First Timer Paris
 

Well, Finally taking the wife to Paris and will admit that we know nothing about the city besides her romanticized image, nor do we have any experience traveling in Europe in general. I have a couple weeks to "research" geography, attractions, modes of transportation, and obtain a cultural baseline of knowledge. A friend recommended this site, and so here i start.

One question to get me rolling. What is the recommended transportation from the Airport to the City (Eiffel tower area)? We will be traveling as four adults.

Any guidance is appreciated!

Although others here may tell you to take a taxi, there is good and less expensive public transport. You can get specific information here:

http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/r_61596/access-to-airports/

A taxi for four adults will normally average around 15€ per person. If you have a lot of luggage, it would also be a more convenient and secure way to get to this area of the city, especially for first-time visitors.

Otherwise, if you're on a tight budget and/or traveling light, public transportation can save you about 5€ per person.

Sugget you read this comprehensive thread

Thanks all. Will read up on the previous post

Look for an airport bus to go close to your hotel. Then walk or take a taxi. This is much easier for a novice than taking the RER connecting to the metro.

We have used this van service several times and have been quite satisfied. You can reserve online, and they will meet you at door 8 of Terminal 2E. Their rate for 4 persons is 57 Euro. Door to door.

A taxi would be a bit more, you need one of the larger taxis (about half of them are these) and your rate with luggage charges would be around 75 Euro, depending on traffic. You will also need to walk to Door 12 and wait on a taxi line.

We prefer the reserved vans.

http://www.parisairportservice.com/?lng=en

Wow, 1st time in Europe doing Paris. Get ready for extended adrenalin rushes!!

Wait there's more to Europe than Paris? Hahaha, just kidding. This is a trip that has been on the back burner for years and now with kids on the horizon this is our last chance with less strings attached. We are euro-newbies but will try to culture up a bit by touring Dublin, Amsterdam, Paris, and Rome in 12 days. I don't expect it to be easy and will be diligent on researching for the next few weeks to try and not stick out or become dependent on local help.

So this is going to be a " what day/city are we at now" ;).

You can pm me if you need any help.

Personally I would take a taxi into town if I was with a party of 4.. Easier and more enjoyable for a short trip. Mind you they will charge you extra for luggage and the 4th person.

I disagree. Particularly with a large party, a van has some major advantages:

More comfortable, roomy, no squeezing.
Plenty of room for luggage.
Door 8 more convenient from baggage claim area than Door 12.
No waiting in lines, van is reserved for you.
No worries about a meter running, price is flat rate. No extra charge for luggage.

For me, it's a no brainer. The service I've linked to above has given us terrific service on our last several arrivals into CDG.

Re: Your itinerary--

DO NOT DO ALL OF THESE CITIES. Your memories of the trip will be a blur, and you will spend more time commuting between the cities than enjoying your vacation! At the most, do Paris and one other city. You can do the rest on your next trip-- don't worry, you will be hooked on European vacations forever. You will be back.

Yahill, Menton,

Y'all are correct in suggesting a simpler itinerary. It really will be a hectic scramble to traverse 4 countries in a short period of time. Originally a "backpackers" type concept evolved into a condensed trip covering more geography to get to places that we really wanted to see in case we do not make the trip again. Ido appreciate the suggestions because as a logistical thinking person it just doesn't make sense to spend so much of the time traveling between cities. Not to mention the amount of research needed to make a first trip go smooth with all the additional variables. That said, we knew this when we booked the flights and hotels and will sacrifice a relaxing trip for the ability to see art, architecture, and culture across several regions. At every destination we understand that we will not be able to see everything, nor will we get the "full" cultural immersion since it'll fly right by. Definitely more of a "highlights" tour.

Now I need to research how long some of these atteactions will take to see. I've read alot about the long lines at museums and major attractions. Any suggestions on "skip the line" options, the Louvre? Any other ways to save time?

Look.. all the "art" that you will be passing thru is better seen and read in books...So, what I would do, is take the red bus and do a scan of the city... then just put my walking shoes and get lost in the wonderful streets.. And I really mean the streets are wonderful.. and sit in a cafe, kiss your wife and watch the crowed going by and then kiss your wife again.. This is what Paris is..No worries about getting lost.. this is the funnest part of Paris, just walk and take turns into unknown streets..it is a very very safe city even at 4,5,6 am.. And find a metro or bus and they will help you..

This is what I would do. And do in any city I go to.

Might I suggest a change in your signature line?

;)

Hahaha... you think so? am gonna do it just for you Doc.. even though the ones who think I am bitter because of it, still do think that :p.

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deleted - sorry for the mess :(

Don't ruin your trip by attempting those four cities in less than two weeks. As others have stated, cut it to two and enjoy your visits.... Rookie mistake is trying to get too much into a short period of time.

An opinion few people share.

I suggest you get the most current copy of Rick Steve's Paris guide (not his France guide), and also his guide for any other cities you'll visit which he covers. No one drills down and sets out practical advice better on questions like 'How to avoid a line at the Louvre'. However, I ignore his restaurant suggestions and use his hotel ideas sparingly. His people test his advice regularly unlike some books with info that can be several years old.

BTW, it is easy to duck the line at the Louvre. But buy advance tickets for the d'Orsay or you're likely to have a long wait outside.