I have read nothing good about CDG so makes me want to avoid if we possibly can. September we are heading to Strasbourg and the suggested route is from SFO to CDG then a connecting flight to Strasbourg where we pick up a car. Air France at least for the first leg and a three hour layover if the flight is on time.

I have been trying to figure out alternatives, such as taking the train from CDG to Strasbourg to at least avoid going through all the security hassle for the connecting flight. I believe the TGV leaves CDG as well as having regional options.

Other thoughts are flying to either Amsterdam via KLM then Basel and a train to our final destination of Colmar or flying to Frankfurt and again a train.

Or am I being too paranoid about CDG and just be patient and tough it out? As I think someone said, flying is the worst part of travel and better to just get it over with.

Its not that bad...

CDG isn't as bad as many say. The big complaint is the distance between terminals E and F. Three hours is plenty of time. It's a hike but the terminal is well marked and, if I can follow the signs anyone can. I had no problems the 3 or 4 times I connected there.

We've had comparatively good experiences on Air France, and don't mind connecting through CDG. My philosophy is that if the worst happens and you get stuck somewhere overnight, there could be a lot worse places than Paris. (Although I admit, you'd have to be delayed for a pretty long time to make the trek into the city worthwhile.)

Anyway, I think the first time in any big airport can be confusing, but we've gotten used to CDG. Just don't be afraid to ask if you get lost. The French are not very good about volunteering information, but if you ask the right questions politely, they are usually helpful in responding.

- Roz

I have used CDG quite a few times. The only time I was in shock was when man and women had to share the bathrooms, men the standing, the ladies the cabins; très français! But it was fun and everybody had a good time.

If you have enough connection time, no need to worry.

I'll take CDG over Heathrow any day! :-)

Seriously, we flew in/out (American Airlines) last May for our week in Paris. I think this was my fourth trip experience with CDG.

For our return for a Tuesday evening flight at 7:00 pm, we were told to BE THERE three hours in advance.

We got to the terminal and there was NO ONE in line.

We were the first in line at security, and were too early to go wait at the departure gate! We went to the McDs to try to use the wi-fi to amuse ourselves for the wait.

Was this a Tuesday evening (in shoulder season) phenomena? Don't know.

BTW, we used the RER train to/from Paris with ease.

Cameron

Thanks all. It is good to read something positive. Now I can relax and stay calm. LOL. IMHO people are far more motivated to post if they have a gripe than if there is something positive to say.

Last time we flew I expected all sorts of delays, problems and hassle. Was a piece of cake. My wife had a good laugh at my hand wringing.

quote:

But it was fun and everybody had a good time.

Doron -

Would you care, perhaps, to provide more details ?

-Kevin

we've done both the plane (out)to Toulouse and train (in from Avignon) - the latter was very simple to get off the bullet and go upstairs to AA flight.

this year we will fly into CDG and then take the bullet to Strasbourg - just got 2 tickets for $62 PREM! better and cheaper than driving or flying I think! I think CDG is no better or worse than other big airports! Don't worry!

Good to know about the TGV to Strasbourg from CDG. I was poking around yesterday and did not find where that was offered. Obviously looking in the wrong place. Will keep looking.

I thought I had read a few months ago where the TGV to Strasbourg was new in the last year or two and ran twice a day. We are still waiting for our plane tickets so don't know when we are scheduled to arrive in CDG so cannot book the TGV yet.

David

you won't be able to book until 90 days or less out from the travel date.

you need to find an excellent "how to" piece by a SLow Trav contributor //parisbytrain.com/tgv-tickets/

I followed it and no problems to book our outgoing tickets. Now to wait until 2/14 before we can do our return tickets from Vichy via Lyon for the TGV or maybe the slow boat into Paris and then RER to CDG! fun to plan!!

Dsevig,

Thanks again. Will tap into the link.

We leave August 30th for CDG then on to Strasbourg to spend three weeks in the Alsace. Then back to spend two more weeks in Paris.

My wife wishes to consider a regional train back to Paris so can see the countryside better.

I see from your public profile you are in FL. Must be nice to be hours closer to Europe compared to flying from the west coast.

David

No, please, Doru, do not provide more details.

Actually the same thing happened at a Paris campground where the ladies side was shut down for "issues" and they were directed to the mens side. Nary a problem after the first blush of American disbelief.

Just another reason to like France et les français.

To be honest I can't figure why CDG has such a bad reputation. It's not that huge, it's got far more amenities than lots of US airports, I mean it isn't as happy-making as, say, Zurich, but it's okay. Close-by (dumpy) hotels, a good shuttle system between the terminals. Why's it such a problem?

(Okay okay, I had some questions myself before the departure in November this year, but had a perfectly fine stay if you factor that it WAS an airport!!)

Cheers!
Alecto

Gee, after all the positive reviews of CDG we may go more than once.

I really want to spend some time in southwestern France but being slow travelers also want to explore and area in depth hence our prolonged stay in Alsace. That and its being close to Germany and Switzerland. Next time.

I see the Euro is backing down and hope it stays that way for a while. Will make Paris a little less expensive and Europe in general.

I am another traveler who kinda scratches my head when I hear all of the CDG woes.
I've flown in and out of there several times (maybe 6 or 7? maybe 8?) and knock on wood have not had a smidgen of trouble.

CdG is not user-friendly, has nowhere signage and, more inexcusably, bad food.
But with 3-hour tansfer time one should be ok.

I agree that there's not much in the way of good food at CDG, but it is an airport, not a Michelin-starred restaurant, after all. Nobody goes there to eat. I had a lot more trouble finding edible food in the international terminal at O'Hare in Chicago a couple of years ago than I've ever had at CDG. Just don't expect gourmet fare.

The main problem is that if you are not familiar with the layout of CDG airport, you need to allow plenty of time for changing planes. But that's true at pretty much any airport. With three hours to spare, you should be fine. Keep your wits about you and go for it. Make sure you know what terminal you are coming in to and going out of.

If you happen to be an Admirals Club member (American Airlines), the food and drinks at CDG are excellent--and they are free!!!

Kathleen

When I'd only flown US carriers into CDG I hated it. Whatever terminal we flew into was dirty, badly signed, no windows, no good food, and had all the ambiance of a parking garage. Then I flew in on Air France and it was a whole different world. Super nice terminal, good food, good shops (Lauderee macaron booth right by the security line!), well signed.

I too would take the TGV to Strausbourg. I would even take a slower train if that's all the at was available.