In Paris for 24 Hours - What's Possible?

[Kris75]

Hello everyone. Looking for some advice. Here is some background info. We are disembarking our cruise in Rotterdam on a Saturday. Due to flight times, and the fact that Air France now flies direct to our city from Paris, we thought an option would be to fly to Paris out of Amsterdam on Saturday and then take the direct flight to our hometown on the Sunday. We would likely get into Paris mid afternoon and our flight home leaves around 1:00 pm the next day. So here is the question. What can we do in Paris if anything? Do we find a hotel in Paris and try to squeeze in some sightseeing in the evening? Is it smarter to book a hotel around the airport and take some sort of transportation into Paris? Any tips or tricks would be appreciated as we have never been to CDG airport or Paris. Thanks!

[marazul]

53 minutes ago, Kris75 said:

Hello everyone. Looking for some advice. Here is some background info. We are disembarking our cruise in Rotterdam on a Saturday. Due to flight times, and the fact that Air France now flies direct to our city from Paris, we thought an option would be to fly to Paris out of Amsterdam on Saturday and then take the direct flight to our hometown on the Sunday. We would likely get into Paris mid afternoon and our flight home leaves around 1:00 pm the next day. So here is the question. What can we do in Paris if anything? Do we find a hotel in Paris and try to squeeze in some sightseeing in the evening? Is it smarter to book a hotel around the airport and take some sort of transportation into Paris? Any tips or tricks would be appreciated as we have never been to CDG airport or Paris. Thanks!

 

Look into taking the train to Paris. You can get there earlier and be in the center of the city. Get a hotel near the station and you will be ready to start sightseeing. 

[MeHeartCruising]

I would also suggest taking the train from Rotterdam to Paris.  You will then be in the city center of Paris to get to a hotel and then sightsee all day/night.  Then the next day go to the airport for your flight home.

 

I see hourly trains (with no change of trains) from Rotterdam Central Station to Paris Gare du Nord that takes just over 2.5 hours.  Much less hassle than dealing with 2 airports.

Edited August 16, 2023 by MeHeartCruising

[mskaufman]

In Paris for 24 hours you can see a lot by taking the hop on hop off boat and planning where to get off.

[Hlitner]

Your “24 hrs” will actually be a late afternoon/evening.  A 1pm flight means you will be heading back to CDG right after breakfast.  That certainly leaves time for a decent dinner and some strolling around parts of Paris.  Choosing a well located hotel (depending on your chosen neighborhood) will help you maximize what you can see in such a short period of time. Since each part of Paris (arrondisements) have their own charm, you will be forced to pick choose a very limited number of options.

 

Hank

[CruiserBruce]

15 hours ago, mskaufman said:

In Paris for 24 hours you can see a lot by taking the hop on hop off boat and planning where to get off.

Or the hop on, hop off bus.

[Kris75]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. The train is a great idea, we did not even think of that. Hopefully there would no issues with luggage ie. 2 suitcases and likely 2 carry on's. We have limited experience with trains. Basically VIA here in Canada and the train from Schipol into Amsterdam which might be more a shuttle in a sense than a train.

 

Yes trying to figure out what can do and where in such a tight timeline is a bit overwhelming but we have given ourselves plenty of time to figure out a game plan.

[carlmm]

The direct train, Thalys, ends at the Gare du Nord in Paris. This is not the most interesting area but perfect for a hotel in your situation as you can take  the RER train to the airport right here the next morning, too.

Montmartre is walkable from here for most. All parts of Paris can be reached via Metro.

[Dancer Bob]

No you're not in Paris for 24 hours. Late afternoon arrival, morning departure- more like six hours sightseeing at best, and with bags on your way to the airport. Make sure you check for delays on the RER the evening before.

Edited August 19, 2023 by Dancer Bob

[Hlitner]

On 8/17/2023 at 4:24 PM, Kris75 said:

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. The train is a great idea, we did not even think of that. Hopefully there would no issues with luggage ie. 2 suitcases and likely 2 carry on's. We have limited experience with trains. Basically VIA here in Canada and the train from Schipol into Amsterdam which might be more a shuttle in a sense than a train.

 

Yes trying to figure out what can do and where in such a tight timeline is a bit overwhelming but we have given ourselves plenty of time to figure out a game plan.

Luggage is always a logistical issue and part of good planning.  You would need to handle your own luggage on all public transportation (including trains) and always consider security (protecting your stuff).  In Paris, with luggage, you should consider using taxis to get to your hotel. You can also arrange shared shuttle rides (often mini buses) between hotel and CDW as a way to save money over a taxi.  A few of us here can provide detailed advice/suggestions if you decide to give it a go.

 

Hank

[Turtles06]

Since you’ve never been to Paris, must you fly home the next day?  Can you give yourselves even one more day?  (Not enough, but better than the short time you are planning.) 

[Kris75]

Unfortunately we need to get home as all our vacation time will have been used up. We are fortunate we can take 14 day cruises, but combined with travel days that is about it for us. Concerning the train are there any recommendations on what website / booking site to use? Our cruise is not until spring of next year, so likely won't be able to see our actual travel day to book, but at least it will give us some ideas for when we can.

[CruiserBruce]

21 minutes ago, Kris75 said:

Unfortunately we need to get home as all our vacation time will have been used up. We are fortunate we can take 14 day cruises, but combined with travel days that is about it for us. Concerning the train are there any recommendations on what website / booking site to use? Our cruise is not until spring of next year, so likely won't be able to see our actual travel day to book, but at least it will give us some ideas for when we can.

Book on Thalys.com.  The best price will be at release, about 4 months out. Any other site will not be the best price.

[Turtles06]

28 minutes ago, Kris75 said:

Concerning the train are there any recommendations on what website / booking site to use?

Please have a look at The Man in Seat 61, which will give you really useful information on booking rail travel in Europe, when to book, how to book, with whom, etc.  It’s an invaluable resource.  (And before tickets are released for your dates, do some mock bookings so you’ll be comfortable with the process. I did that on Thalys before our first trip on the Eurostar, and it was very helpful.)

https://www.seat61.com

 

 

[ollienbertsmum]

Lots you can do in Paris in that amount of time.  I think that staying close to the train station is a good idea.  

 

You need to do a bit of research to decide exactly what you want to do - and how much walking you are up to.    Because you still cannot visit Notre Dame you have one decision less about if it is worth standing in the queue!   You have to decide if you want to spend your time taking in the views, the architecture, having a good meal, visiting the famous shops or just having coffee on the left bank.  I would be sure to have views of the Eiffel tower at night with its twinkling.  

 

Only you can decide what you will enjoy the most.   You will likely have more touring time in Paris than those who are doing a ship tour to Paris.  

[gfkcruiser]

On 8/17/2023 at 12:24 PM, Kris75 said:

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. The train is a great idea, we did not even think of that. Hopefully there would no issues with luggage ie. 2 suitcases and likely 2 carry on's. We have limited experience with trains. Basically VIA here in Canada and the train from Schipol into Amsterdam which might be more a shuttle in a sense than a train.

 

Yes trying to figure out what can do and where in such a tight timeline is a bit overwhelming but we have given ourselves plenty of time to figure out a game plan.

The train from Rotterdam to schipol is a train with steps.  Not a walk on tram.  Had to lift our cases up.