Walking from Roissy Bus in Paris

viamichelin.com shows a distance of 3km. Since you'll be packing light, it's certainly do-able. FYI, the RoissyBus runs non-stop from CDG to Opera.

I would say IF the weather is good, you aren't carrying anything heavy, you enjoy walking, and you aren't too exhausted from the trip, it could be a pleasant walk. We walked three miles after taking a train from Bruges. The weather was good, I just had a small wheeled suitcase with small day pack hanging off the side (no strain on my back), and I wasn't tired. It was fine, but I was happy when we finally got to the hotel. My husband (who runs marathons) did not enjoy it too much because he had a really heavy carryon along with a large wheeled suitcase. We are normally fast walkers, but it took us 1 and 1/2 hours because there are so many people on the sidewalks and you have to wait for the traffic lights. If I were you, I would have a plan B in mind in case it's pouring rain or you're just too tired.

That doesn't sound like a fun way to start your Paris adventure: 2 miles dragging luggage through a crowded city, after an all-night flight. Consider doing it this way: Take the short taxi ride to the hotel, check in, freshen up, and then go out and enjoy walking to some of those points, sans your baggage.

I am with Kent, 3km (or one and a half hours) just doesnt sound like fun. taxi to your hotel, freshen up and then go for a walk- unemcumbered by luggage. you will enjoy it more and actually be able to enjoy Paris, rather than trudging through it

I tried walking around Amsterdam waiting for my room. I arrived at 6 am and was in the city by 8 am. I dropped off the luggage. My room didn't become available until 3. The first couple of hours were ok but the rest were absolutely miserable. Espresso only helps so much. So does people watching. If I had to do that again and have my luggage with me too? No way! Go to the hotel and dump the luggage at least. IMO, I would just take the Metro Line 8 from the Opera station, in the direction of Ballard to my hotel and drop off the luggage. The taxi to the hotel from the Roissy Bus is a good idea too. The sooner you dump the luggage the more mobile you will be. This should make for a more pleasant stroll. I think by walking with your luggage you're just asking for unnecessary aggravation. Your room will probably not be ready until around 2-3 pm. Dump the luggage at least then walk around.

I disagree with the last couple of posts, remember that the OPs only have backpacks. 3k isn't far, even for me. If cooperative weather I can't think of a better way to start your holiday. Fresh air, seeing the city from the sidewalk view (look down if the pooper scooper hasn't just been there) and popping into a café or two or three would be dreamy. Wish it were me.....

Thank you everyone for the positive input! One more consideration is our plane arrives pretty early, around 9 AM. That was one reason I wanted to burn some time and see a few of the sites in the process. I know we could leave our luggage at the hotel and go back out and enjoy the city, but it will be too early to check in and go to our room. @Nigel- Yes! That was the plan, not try and do a death march all the way to the hotel, but stop in the park, tarry on the Siene, make more than 1 cafe stop... But I think Kent and Brian may be right, it would be better without luggage. How hard is it to hail a taxi in the street (find a taxi stand) if we start out and decide half way that it stopped being fun?

Your plane gets in at 9, but that's not when you arrive in Paris. You'd get there around 11 or 12 without walking. You can arrive, nicely explain that you know your room isn't ready yet, but it would be nice if you could use the facilities and leave your luggage. They might have a room ready for you. If you barge in and demand a room, you will never get one. Sometimes fatigue hits, and a short nap is necessary. You don't want to be so blinded by exhaustion that you walk in front of a bus.

It's really hard to snag a taxi in the street for a couple of reasons: It's illegal for a cab to pick up a fare within X-meters of a taxi rank. I forget the number but it's a couple of hundred maybe. With the cost of gas, taxis don't drive around without a fare. That said, taxi ranks abound, (again, I forget the exact number, but there are a couple of hundred at least within the peripherique) so you shouldn't have to walk far to find one. Look around the metro stations or close to the major tourist attactions.

We have done exactly what you are thinking about - and it was great! That said, for it to be fun I think you must be someone who likes to walk (a lot) and can manage the weight of the backpacks easily. Our first trip to Paris, we walked from the Roissybus to Rue Cler. On the second trip, we used the Metro due to weather. It is quite easy, as pointed out in an earlier response. I would come prepared for either - bring your walking directions plus a good map, in case you get off track. Bring the Metro directions as well. Then, depending on the weather, fatigue and your mood you can decide at the time. Taking the Metro with your backpacks is no problem - I would not take a taxi. Have a wonderful trip! (P.S. if you plan on taking the Metro several times, purchase a carnet to save money).

Mark, I would definitely follow Mike's advice. It's easy to get to the metro station at Opera (walk around to the front; you can't miss it! Play with Google Street View.) Take Line 8 towards 'Balard' and stop at Ecole Militaire. Then, it's a few blocks to your hotel. You'll be tired (amped-up, yes, but physically tired), and that 'no-problem' backpack can weigh a ton on that first day right off of the airplane. I'm as good a pack mule as there is, but that first day is a killer! My body is screaming tired and sore from the awful plane seats and lack of sleep. There will be plenty of walking with your bag as it is; save the rest of the strolling for when your packs are in your room (or, held for you by your hotel if your room isn't ready when you arrive). And FWIW, I really liked the RoissyBus and I thought I was a confirmed RER person...the price is roughly the same, but the scenery and ride is MUCH better! You See Paris!!! Ah, April in Paris...