Sorry if this has been covered, I haven't time for a search - I have 4 hours between flights (LOT to AA) at CDG. Is this enough time for a run into the city or should I stay put?

Thanks in advance!

4 hours is pretty tight. The train takes about 45 minutes each way, if I recall correctly, and runs, I think, every 7 minutes or so. I can't imagine a cab would be a whole lot faster, though the cab could take you straight to your destination, whereas with the train you'd have to transfer to a metro train, which would add another 10 to 30 minutes or so each way. The cab would be much more expensive, of course.

I would not recommend to most of my friends to try to make the trip in. But I have a history of pulling stunts like this and getting back to make the flight by the skin of my teeth (missed one, once), so I'd be tempted to do it, especially if I didn't think I'd be back in Paris for a while.

The next question, of course, is if you do try it, what one thing in Paris is going to give you the most of what makes the risk worthwhile in the few minutes you'll have in the city? The mind boggles to consider the possibilities. If you've never been to Paris and will not likely return, and if you're willing to risk missing your connection, I'd take the train in and take tht Metro to the Trocadero stop to see the Eiffel Tower, then reverse the process and pray I got back in time. If you first see the tower from the vantage point offered by arriving from the Trocadero stop, you'll feel like the trip was worthwhile.

On the other hand, 4 hours is a really good period in which to indulge in a wonderful French lunch or dinner at the restaurant just inside the entrance to the Sheraton (I've forgotten the name of the restaurant, and the Sheraton is part of the airport -- just above the train terminal), or failing that at the airport branch of the Brasserie Flo (or is it another famous brasserie that has a branch there?). It's a good way to experience some of the magic of Paris, and the heart palpitations will come only from the clogged arteries rather than the stress of trying to make it back to the airport on time.

I'd suggest you might also want to post this on the Paris forum in Travel&Dining section. The posters there have a lot of specialized information about just this kind of question. (Not to put down TravelBuzz info, though

It is indeed Brasserie Flo, landside, in CDG2F, a few meters after entering the terminal when walking from the TGV station (and the Sheraton).

Your LO flight should be arriving in CDG2B, which is a non-Schengen terminal. You could remain airside and use the airside shuttle to get to CDG2A, where AA flights depart. This would be the most secure solution and does not involve two immigration checks. But there is nowhere to have a decent meal airside in CDG2.

If you go landside, you will have to go through immigration to enter the Schengen area and again when you come back. Going through immigration in CDG2B can take up to half an hour, depending on the time of day, although it can take as little as 2mn ....

You can then have a 10mn walk to the TGV station and the Sheraton hotel, and an additional 5mn to reach CDG2F and Brasserie Flo. You can have a decent meal in Brasserie Flo and in the standard restaurant of the Sheraton, as well as pleasant snacks in the lobby bar of the Sheraton. The upscale restaurant of the Sheraton, to the right after you enter the restaurant area when coming from the hotel lobby is somewhat pricey, the food is of good quality, but it is definitely not the best price/performance ratio in Paris (but you are in CDG, not in Paris).

Getting to and from Paris by suburban train (RER) would require, on average, 1h30 mn for a round trip, which, added to the immigration queues, could leave you with less than 2 hours in Paris. So you definitely need to do some advance planning regarding your travel and activities once you are in Paris. It is by no means impossible, it depends a lot on whether your incoming LO flight is delayed or not.

Hope it helps and enjoy Paris .

Wow, this is really helpful information, thanks! Brasserie Flo sounds like a great way to pass the tmie and get some of the essence of Paris without risking a heart attack. I truly appreciate this info, as I've only ever been in CDG2A and am sadly familiar with the lack of airside amenities there. Thanks again!!!!

we had layover in dec at CDG, and there were people getting neck massages. i was with kids so didn't look into it further, but it sure looked like a nice way to sepnd 15 minutes. have a great time!