Unlike some, I think a train that doesn't stop between CDG and Gare du Nord would be safer and worth waiting for.

I have found that the trip planner at the RATP site works really well.

From CDG T2 to the hotel (Sofitel in the 15th at 12 rue Louis Armand, 75015), the planner suggests taking the RER B to Gare Du Nord, line 4 to Strasbourg-St-Denis and then line 8 to Balard. It says its a 7 minute walk from the station.

Greg

There is absolutely no risk whatsoever taking a train from CDG to Gare du Nord, with or without any intermediate stops.
The thing that it would be more dangerous taking a train with stops is absolutely rubbish!!
I've done that journey many many times and never ever had any problems or any inconvenience because of it.
I've never heard anybody else having any problems either, and I live in the city!

Take whatever train that comes first, if it's a direct one then good, you'll save perhaps a few minutes and there'll be slightly more space onboard for luggage.
But it's really not a big deal so don't bother too much about it!!

As I mentioned in my previous reply, most people here wouldn't even know there are two types of trains (nonstop/with stops) if some Parisian/French FTers had not mentioned it.
I can't imagine it's mentioned in any guidebooks for example.

On that logic, there's no reason for me to fasten my seat belt on a plane, since I've flown many, many times and never been in a crash.

The fact is that even prior to the civil unrest of last fall, there were reports from time to time of youths taking luggage or agressively begging from unsuspecting, jet-lagged tourists on the RER between CDG and Paris. Another fact is that many of the stops between CDG and Gare du Nord are in poor ghettos. While Jacob_M has never encountered hostile youths on the RER, I have, although not on the CDG-Paris line because I haven't taken it for years.

There's a big difference between savvy residents who may speak some French, and neophite tourists who stick out like a neon sign. While the chances of trouble are quite small, so is the benefit of "saving a few minutes" on a journey which takes, in most cases, 10 hours or more.

Well I'm only giving my opinion... No offense!

If people feel more safe taking a direct train, that's perfectly fine by me.
My point was just to say that there is no need to worry, the riots most people are probably refering to stopped a long time ago (and even back then everything happened late at night, at daytime it was fine).
Sure there is a risk of pickpockets, beggers, vandalism etc, but that's a general risk and it's not exceptionally higher on the RER than anywhere else in Paris.
As a tourist I would be more concerned walking along the Champs-Elysées for example where there are probably tons of pickpockets and almost no locals, that must be pure heaven for a criminal.
I work in Paris right now and take the RER line B every single day, and I've never ever seen/heard/experienced anything worth mentioning.
From CDG I've taken the RER even late at night (11 PM) and it's always been very peaceful as well!

I just don't want the entire FT to stand 20 mins on the platform at CDG to wait for a direct train just because they think it's the only safe option.
The only time of the day there would be a tiniest little change for something to happen would be late at night, and in the evenings there aren't any direct trains anyway which leaves the option of accepting the intermediate stops or abandonding the whole train option and look for alternative transportation.

The RATP online trip planner is great.

While the route above will get you there, the transfer at St. Denis from the #4 line to the #8 involves quite a few stairs and schlepping around which will be tough with luggage. Aslo, St. Denis isn't my favorite Metro station based on clientele.

I normally don't suggest the shuttle vans that go to and from the airport, but for a woman and her teenage daughter going to a hotel in the south 15th, I'd think about it. You can find info on shuttles here:

http://bonjourparis.ipbhost.com/inde...showtopic=1548

I can understand the points of view of both jacob_m and Mountain Trader.

I have heard thousands of stories about the danger of travelling in Italy. But as a resident here, I never felt any unease about using the metro here or going around the railway station at night.

But I get a bit wary when I heard stories about the train in Paris.

I guess it explains the difference of being a tourist or a resident.

Thanks for the update-I will definitely get a shuttle bus for us. Is the south 15th unsafe? I got the hotel off of Priceline...

Where exactly ? Most of the 15th is quiet and residential (almost boring but in a nice way).

I like the AF BUS!
 

It runs about every 15 minutes. It's comfortable and stops at key locations.

Excellent for early morning departures less anxiety. I have taken the train and

it's so hot inside and there were delays due to repair or construction.

I used to take the Bus a few dollars less that stops at the OPERA HOUSE

It can be a cattle car with suitcases falling over people and standing room.

AF was the most relaxed transportation.

We are staying at the Sofitel Porte de Sevres on rue Louis Armand. I can't find it on the maps-need to do more research. thanks..

I've stayed at the Sofitel Porte de Serves in Nov 2003- my friend's and my first trip to Paris. We were on RyanAir (from Dublin to BVA - don't ask) and once we were dropped off in Paris at Porte Maillot, we took the Metro (Line 1 with one transfer at Concorde to the Balard - Line 8) to Balard station and walked the 7 - 10 min walk to the hotel (it was around 9pm at nite) and didn't feel in any way threatened. In fact, along the route is some kind of military or government complex w/ uniformed guards 24/7. The only part I felt a bit nervous was at the crosswalk at the on-ramp to the Peripheque.
Never arrived back at the hotel before 9pm during our 3 nite stay and we always took the Balard line back (we are both middle-aged females who are between 5 ft and 5 ft 3).

Enjoy Paris.

RxTravel

Try http://www.pagesjaunes.fr/pj.cgi.

Its a very usefull street finder for Paris, along with photos of the hotel and the street.

Enter "8 R Louis Armand" for addresse, "paris 15" for localité.

I personally prefer the direct RER and think it is worth the wait. You may spend a bit more time on the platform at CDG but get to Paris only 5 mins after the one that stops everywhere. The main reason I prefer the direct one is that everyone takes their seat and stays put during the trip to paris making it more relaxing and peaceful. You dont have people getting on and off and stumbling around luggage and such. You dont have to pay attention to your belongings as much as there are less people coming and going. On the whole it's just a more pleasant experience.

I don't know your food budget but there's a good, interesting place near Lourmel, one Metro stop from Ballard. It's L'Os a Moelle, which serves a 6 course (small portions) tasting-type menu for 38 Euros a person, which is a great deal (remember, that includes tax and tip, but not drinks). Here's a write-up and you can Google for others:

http://www.markbernstein.org/Apr0501/LOsaMoelle.html

They only have two selections for each course, but jump in and try real French food. Don't confuse this place, the restaurant, with Cave de L'os a Moelle acrosse the steet, which is a wine bar with simple food served at communal tables.

L"os a Moelle has 2 seating nightly, and you should have your hotel make a reservation for you (unless you're French fluent).