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Direct train to CDG from????

Hi all - need some recommendations. Got a great deal on round trip flight in and out of CDG for next September. Now we will plan our itinerary around the flights. Don't usually do it this way, but what the heck, too good to pass up.

We've been to Paris several times, so think we will skip it this time. It's my 70th birthday, so want to visit a couple of favorites.

Our return flight departs CDG at 2:20 p.m. I'm going to try and plan our itinerary so we will be within a short nonstop train ride away from the airport and can get there in time for our flight. I've done a quick search and came up with Lyon and Strasbourg. We've been to both, but would consider another visit.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you

Posted by
16893 posts

Champagne-Ardenne station, outside of Reims, is 32 minutes direct to CDG airport by reserved TGV.

Posted by
2916 posts

Staying in Lyon or Strasbourg the night before your flight is too risky. Your great deal on a round-trip ticket won't be such a great deal if you miss your flight and have to buy a full-fare ticket. The Champagne-Ardenne suggestion is at least a very short trip, and maybe there are several trains a day in case there's a problem. When we fly out of CDG we always stay in Senlis the night before; it's a 20 minute drive. But I don't know what the public transportation situation is. I would just spend the last night in Paris.

Posted by
461 posts

I often stay at a hotel at the airport on my last night of a trip. It saves me from a lot of anxiety! I spend the last day sightseeing wherever and then go to the airport hotel in the evening, as late as I want. On the day of the flight, I can be much more relaxed, often enjoying a leisurely breakfast. No rushing, no worries about traffic or missed connections.

At CDG, I have stayed at the Novotel that is literally attached to the train station at Terminal 3 and the Citizen M, about a two block walk from there. Both were quite pleasant.

Posted by
11294 posts

I agree with the points above about the risk of being too far from the airport on the day of an international flight. If you're willing to take that risk, look into Nancy, a largely undiscovered gem. It's particularly appealing if you're interested in Art Nouveau or glassware. And Place Stanislas is gorgeous by day and by night.

Posted by
548 posts

Thanks for the advice. To save on anxiety, we will probably stay at an airport hotel the night before. Now, to have fun trying to figure out our 5 week itinerary. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.