On March 15 my wife and I land at 2:40 pm at DeGualle for a 20 hour layover. Any ideas on what to do, to see, and where to stay in that short period of time?
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts
Kent,
this may help organize you layover ...
http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/tomsguidetoparis.htm
bon voyage et layover lol ... P.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9433 posts
If it were me this is what I would do: Go to Notre Dame, walk around Ile St. Louis (the island behind ND, eat at the cafe "Le Flore en L'Ile" on Ile St. Louis (as soon as you cross the pedestrian bridge behind ND, you will see it to your right), walk from ND through the Latin Quarter to the Luxembourg Gardens, walk and sit awhile there (but first get pastries at Dalloyau across street from main entrance to park), then walk or taxi to the Eiffel Tower, then a boat trip on the Seine.
There is so much more but that's what I'd do in a short amount of time. Enjoy!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
Without knowing your travel experience and knowing I am going to get flack about this but if you haven't been to Paris....go up the Eifle Tower. No, it is not the most impressive thing in Paris but it is quintessential. Otherwise you are going to spend you whole day looking for glimpses of it and walking around. Just get it out of the way.
Then just walk, explore randomly. That is truly the best that Paris has to offer. Winding streets, funky neighborhoods and just people watching. Research and aim for "one" restaurant or just wander and read the menus and stop when one catches your eye.
You may consider sleeping at a hotel at the airport. You could check in before and leave your luggage. With 20 hours that puts you at 11am departure time? Which means a 8am (really!) check-in at CDG.
Pastries at Dalloyau? Surely you jest?:) You meant Stohrer (51 Montorgueil 2e) or since you'll be by the Tour make it Poujauran (20 rue Nicot 7e)
Posted by
USR, NJ
277 posts
Take the air France shuttle to the Arc. Walk down the Champs to the Gardens and then take the Batobus along the Seine. It stops at eights sightseing destinations. You can stay on for as long as you like. Take a lunch and a snooze. Been there and done that after a long sightseeing walk. Purchase a few guide books. Each will give you a different perspective on the same sights.
Posted by
OP
Westport, WA, USA
6 posts
Trotro, is the check-in at CDG really three hours before departure? I've never been to Europe and experienced their "security". In the US I've generally been successful with 1 to 1 and a half hours. Would this be typical or just because CDG is a major hub? Merci, for the advice.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Two hours before an international flight is cosidered the minimum, but some airports routinely suggest three. If she says three, I'd take her at her word rather than risk missing your flight because you're still in the security line.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
Unless things have changed CDG has the reputation for being one of the most disorganized and chaotic airports. Not to mention the 25 levels (I jest) of security you have to go through. You arrive there thinking it is hours before your flight but then before you know it your walking briskly to the gate.
Just my opinion I always plan on being at CDG 3 hours before flying home.