Not-So Innocents Abroad (Travel Help Vanity)

8/21/05 | OSHA

[OSHA]

I know my fellow FReepers are a well travelled bunch so I am turning to you for help.

[OSHA]

I am traveling to Western France on business and have never been there before. My company purchased the tickets (Air France) and no one noticed until they were bought that we not only have to change planes in Paris, we have to change airports. (No wonder the tickets were so cheap.) We have 4 hrs going and almost 3 hrs on the return trip to get from CDG to Orley and Orley to CDG.

I checked on the Internet and found several options:

1. Taxi (cost unknown)
2. Public Transport every 8-10 min. (less that 20 euros ea.)
3. Air France Shuttle every 30 min. (Also less than 20 Euros)
4. Private Transport bookable on the Internet in advance. (Less than 90 Euros.)

My priorities are:
1.Safety and Security in a strange cultural and legal environment.
2. Not missing the next flight.
3. Cost.
4. Convenience, sightseeing etc.

Any advice, suggestions, abuse for vanity posting, or past horror stories will be appreciated.

Note: I can't bring back any souvenir surrender flags as demand always exceeds supply and French Authorities will not allow them to be taken out of the country.

[satchmodog9]

I would go with the Air France shuttle. It's their baby, let them deliver it.

[OSHA]

ping

[cyborg]

ping

[cyborg]

Let them foot the bill. Don't try to save your company any money esp. in a country you're not familiar with.

[OSHA]

The company will pay for what ever option I choose. But I must be a good steward of that money.

[ScaniaBoy]

If I remember correctly Air France shuttle takes about 45 min to 1 h from CDG to Orly on a good day (ie no traffic jams).

However, the shuttles have direct contact with the airports and will be able to relay to the departure desks if you are delayed due to unforeseen traffic problems. You should not have any problems making it in time - but no time for sight seeing in Paris, alas.

Have a good trip.

[aviator]

Take the Air France shuttle. Painless. They will help you find the pickup location at the airport. (usually outside at the curb with a big AF sign)

[SICSEMPERTYRANNUS]

OSHA,

I would take the Air France shuttle as they will get you to the right gate and you dont want to mess around with running all over a strange airport. I was at CDG in April and there was some construction going in within the terminal which required detours. Not much is in English so you have to slow down and make sure you are going to the right place. I've never been to Orly but I have been to CDG many times. Dallas/Fort Worth or O'Hare it ain't!

There are organized "airport passenger" tours which which go to Paris for a few hours that you can try.

Hope this helps.

SIC

PS: Go to the U.S. Battle Monuments Commission website and checkout some of the locations in western France. There are obviously quite a few from both World Wars. I recommend a visit if you have the free time. I went to Chateau-Thierry/Belleau Wood in April. It was magnificent. All the Teufelhunden out there know what I'm talking about.

[andyandval]

Better bring your own air conditioner!

[cyborg]

I understand. You don't have to take a limo but you don't want to compromise safety either.

[Bahbah]

I have been to France many times and even lived there for a while so I would be comfortable with the Metro. I don't recommend it to you if you are not familiar with it. It doesn't take too much time to master but you have a plane to catch. I have taken the shuttle and I believe the drivers learn to drive in Iraq. They also will make a number of stops and I almost missed a flight on one occasion. I would go with the private transportation. You have plenty of time for the "scenic route" and could probably request something of a short tour. I hope you enjoy your trip. Quick tip. For your return trip out of CDG, make sure you note what terminal you are departing from.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

I think you're less likely to get lost on the Air France shuttle...

[ENS FUZZY]

OSHA--

I would say to go with the private transportation - I noticed that you said "we" have to change planes and airports in Paris - if there are even two of you, 90 Euros is pretty reasonable, as CDG and Orly are on opposite sides of the city.

The first time I flew into CDG is was extremely confusing...and I speak the language. Private transport would be one less headache you'd have to worry about.

Also on public transport, be aware that criminals target those who are obvious tourists/ don't speak the language. I had a computer stolen when I went there by a team of crooks - one distracted me by talking really softly so I had to lean in to hear him, which distracted my attentioin from my laptop on the floor, while the other snatched my computer bag...so don't fall victim, and be very aware that the airport is a prime spot for thugs and criminals.

That's just a cautionary tale so you can learn from my experience - the rest of my visit was wonderful and the country itself is beautiful (especially my visit to the beaches of Normandy)...good luck!

[fnord]

missw the return flight and "have" to spend an extra day in Paris. 24 hours should be enough time to safely get to the other airport :-)

[Lady Jag]

OSHA, take the easiest way and avoid and ignore the French as much as possible. Works for me.

[OSHA]

LOL! A very *ahem* interesting idea. I would give me a chance to practice my creative skills on my expense report.

[processing please hold]

Do you think the french would be offended if you passed out goody bags filled with personal hygiene items?

[HarryDog]

Chateau-Thierry/Belleau Wood is in eastern France, and it is a great place to visit if you are out that way.

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

The AF shuttle is the way to go for inter-airport transport.

UNLESS you can arrange things so you can spend a day or two in Paris (highly recommended), in which case go ahead and rely on taxis.

It's a shame to be on the ground in Paris and not see any of the city.