My two favorite European cities are London and Paris. I have been to London over 40 times and have now stopped counting my visits. My trips to Paris total 15. Both of these cities can be visited again and again. They reveal themselves to you slowly. In the future I will be posting about London, her many secrets and my many secrets, but now I will concentrate on Paris.
I have heard many people complain about the French and yet I have never had anything less than wonderful interactions. I always find it amusing when I ask a question in French and invariably the reply I get is in English, and with a smile. People appreciate the effort.Paris is usually named as one of the most romantic cities in the world. But you don’t have to have a significant other with you to enjoy it. It is a city for singles, couples, friends and family. It is very easy city to navigate once you get the hang of the system, The system I refer to is the Paris Metropolitan (Metro) and the RER. Both criss cross the arrondissements of Paris and make for easy access to and from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).The RER train “B” connect CDG with Paris. It is easy to get to from the arrivals/baggage claim areas of arriving airlines. Most U.S arrivals coms into Terminal 2. The train station is between Terminal 2 D/F and 2 C/E so its very convenient. Once you pick up your luggage simply follow the signs for “Trains, Paris and SNCF” and you will arrive in a central area where you will need to go down one level to the ticket kiosks. If you do not have Euros you will need to visit the ticket counter where a person can assist you. The ticket kiosks do NOT except American credit cards, even those with an embedded chip. The ticket to central Paris is 9.50€ and takes only about 35 minutes to Gare Nord. Connections to the Metro are quick and easy at Gare Nord, Chatelet-les Halles, and on the Left Bank, Denfert-Rochereau. In fact the fare that you pay includes one free transfer from the RER B to another RER line or a Metro line. Considering the traffic and the amount of time it takes to get from CDG to Paris this public transportation option is both a time saver and a money saver.
1. Fancy meeting some locals, ex-pats and tourists from around the world at a typical Parisian home? Throw in a dinner and wine and you have the makings of a Sunday soirée at former Louisiana resident, Jim Haynes’ home. It’s a tradition that has been going on for years, every Sunday evening for years. It’s fun, unusual and authentic. You do pay a fee which goes to your dinner but you do get an experience that is unique, I did it a few years ago and loved it. https://www.jim-haynes.com for more information and to reserve your space.
