hello, I see some references to this but am wondering if I can get more specifics. We fly into Paris at 8:30 am but don't check in till 4:00 pm. There are 4 of us, each having a carryon backpack. We see the train stations do have lockers, is the most convenient to tourist sites (Eiffel tower, the louvre or Notre Dame) the Austerlitz station. From google.maps it looks like it but I'm not sure if its actually seeing the station or a city area. Is there anywhere else that would work more conveniently? We'll be pretty tired as we have a 6 hour layover on the way; we don't want to have to carry the luggage while we try to fight jet lag. Thank you
Posted by
Ohio
2161 posts
Donna - if you are staying at a hotel, ask them if they'll hold your luggage. I've done this many times (in the states and abroad) - no problem.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Gare d'Austerlitz is relatively close to the Louvre and Notre-Dame, but is quite far from the Eiffel tower. Gare Montparnasse would be a more central point for the three sights you listed. However, you should know that most hotels will store your luggage for you until you can check in. Many will do it for nothing and some will charge a small fee which certainly would be less than you would pay for storage at a train station. Check with the hotel in advance to see what its policy is.
Posted by
OP
Calgary
24 posts
Hello, We're renting an apartment rather than using a hotel so we don't have the luxury of leaving the luggage at the front desk in advance. We're traveling with 2 pre teens and think the extra space and kitchen was worth this inconvenience.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Donna, The train stations in Paris do have lockers but they are not coin lockers. That was done away with 20 years ago. If you want to store your luggage at the station, you need to check it in, which has been my experience at Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord.
Posted by
OP
Calgary
24 posts
I'm not sure how hard it is to check in but it sounds a little more than I expected. Doable but if someone has another suggestion we'd greatly appreciate it. The apartment we're renting is very close to the Eiffel tower. Thanks for all the input.
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
Donna, I think checking in your luggage involves going to the counter and handing it over to someone, and getting a tag. There is probably a security scan to go through too.
But to be clear, I haven't actually done it myself. Just observed.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Since your apartment is close to the Eiffel tower, Gare Montparnasse is the closest station. It has staffed left-luggage facilities. Metro line 6 serves Bir-Hakeim (the closest metro station to the Eiffel tower), Montparnasse-Bienvenue, and Denfert-Rochereau. Take the RER B to Denfert-Rochereau, transfer to metro line 6, and take it to Montparnasse-Bienvenue. Drop off your luggage at Gare Montparnasse and explore a bit of Paris! Unless another station is closer to your apartment, after you retrieve your luggage take metro line 6 to Bir-Hakeim.
Posted by
OP
Calgary
24 posts
Thank you all, I've been amazed how helpful everyone is with these questions I ask. I will definitely follow your advise.