After flying from the west coast we'll be landing @ CDG in the early morning, with a full day layover, and then flying out in the evening to our ultimate destination.
In lieu of a hotel room is there a place where we could clean up (shower or sponge bath) and check a carry on bag (with our change of clothes) [we don't qualify to use our air carrier's lounge] so we can traipse around Paris without the bag in tow? Thanks in advance.
It's been a good year ago but last I checked there were neither showers or (post 9/11) left luggage services at CDG. Unfortunately I think a cheap hotel room is your only choice (check out HotWire etc.) If you go that route you'll need to make sure there is a hotel/airport shuttle AND factor that into (both going & coming) your travel time. Check in for your onward flight before leaving the airport. That way you'll already have your boarding pass and just have to clear security and trek to your gate that evening.
When you arrive at CDG go to the Tourist Information Office and ask. If no other solution, you can always improvise. Take a washcloth and towel with you.
Go into the rest room and take a stall and wash yourself off. After all you are on vacation; you have to do what is needed to get by.
I would find a way instead of being uncomfortable all day long.
One of us has a 12 mile training run to get in otherwise I agree cleaning up in the airport loo, or just "traveling" would be the way to go.
Where do you plan to do this running?
Probably the Champs Elysees
Sorry, but I'm a little confused by this. Are you saying that you will land at CDG early am, go into Paris, presumably in sports gear because one of you will do a 12 mile run on the Champs Elysées, and either before or after this run you will "traipse around Paris, and then you will return to CDG needing a place to clean up? Have you really thought this through?
Having said that, I know that you can buy entrance to some VIP lounges. We did that once at Heathrow when we had a long connection time. I found out about it by googling.
There is now a private business at CDG that offers left-luggage service. It's Bagages du Monde. The hours are limited and there are strict conditions which must be met.
You might be better off hauling your luggage to Gare du Nord. The Swiss company McClean operates public showers in the basement of the station on the Metro level. They are open from 06:00 to midnight. The left-luggage office at Gare du Nord is open on weekdays from 06:15 to 23:15 and on weekends from 06:45 to 23:15.
Thanks for all the suggestions...even those to consider the sanity of the original question. But that was just the point -- was their a possible answer/solution. I'd say Tim's response was "spot on"...and a great bit of advice for other layover travellers not wanting to shell out for "day use" at a hotel. Thanks Tim and everyone else. Safe travels.
You're most welcome, Kram. Have a great trip!
