Today, I arrived at Charles De Gaulle (CDG) airport in Paris, France on a very beautiful, sunny and warm day. The flight on Air France was outstanding. It's 11:15am and you must remember to set your watch for the six hour time difference. After arrival, it was time to go through customs. It was short and sweet and much different then here in the US. If it's your first time to fly into a European airport, don't be alarmed at the solders that walk around the airport with the M-16 weapons and dogs, it's normal. Security is always very tight in Europe.
Getting into the city, which is 15 miles away, can be expensive if you do not know where you are going. Depending on your hotel location, you can spend $45 euros by taxi each way. If you are adventurous, you can catch the metro from the airport into the city for about $5 euros each way. You can also catch a coach bus that is run by Air France that picks up and drops off at certain points throughout the city. That is why it is good to know the location of where you are staying. The ride can cost you $15 euros one way or a round trip for $21 euros. This is your best bargain if your hotel is close to one of their drop off points. Check with your hotel prior to your visit.
 Eiffel Tower Park |
Paris, like many European cities, have many different type of hotel rooms. European hotel rooms on average are much smaller than what you maybe use to here in the US. If you want a larger room, you will pay for the difference. I stayed at a boutique hotel in a perfect location in Paris. The Elysees Union, is six blocks from the "Arc De Triumph", six blocks from the "Eiffel Tower", six blocks from the "Champs Elysees", and two blocks from a metro. You can not ask for a better location.
 Day-Time Eiffel Tower |
 Water Fountain, Rainbow and the Eiffel T... |
After checking into the hotel, I took off toward the Eiffel Tower area. There are over sixty museums in Paris proper. I suggest you purchase the museum pass. It will save you money and time standing in line to enter the museums. It also includes unlimited subway, and bus riding for the length of the pass. They can be bought either as a 2, 4 or 7 day pass. I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening hanging around the park to see the tower lit up at night. Dinner in the park and a concert once the sun went down made for a very enjoyable summer evening.
 Eiffel Park at Night |
 Eiffel Tower Lit Up |
