Paris for 13 hours.

[andrewfromct]

Good Evening all,
This winter I will be doing academic research in Morocco for about 3.5 weeks. I am writing here because on the way back home from Morocco I have a 13 hour layover in Paris during which I really want to go out and explore the city (Evening of January 10, 2008). I will land in Paris at ~8:00pm and do not fly out until ~9:00am the next morning. I will be alone, and for our purposes here, money is not an issue. I have heard there is a train directly into the city, so I would like to take that in, but most likely I will want a taxi to take me back to the airport in the early hours of the morning. I definitely want to get into the heart of Paris, see the Eiffel Tower, drink an amazing glass of wine, and see some local art and culture. I have never been to Paris, nor anywhere else in Europe for that matter, which is why I am open to any and all suggestions. Thank you everyone for any help you may be able to offer, it is much appreciated.
-Drew

[Eagle]

andrewfromct, first of all, welcome! Regarding your questions, I'm not sure what to suggest given the short time frame and more importantly the time of day. Although you're landing in Paris at 20:00, by the time you clear Passport control and get into the city, it will probably be 22:00 or later. I'm not sure how many attractions are going to be open at that time of night on a Thursday night? Parisians usually dine late, so there will undoubtedly be restaurants or bars where you can sample an "amazing glass of wine".

The Eiffel Tower will most certainly be closed, but you could at least look at it. Hopefully the others will have some good suggestions for you (calling MTH!). You'll also have to leave for the airport at about 06:00 the following day. I'd allow about an hour to reach CDG and of course the two hour window for check-in, etc.

Is there any possibility you could extend your stay by a day or so?

Good luck!

[pointofnoreturn]

I'm just going to say it - no chance at all. Unless you arrive in Paris earlier, you won't be seeing a heck lot. Everything will be closed and the only thing you can really is the Eiffel Tower lit up but even I wouldn't walk to walk around Paris that late at night.

It's going take 2-3 hours to get through customs and get into the city and you'd have to do the same thing the next morning. I would just look for a nearby airport hotel and stay there.

There's always another time

[madamtrashheap]

eagle said:

Hopefully the others will have some good suggestions for you (calling MTH!).

I'm here! Sorry been busy!

Right, andrewfromct, let me say that although your time is limited, I love the fact that you're up for going into the city and making the most of the hours you have there - let's see if we can't put you back on that plan happy but exhausted!

Eagle is right, by the time you clear customs and get to the city it will be around 21h30/22h00 (aka 9.30/10pm), so let's work with that timing. Another thing, are you going to check your luggage through before you leave the airport? Might not be possible that far in advance (usually 5-6 hours ahead is it) so what did you plan? There is a storage service at CDG but they don't actually store it on site - I believe it's taken away from the airport for safety and then returned on the day of your departure - check with your airline for info. I think that the luggage storage at Gare du Nord train station has been reinstated but is open between 6.30 and 23.00 which might not suit you.

There is a Roissy bus that goes from CDG to Opera Garnier (in the centre, on a Metro line) or the RER train (Line B) to Gare du Nord station (north of the city, but easy for taxis and Metro/RER) or even change at Notre Dame station to RER Line C to get straight to the Eiffel Tower, but check the shuttle bus departure points from CDG to the RER airport station as it varies depending on which Terminal you're at.

You're there on a Thursday evening/Friday morning and it's not a holiday, so another win! I'd suggest you make your way straight to the Eiffel Tower, but be prepared to just gaze at it (directly underneath at night is a fantastic photo) as the tower closes as midnight during Winter and the last ascent is 23h00 (11pm). It's worth trying to get there, just be prepared for not making it all the way up in case you're delayed. I'd love to send you to one of my favourite restaurants in the city on Montparnasse Tower (Le Ciel de Paris) as you'll definitely get a great meal and a great glass of wine or two), but by the time you do the tower (fingers crossed) the kitchen will be closing down. But, if you don't make it up the Effiel Tower, head to Montparnasse Tower, grab the lift up and see if you can't sneak in a late snack and glass of wine. The view from there is spectacular and looks right at the Eiffel Tower, plus the elevator ride is a blast! Otherwise, you can head to the Champs-Elysees for a late night wander and treat yourself to supper in Le Fouquet's (gorgeous and famous brasserie). Then maybe walk back down the Champs towards Place de la Concorde and the Louvre (the gates of the Jardin des Tulleries/Tulleries Garden will most likely be locked by that stage and I wouldn't recommend walking through there at night) but hook a left and wander down the rue du Rivoli (look left past the golden statue of Joan of Arc to Place Vendome - beautifully lit up a night) for a few more bars and cafes and find yourself in the Marais district for more late night bars and bistros and a mixed crowd. If you don't feel like sitting, and the weather is being kind, make you way out to the middle of the Seine on one of the bridges to get a view of the Notre Dame at night and back towards the Tower. In fact, if you really feel like a hike (the Metro closes at around 12.30am/0h30) then there's a bistro called Le Petit Pont just opposite Notre Dame (on rue Petit Pont, on the Left Bank) that's open until 3h00 for food.

It should be well into the wee hours by now and if you want some company, you can go all funky and head to Buddha Bar for a cocktail (it's just off Place de la Concorde, near the American Embassy, down a side street rue Boissy d’Anglais), glamour, funky music and nightlife (just in case, they have a bar food menu until 2h00). Then it's easy to catch a cab from the front of the Hotel Crillion (around the corner) on Place de la Concorde and head back to the airport (should cost around Euro30-40). Make sure you're back at the airport by 6h00 so you can check in and clear customs with plenty of time.

Might be an idea (and no doubt you've thought of it) to grab a city map from the airport before you head into the city, or even download and print one before you go, just to help orientate yourself.I hope that helps you plan your "Paris by Night" adventure! Enjoy! ;D

[Eagle]

MTH, what an outstanding reply! I knew you'd have some great information!

[madamtrashheap]

eagle said:

MTH, what an outstanding reply! I knew you'd have some great information!

Aw shucks! ;D
andrewfromct, let us know what you do end up doing in Paris. I really hope you're able to make the most of 13 hours!