I will be staying in an apartment on Ile St. Louis in Paris. I am taking the Eurostar to London from Gare du Nord at 8:00 am. What is the best, most reliable way to get there? Are there taxis at the taxi stands that early? Or should I book one?
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1265 posts
Sue - Does your train leave at 8 am, if so you need to be at the station a minimum of 30 minutes prior to departure. 1) To get to Gare du Nord take the RERB (Direction Aeroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV) from : Saint-Michel Notre-Dame metro station 2) From Pont Marie (Cite des Arts) metro station - Take the 7 line Direction - La Courneuve to Chatelet then transfer to the 4 line at Chatelet - Direction : Porte de Clignancourt to Gare du Nord Here is a link to the Paris Metro website www.ratp.info/touristes/index.php?langue=en. I hope this helps.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
While Joel is technically correct, I don't think I'd do it that way: a. Saint Michel / Notre Dame is a good half-mile hike from the middle of the Ile St Louis, if you're really light on luggage that might be okay. b. The routing from Pont Marie requires a change at Chatelet. I avoid that mess at all costs -- it's the largest metro station is the world -- you can wander forever and you won't believe the crowds, especially at that time of day. Taxis will be operating at that time of day. I can't picture a taxi rank close to the Ile St Louis, but there could well be one. If there isn't, arrange for a taxi to pick you up. If the apartment people aren't around, somebody in a nearby eatery or shop will do it for you the day before. If you have to do it yourself, Taxi Bleus ( 01.49.36.10.10 - - phone number is googled) has english-speaking dispatchers). Figure on about fifteen bucks for a couple of people and some extra luggage. A bit steeper than a two-dollar metro ride, but much easier and it beats missing the train.
Posted by
OP
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
7 posts
Thanks, Pensacola. That is exactly the information I needed!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
76 posts
One of the best things about Paris is how many different ways there are to get around the city. Here's another option for you: The East end of Isle St. Louis is only about 4 blocks from Place de la Bastille. If I were near the East end, I'd just walk the four blocks and take Metro Line 5, direct to Gare du Nord (11 minutes). If I were near the West end of the Isle I'd just walk to St Michel - Notre Dame and take the RER B. I'd be willing to bet you un croissant et un café that you will wait for your taxi longer than the walk and the 11 minute metro ride to the station. Happy Travels!