ParisByTrain.com

[joyful]

We will be landing at CDG Terminal 1 and heading to the George V Hotel in Paris to meet friends before heading to our hotel. What's the best way to get there if we have one check in luggage on wheels and a 6 year old in tow? Am wondering if the train is a viable option (RER B from CDG to Chatelet-Les Halles, then Metro to George V).
- How easy is it to get to the CDGVAL shuttle after customs? (Is it only a few mins walk?)
- How easy is it to transfer from Chatelet-Les Halles to the Metro? I read that Chatelet-Les Halles is huge. Is there a lot of walking/getting up and down escalators to be done[*]?
If instead we took the Air France bus Line 2 to the Arc de Triomphe, how do we get from there to the George V?
Or would you recommend a shuttle bus?
Thanks!

[ben]

Hi Joy,

I would recommend the RER B from CDG T1 to Paris with only one suitcase and child in tow. Keep in mind that Metro turnstiles are wide enough for the average person to pass through. Extremely large suitcases are better suited for suitcase pass-through slots which can be found at many turnstile barriers. If one is not available, there is often a special gate for handicapped and wheelchair bound travelers that opens very wide. Just be very patient if you decide to use this type of gate: it swings open after at least 5 seconds of waiting, which can be disconcerting if you haven't used one before.

Finding the CDGVAL shuttle train within CDG Terminal 1 is simple: the path is well marked with many overhead signs. And Terminal 1 is round and not massively long like Terminal 2, so it should only take a few minutes to find your way.

Chatelet Les Halles has many escalators from the RER train platforms. If the first stairwell you come to doesn't have an escalator, just walk further down the platform till you find one. Once you've arrived at the main (still underground) level, you'll have to follow the overhead signs towards Metro Line 1 (yellow color). It may be extremely busy inside, with people crisscrossing every which way, but it's no cause for concern: this is daily life in a metropolis such as Paris. Remember that your ticket for the RER B is good for the entire Metro ride as well. You'll likely have to use it multiple times within Chatelet Les Halles to get past turn stiles on your way towards Metro Line 1.

You'll want to follow signs for Metro Line 1 which also mention the name "La Défense". This is the direction you'll want to take Metro Line 1, which will pass by the station George V.

If you decide to use Les Cars Air France, it's easy to get to George V station from Arc de Triomphe (which is station Charles de Gaulle Etoile). Simply enter the Metro station at the Arc and take Metro Line 1 towards Chateau de Vincennes.

I wouldn't recommend shuttle buses. They're no fun. And more expensive.

Best regards,

Ben

[joy]

Thanks Ben! That was extremely helpful! We're looking forward to being in Paris!

[joy]

Hi Ben

We had a fabulous trip to Paris. Taking the RER B followed by the Metro was easy. The escalators down to CDGVAL shuttle were right where we exited after claiming our luggage (behind the Information counter) at T1. It was a quick ride to T2 for the RER. No lines at the ticket counters for RER B, and all the trains on the platform stated they were headed to Paris, so it couldn't have been simpler. You were right about it being busy at Chatelet les Halles, but we are city folk used to the crowds so it didn't bother us. Everything went smoothly. Thanks again for your invaluable advice. We might not have dared try this had it not been for your recommendation!

Joy