Travel

GETTING AROUND

We have created a few step by step guides for getting around once you arrive.

getting from the airport to the hotel

by train

• After picking up your bags follow signs for the CDGVAL airport shuttle, disembark at Terminal 2 or 3
• Purchase an RER B train ticket to Paris at the ticket kiosks (11.45€)
• Go downstairs and board the RER B train to Paris
• Get off at Gare du Nord
• Follow the signs to the Metro 2 Line, take it eastbound (Nation direction) to the Alexandre Dumas stop
• Catch an Uber or walk the short distance (16 minutes) to the hotel at 109 Rue de Bagnolet

by BUS

• Follow the signs to the RoissyBus throughout the airport
• Purchase tickets at the departure point or at the RATP counter 16.20€
• The RoissyBus will bring you to Paris-Opéra. From there you will need to get on the Metro 3 line at the Opéra station
• Buy a ticket (1.90€) and take the Metro 3 Line to the Gambetta stop (Gallieni direction).
• Exit and walk a short distance (10 minutes) to the hotel at 109 Rue de Bagnolet

by UBER

Ubers are widely available throughout Charles de Gaulle and Paris. Please note, this will be more expensive than public transportation. If you would like to use this option, you can request an Uber up to 30 days in advance using this link and get a price estimate for your trip here.

Getting from hotel to the welcome party

by METRO

• Walk to the Gambetta station (12 minutes)
• Take Metro 3 Line westbound to the République stop (Pont de Levallois-Bécon direction)
• Transfer to Line 5 and take it down to the Bastille stop (Place D'italie direction)
• Exit and walk the remaining distance to Port de L'arsenal (about 7 minutes)

by UBER

Ubers are widely available throughout Charles de Gaulle and Paris, and make getting around a breeze. It’s a longer ride and will likely cost between 40 - 50 euro

TRAVEL TIPS

HOW DO I RENEW MY PASSPORT?

France requires that your passport be valid at least three months beyond date of departure from the Schengen area. Some other countries require six months beyond date of departure. If you are within that time range, or your passport has expired, you will need to renew your passport. Follow the instructions here to get that process started ASAP.

WHAT PLUGS DO THEY USE IN EUROPE?

America uses type-A/B plugs, while most European countries use Type-C plugs. American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances run on 220-240 volts. There are many inexpensive adapters available on Amazon.

Can I use my phone?

Some American phone companies will allow you to roam internationally. A more economical option would be to purchase a travel SIM card in advance. These are available as a physical SIM or as an e-SIM. Check your phones compatibility with these options first. We have used and recommend the Orange Holiday Europe cards. You can find more info here.

IS LANGUAGE AN ISSUE?

A few key French phrases will get you a long way.
Oui - Yes
Non - No
Bonjour - Hello
Bonne journée - Have a nice day (as a farewell)
Bonsoir - Good evening
Bonne soirée - Have a nice evening (as a farewell)
Je voudrais... - I would like...
S’il vous plait - Please
Merci (beaucoup) - Thank you (very much)
Excusez-moi/Pardon - Excuse me
Je suis désolé - I'm sorry
Je ne comprends pas - I don't understand

WILL MY CARDS WORK IN EUROPE?

Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted. Contactless payment is available almost everywhere. Check with your card/bank to see if they require advance notice of international travel. Pro tip: always choose the currency of the country you are traveling in if asked so you can avoid higher fees and conversion rates charged by the transaction.

DO I NEED TO TIP IN FRANCE?

Short answer, no. However, tipping will always be appreciated but it is not required.

SHOULD I RENT A CAR?

If you are planning to travel through the countryside to locations that are not serviced by trains, then it would probably be a good idea to rent a car. If you are staying in Paris or other large cities within France, then you will be able to get around using public transportation very easily. A shuttle will be provided for guests to get them from Mama Shelter East Paris to the Chateau and back for the wedding.

HOW DO I GET AROUND?

Paris has a fantastic public transportation system. Check out this link for more info on different modes of transport throughout the Paris region.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

For any other questions or concerns, please reach out to Kali or Casey.