From Gare du Nord to Marais (St. Paul)

are there any escalator or elevators in the Bastille & St. Paul Station? thanks!

St. Paul has an ascending escalator when you reach the last part, not before. We have stayed in that neighborhood twice and, most of the time, it is working.

There are quite a few steps changing between lines 1 and 5 at Bastille, with no escalators. Most buses in Paris are low-floor now so you won't have trouble getting your luggage on board.

With luggage I would take the bus. It will be easier.

Actually you can also take the M4 to the M1 and change at Chatelet. The two lines are at the same end of the Chatelet station so you don't have extraordinarily long walks between platforms.

Lots of steps in Bastille station. Plenty of steps if you're changing M4 to M1 at Chatelet too (not as terrible as some other changes, but still not insignificant). To me, the bus is easier although sometimes it can be slow, bogged down in traffic, and crowded. Sometimes it's a breeze! You can also avoid the ticket lines at the Gare du Nord and buy a ticket directly from the bus driver for €1.90. Then buy your first carnet (which is cheaper per ticket 10 tickets for €12.70) the first time you go in the metro sans baggage! Be sure to get on the 65 in direction "Gare de Lyon." it will be written on the front of the bus at the top of the windshield.

Why not do the easiest?? Take a taxi (20 euros?, or so) from Gare du Nord - it's quicker, more direct, and less hassle with the luggage. Once settled in, buses 69 and 96 will be very useful and convenient bus routes for you.

What time of day and what day of the week will you be arriving? Makes a difference possibly re traffic patterns. . .

thanks all for your suggestion. Kim-I'll be arriving in Gare du Nord station at 12:40pm.....

Mid-day traffic should be reasonable (I.e. the bus should be making forward progress!)