getting to hotel in Paris

I'd take the Metro, very easy to get on from the Gare du Nord. People with luggage use the Metro all the time. Be sure to use your money belt or neck pouch or whatever security measure you prefer. I'd also recommend getting a carnet of Metro tickets in London at St Pancras. They are sold at a desk at the Eurostar gate and getting them in advance will save you time on arrival in Paris.

The metro will work just fine. However, if you wish to take a taxi, you will find minivan taxis in the ranks at Gare du Nord.

The metro is not as dangerous as people would think. I've used it hundreds of times. You just have to keep on guard at all time and give your belongings and body 100% of your focus. May I ask where is your hotel? I can give you exact directions if you like. Best wishes!

I don't know, I guess there are some people who have been victimized, but sometimes Paris is made to sound like nothing but a den of criminals running around thieving from innocent tourists. It isn't. Except for the highest tourist areas (and around major train stations) where you need to be on alert, I feel safer in central Paris than most US cities. Do yourself a huge favor, especially if you are taking the metro from Gare du Nord. In the waiting area at St. Pancras there is an information desk which sells carnets (book of 10 metro tickets). Stop over and buy a few. It will make your life so much easier as you can head straight into the metro once you reach Paris (versus standing in line to buy tickets in an often a long line of other tourists). Also, remember to hang on to the tickets even after you have entered the metro as you may need to re them to exit. I have found it easiest to collect the tickets from family members once in and then redistribute just before exiting.

Also remember to walk through slowly when putting your ticket in the entrance. Some people will try to sneak up behind you and use your turn to get through the automatic door. Keep close watch of your bags when going through these entrances.Better yet, hold your bag in front of you. If you do that, you'll have no issue.

.... some more on travel safety. You can actually make really good use of the entire family as a security detail. Let's say you need to buy train tickets from an automated ticket machine. Don't have the whole family standing there at the machine, back to the crowds. That is the very definition of a "mark." Instead send one person to buy the tickets and have everyone else move back to a safe space, preferably with backs against a wall. That way they can remain safe from potential pickpockets while at the same time watching the ticket machine alerting to any funny business approaching. When walking through crowded areas, don't walk in a clump. I like to hang back behind the others a few steps or more keeping an eye on things, especially in crowded spaces. If there are undesirables near by I may even drop back a bit more to gain some perspective on what may be forming. Sort of like seeing a football game from above where you can see plays unfold better. It is interesting to watch what people are doing in these spaces. While most are admiring some landmark, if you take a few seconds to scan the crowd, you'll see others aren't there for that reason. Same for train stations -- not everyone is there to take a train. Then you can step in and divert/avoid, like a tango. Often, just making the right kind of direct eye contact ("I know what you are up to" look) is enough. I suppose being 6"6' doesn't hurt either. Ok, it sounds paranoid, but I have learned to do it instinctively while still enjoying myself and never feeling threatened.

Relax and enjoy. You're going to one of the greatest cities in the world, and you'll love it - just like the millions that have gone before you. And as far as the metro, your Texas kids will figure it out in about 3 minutes.

Two things from a recent trip to Paris last fall. Definitely keep your metro ticket until after you exit the metro. I saw a random check take place where a tourist did not have their ticket and it did not look like a pleasant experience. Also, beware of people in the train stations offering to help you get ticktets out of the machine. After a long day travelling, we let someone help us and somehow paid 14 Euro for just two tickets. I should have looked before hand to remind myself how much a ticket should cost. All in all, not too much harm and a cheap lesson, even though I was aware of the warning against scam artists.

I echo the other posters who vote for the RER/Metro combo from the airport. The Metro is cheap (the carnet of tickets is a good option) and fast. And YES, keep your ticket. In December I was nabbed without a ticket (long, stupid story) and wound up paying through the nose. Not pleasant. The "I can help you with your ticket" scam is an old and venerable one. There are others - the "I found a ring, is it yours?!" scam, and the "can I borrow your phone card" scam, etc. Thing is, you will probably NOT experience any of these things. Try not to lumber along like a herd of out-of-town sheep and goggle too obviously, and you should look like any other family in Paris. As in any major city, you should keep moderately alert - but then you need to be moderately alert to cross busy streets safely, too. It occurs to me you might want to do the math, though... a taxi for 5 might not be much more expensive than 5 fares on the RER/Metro. If there isn't much difference in price, taking a taxi might be an option. The Metro is safe and fast, but it can be confusing - there are long correspondences with lots of stairs, and the hassle of dragging a potentially cranky and confused family through the system after a long flight might be such a buzz kill that you would gladly pay extra for a taxi ride. Only you can know your kids' tolerance for a lengthy underground commute. :o) Side note: once in Paris, I avoid the Metro except for long trips. For one thing, it tends to harsh my buzz. In the tourist center it is just about the only place you will see people who are obviously high, who are dirty and look (and smell) like vagrants, and who are in any way "threatening." Yes, it's fast, but so is the bus - and on the bus you get to look out the window, which is sight-seeing while you get to your destination! Bonus!

I'm confused..what airport??? We're taking the train from London....