Travel and Accomodation
France is a hexagon whose maximum distances north-south or east-west is about 1000 km (600 miles) .
Paris is the capital, located on the river Seine, 200 km from the north border.
Paris is the capital, located on the river Seine, 200 km from the north border.
Coming by plane
Two international airports
ROISSY Charles de Gaulle (CDG) , 40km north
ORLY (ORY) , 20km south
website : http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-GB/Passagers/home/
ROISSY Charles de Gaulle (CDG) , 40km north
ORLY (ORY) , 20km south
website : http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-GB/Passagers/home/
Reach Paris by Bus
You may reach the center of Paris with a bus (Roissybus or Orlybus) . Roissybus may be practical if your hotel is near "Opera Garnier" and the same for Orlybus if your hotel is near "Denfert Rochereau". It should cost about 10 euros per person and a one-hour ride.
Reach Paris by Train
You could also take the suburban express trains known as RER (Réseau Express Régional). Roissy RER is directly accessible but, from Orly, you will have to take first the automatic metro Orlyval then the RER. It should cost about 10 euros per person and a one-hour ride. Not easy with luggage in an unknow city...
Take a Taxi
I really suggest you to take a taxi to your hotel or apartment. Expect around 50 euros and know that there are several taxi companies, including independent taxis. You can identify taxis by the indication lights on the roof of the car. There are no other characteristic signs of recognition.
Tips !
While you're at the airport, think of buying an adapter for your electrical appliances ....
Coming with train
Six train stations
Gare du Nord
Eurostar from London , Thalys (High speed train) from Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany.
The area around this station is not so touristy. If you wish to find an hotel close to this station, go in the 9th district, that's better than the 10th.
The area around this station is not so touristy. If you wish to find an hotel close to this station, go in the 9th district, that's better than the 10th.
Gare de l'Est
TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse)
from the east of France, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg, and also night train from Munich, Innsbruck, Berlin and Moscow.
The area is very close to Gare du Nord and not touristy. Prefer the 9th district for your accomodation.
The area is very close to Gare du Nord and not touristy. Prefer the 9th district for your accomodation.
Gare de Lyon
TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) from Italy and the south of France (Côte d'Azur, Saint-Tropez, Nice...).
You may find some good hotels around this station. You're not far from Bastille or Bercy.
You may find some good hotels around this station. You're not far from Bastille or Bercy.
Gare Montparnasse
TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) to western and south western of France (Nantes, Bordeaux,...).
There are many quality hotels around the station.
There are many quality hotels around the station.
Gare d'Austerlitz
Trains to central France, Toulouse, the Pyrénées... Night trains to Spain (Barcelona, Madrid..)
Try to find an hotel between 5th and 13th district.
Try to find an hotel between 5th and 13th district.
Gare Saint-Lazare
Trains to Normandy.
You are in the 8th district, not far from Department Stores (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps), from Opera Garnier, from Madeleine and Grands Boulevards...
You are in the 8th district, not far from Department Stores (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps), from Opera Garnier, from Madeleine and Grands Boulevards...
Best accomodation
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Below, you'll find some tips to be well housed during your trip in Paris. The choice may be difficult. Don't hesitate to contact me if you're not sure to make the good choice. |
Hotels classification
Five Stars : Palace
Four Stars : Hôtel very confortable, luxurious
Three Stars : Hotel Grand Touring and Grand Comfort
Two Stars : Good tourist Hotel
One Star or unclassified : low-end Hotel
Four Stars : Hôtel very confortable, luxurious
Three Stars : Hotel Grand Touring and Grand Comfort
Two Stars : Good tourist Hotel
One Star or unclassified : low-end Hotel
An hotel in the heart of Paris
Yes, it's possible to find a charming hotel offering reasonable rates in the heart of Paris. From there, you will go on foot on the Boulevards, Montmartre, the Opera and the Madeleine, and why not to the Louvre or the Champs-Elysees ...
Notice that the "Roissybus" drives you directly from CDG Airport to Opéra Garnier. And you are not so far from Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est or Gare Saint-Lazare . . .
Notice that the "Roissybus" drives you directly from CDG Airport to Opéra Garnier. And you are not so far from Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est or Gare Saint-Lazare . . .
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I recommend the Hotels of "Cité Bergère". This is a set of charming hotels in a very quiet street, free of trafic. Here's a partial list : Hotel Corona Opera, Hotel Aston Paris, Hotel Bergère Opera, Hotel Victoria Paris, Hotel du Brésil Paris, Hotel Mondial Paris, Hotel d'Espagne Paris, Hotel des Arts..
Not far from there, the "Hotel Chopin", in the Passage Jouffroy, close to "Grévin museum", deserves your attention...
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A more conventional choice
You may prefer the classic hotels belonging to well-known hotel groups.
It will provide you some peace of mind.
All hotels are not ideally placed. I spotted a few that deserve the attention.
This is a very partial list....
It will provide you some peace of mind.
All hotels are not ideally placed. I spotted a few that deserve the attention.
This is a very partial list....
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Ibis hotel located at the Bercy Village : traffic is reduced and, at its feet, you will find many restaurants, shops, cinema and metro line 14 ("Cour Saint-Emilion") which takes you in a few resorts in the heart of Paris.
Some hotels (Novotel or Mercure for example) are located in the modern district Quai de Grenelle in the 15th disctrict, few steps from the Eiffel Tower, in front of the Seine river. Hotel Mercure Montparnasse or Gare de Lyon Ideally located close to the train station. |
Appart Hotels
If you prefer to feel at home, choose the Appart'Hotels. You will enjoy the benefit of the hotels while being able to cook at home.
You can find some Appart Hotels in the heart of Paris or nearby suburbs.
If you choose the suburbs, take care to check if a subway line takes you easily into Paris.
You can find some Appart Hotels in the heart of Paris or nearby suburbs.
If you choose the suburbs, take care to check if a subway line takes you easily into Paris.
Not exhaustive list : Appart city, Citadines, Citea ....