Traveling to Paris from the airport can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite easy and affordable. This guide helps you navigate the various transportation options to reach your hotel comfortably and without breaking the bank.
Airport Transfers: Your Options
The Air France bus offers a convenient and budget-friendly way to reach central Paris. For €10, you can take the bus from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Etoile, the iconic Arc de Triomphe. If you’re arriving at Orly Airport, there’s a bus route to Invalides. Additionally, you can catch a bus from CDG to Montparnasse, though this journey takes longer and costs slightly more. You can find more information on the Air France bus routes and schedules on the official website: www.adp.fr.
While the bus offers an economical option, a taxi can be a more convenient choice. Expect to pay around €45-50 for a taxi ride, though this price can fluctuate depending on the time of day. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, consider taking the bus to a central location and then hopping into a taxi for the final leg of your journey. This could save you some money, costing roughly €20 for the bus and €10 for the taxi.
For a hassle-free door-to-door experience, consider booking a shuttle service. PariShuttle is a popular choice, offering convenient transfers directly to your hotel. Their website, www.parishuttle.com, displays rates starting at €17 per person, and you might even score a discount if you contact the manager, Mark Harris, who often extends special offers to travelers.
A Direct Route to Ecole Militaire:
Reaching the Ecole Militaire might require a little more planning. The shuttle bus mentioned earlier is only available from Orly Airport, not CDG, making it unsuitable for your needs. There’s an Air France bus route to Gare Montparnasse, but it runs less frequently and you’ll still need a taxi to reach the Ecole Militaire. You can check the Air France website (www.adp.fr) for more details on this route.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider a combination of bus and walking. Taking the Air France bus to Etoile/Arc de Triomphe and then a taxi to your final destination might be cheaper for two passengers compared to taking a taxi directly from the airport. You can even walk from Etoile to Ecole Militaire by taking the number 92 bus. This bus stops right near the Air France bus drop-off point, conveniently located on Avenue Wagram.
For a visual aid, check out the interactive map on the RATP website. Go to http://www.ratp.fr/ParisVisite/Eng/Pla_q/f_pla.htm, click on “street maps”, and select “Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile”. This map clearly shows the Air France bus stop near “ambassade de Belgique”. Remember, the marking for “Air France” on the map represents the ticket office, not the actual bus stop.
Enjoy your journey to Paris!
Navigating the Language Barrier: “Dumb” or “Speaking Impaired”?
The use of the term “dumb” in the context of a website about Paris can be quite jarring. While it’s true that the term was commonly used in the past to describe people with hearing impairments, it’s now considered offensive and insensitive.
It’s important to understand that language evolves, and what might have been acceptable in the past is no longer appropriate today. This applies to the website in question, which was authored by French individuals whose English language skills might not have been perfect. The French language often uses terms that have different meanings in English, and this can lead to unintentional misinterpretations.
Instead of taking offense, consider contacting the website’s manager and suggesting a more inclusive term. This will help ensure that the website’s content is respectful and sensitive to all visitors.
Remember, communication is key, and a simple email can go a long way in fostering understanding and positive change.
