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<\/figure>\n\n\nHow to get from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The quickest and most reliable way to get into the center of Paris is the RER B<\/a> train, which takes around 45 minutes. Signs for the RER are all around the airport, and a return ticket costs around \u20ac20. You can also take a taxi, but Parisian traffic can be awful and we don\u2019t want you to miss a second of your valuable time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our first itinerary is fairly leisurely, and you\u2019ve even got some time to stray off our suggested route. We\u2019ll weave our way around the historical center of Paris, starting in the shadow of the world-famous Notre Dame church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The RER B train takes you straight to the Saint Michel-Notre Dame station in 40 minutes. This is right in the historical heart of Paris, and with so many things to see and do, it\u2019ll be hard not to get carried away. Like we said, this itinerary is flexible, but there are a few things that you definitely shouldn\u2019t miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First port of call: Shakespeare and Company<\/a>. It might seem odd to recommend an English-speaking bookshop in the center of Paris, but once you get here, you\u2019ll know why we did. A former hangout of Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Gertrude Stein (just to name a few), this unique bookshop is made up of tiny adjoining rooms filled to the rafters with books. Stock up on some literature for the next leg of your journey, or simply browse the extensive selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just next door is their own coffee shop, with benches outside so you can sip your flat white and soak up the magnificence of Notre Dame. While the church is still undergoing renovation works after the devastating fire in 2019, from the coffee shop you have a perfect vantage point over its famous rose window, which is thankfully still intact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tucked down the cutest cobblestone street around the corner is one of Paris\u2019s most celebrated new bakeries, Circus<\/a>. Selling some of the most amazing sourdough croissants<\/a> and cinnamon rolls in the city, it\u2019s a sure stop-off if you need a real French pastry during your layover in Paris. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All along the Seine are booksellers and people selling prints in an open-air market. Stroll and peruse the shelves as you wander across the bridge to take a closer look at Notre Dame. Because of the renovation, a visit inside the church is not currently possible, but a selfie in front of those two iconic towers is! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once finished, weave your way up to the Cit\u00e9 metro station. Just next to it is one of the city\u2019s oldest markets, now selling plants, cut flowers and birds from all over the world. Take a wander through, and stop at the other side\u2014you\u2019re on the other edge of the island now. Over the bridge you can see the impressive H\u00f4tel de Ville (City Hall) and the deep green Seine wrapping itself around the island. Take the quay and walk up to Place Dauphine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Place Dauphine is a quiet, leafy square framed by cute caf\u00e9s and traditional bistros<\/a>. If you\u2019re there at lunchtime check out Restaurant Paul<\/a>, a traditional French spot with great outdoor seating and a classic French menu. If you miss lunchtime hours, we suggest sitting in the sun at La Rose de France<\/a> and soaking up the rays with a carafe of wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, you\u2019ve just got the short walk across the bridge and back down the banks of the Seine to the Saint Michel-Notre Dame station to conclude your Parisian adventure in enough time to get back to the airport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Walking distance covered<\/strong>: 2.2 km (1.3 miles) or about 30 minutes walking<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estimated total time<\/strong>: Two to three hours depending on the pace you explore!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve got more time, stroll a little further down the river to the Pont des Arts and cross over into the Louvre\u2019s famous courtyards\u2014but be careful about grabbing a ticket for the museum! Waiting in line alone can take up to two hours. Alternatively, we suggest grabbing a glass of natural wine at Chez Nous<\/a>, a small bar on the Left Bank of the river, open from 6 p.m. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking to eat everything you possibly can during your layover in Paris, this itinerary is for you. Get off the RER B at Ch\u00e2telet, the biggest interchange in Europe, which is attached to a shopping mall. It\u2019s easy to get lost in here, so look for exits 6, 7 or 8 to make your quickest escape!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once outside, you\u2019ll be confronted with \u00c9glise Saint Eustache<\/a>, one of Paris\u2019 most unique structures. Started in the Gothic period and finished in the Renaissance, this out-of-the-ordinary church boasts France\u2019s biggest organ and original works from both Keith Haring and Rembrandt inside. Intrigued? You should be; it\u2019s well worth a look inside if you have some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Saint Eustache, take rue Montorgueil, one of the many streets leading away from Ch\u00e2telet station. This is Paris\u2019 oldest foodie street, and we\u2019re headed for Paris\u2019 oldest pastry shop. Maison Stohrer<\/a> has been serving pastries at this address since 1730, and we strongly recommend a \u201cpuits d\u2019amour.<\/em>\u201d Invented by Monsieur Stohrer himself, it\u2019s a cr\u00e8me brul\u00e9e in shortcrust pastry\u2026 need we say more? <\/p>\n\n\n\n If it\u2019s a quick lunch you\u2019re after, try one of the bistros that line this famous street, or if you\u2019ve got a bit more time, we suggest taking a wander up to Le Bougainville<\/a>. About a 10-minute walk from Stohrer, Le Bougainville is located in one of Paris\u2019 iconic 19th-century covered passageways<\/a>, Galerie Vivienne. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Le Bougainville is a family-run bistro, serving market-fresh French cuisine and natural wine in a Formica wonderland\u2014we love the art deco style of the place! Even if you miss lunchtime hours, they\u2019ll put together a mixed plate of cured meats and cheeses for you. If you\u2019re short on time, it\u2019s always better to let them know before you are seated\u2014they\u2019ll let you know what\u2019s possible. From here, a direct walk back to Ch\u00e2telet to catch the train will take you about 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to do during your layover in Paris<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Itinerary option 1: Explore the historic center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Itinerary option 2: Take a foodie adventure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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