time allows explore the neighborhood a little. It isn't Paris' loveliest but it's safe and being outside will help you deal with jet lag. There's also a waiting room in the station, and plenty of food options if you want to stay there. This website tells you all you want to know, and more, about train travel in and around Paris, including a detailed description of GDL.
You could save a little money by taking the RER commuter train into Paris, but you'd have to change trains at Gare du Nord, with bags and small kids. The taxi will cost only a little more and be a lot easier. There will be a taxi stand outside the CDG terminal, just follow the signs ("Taxis"). Don't accept a ride from anyone who offers you one in the terminal, use the official taxi stand.
Posted by
OP
USA
2 posts
Such good tips - thank you!!!
Posted by
Loire Valley
824 posts
This site lists all the services. There are two waiting rooms, plenty of cafes in the area
https://www.garesetconnexions.sncf/fr/gares-services/paris-gare-lyon/services-commerces
Posted by
Seattle, WA
393 posts
One thought ...
Take the RER (train from the airport into Paris and then Metro line 7, to Place Menge or Censier-Daubenton), or better yet a taxi (more restful, and with a family of 4 this is a reasonable. cost-effective alternative to the train) to Rue Mouffetard. Enjoy the shops, hang out over a french pastry and cafe au lait, or perhaps an early lunch. That will get you to noon, or perhaps a little later.
From there, it is about 1-1/2 miles to the Gare Lyon. You could take Bus 24, or walk through the Jardin des Plantes, which is on the way. Not a "rest," but a restful way to get a nice taste of Paris. The children will enjoy some pastries - and the park could be a nice respite from travel for them. In any event, you will likely play it by ear depending on the children's energy levels and state of melt-down (or excitement).