Expert: Patrick Robichaud - 5/6/2007

Question
I'm taking a two week vacation to France in July. My first visit to France and I speak practically NO French.  Most of our trip will be spent on the canals on the eastern part of France.  We're ending our trip with three days in Paris.  We already have a hotel reservation in The Marais area.  

What is the best way to get to Paris from Strousbourg, train or plane?

Depending on your answer to the above, What is the best way to get from the train station/airport to our hotel in the Marias, Subway or Taxi?

What are your thoughts on ONE day visiting Versailles and TWO days in Paris.  Are two days enough time to see the best of Paris?  (I've read some of your other answers for best places to visit in Paris-thank you)

What is the best way to get from our hotel to the CDG airport ON TIME?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Kay -

Sorry for the delay in answering. I have been out of town unexpectedly.  

Without knowing the dates of your trip, flying from Paris from Strasbourg could be quite economical. Edreams can get you some great rates. Here is their website:http://www.edreams.com/flights/strasbourg-paris/

With regard to trains, again, depends on the day. I've done some preliminary checking and here are some results with regard to train schedules and fares. Looks like it will run around 50-60 Euros per person.
http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/point_to_point/results.htm?cobrand=public&fn=f...

You will most likely arrive at Paris l'est station (http://www.paris.org/Gares/de.l.Est/est.html), which is in the 10th. As you are in the Marais, and the station is in the 10th, you will be very close. The metro MAY be convenient for you, depending upon amount of luggage you have. There is nothing worse than schlepping a ton of luggage through the Metro stations.

Two days will give you the flavor of Paris, at least. Two days you can see a number of museums, sites and spend some time getting a feel for the city. Versailles is lovely, but make sure you go on a nice day...and early. It can get VERY VERY crowded and touristy. If your thing is museums, get a pass so you can avoid the lines and get in. I love Versailles, but I love the grounds more. The palace itself can be overwhelmingly crowded.

I completely suggest a taxi to the airport. Here is a good list of taxi services (english speaking)that will get you there in time. http://www.airport-paris.com/taxis.htm

If you're flying anything other than Northwest, you should be in CDG Aerogare 2 (that is the international terminal). Check with your airline before you leave and make sure which terminal they use.

Hope that helps. Please let me know if I can help in ANY way!!!

Bon voyage

Patrick