Off to Africa

Rick, Michelle and an unidentified bear

Michelle and I left for South Africa June 15th from Vancouver facing three airplane rides and 30 hours of travel. We left YVR on a flight to Amsterdam then a short hop to Paris and an extended 5 1/2 hour layover that gave us just enough time to dash into Paris to see the Eiffel Tower then a 10 hour flight to Johannesburg. More on airports in a later post.

Catching up on sleep in Schipol Airport

Three years ago when we went to India we had a 12 hour layover in Paris which gave us ample time to get into Paris to see a few highlights.  BUT, it rained the entire day we were there. So, although a worthwhile experience we didn't see Paris in it's best light. This time we only had a few hours as we had to get back to Charles De Gaulle Airport  in time to get through security and make it to our gate in time. So if you have just a few hours in Paris and want to see the Eiffel Tower (and whatever else depending on your time frame) I think this is the best and cheapest way to do it.

Although there is a Metro Station that will take you out right at the base of the Eiffel Tower I think it's best to approach the tower from a distance so you can take it all in. For that reason we went to the Trocadero Metro station across the Seine  from the tower. The views from here are really good, and then it's just a short walk to the tower.

To get to Trocadero from CDG Airport. Follow the signs in the Terminal "To Trains". Buy tickets to Trocadero, and get on RER train towards Paris. Get off at Gare du Nord, and follow signs for metro Line 4, direction Porte d'Orleans. In the Paris Metro the direction that trains are going is named after the last stop on the route. So Metro Line 4 goes from Porte d'Orleans to Port de Clignancourt. In this case take the train headed in the direction of Porte d'Orleans, All trains are quite well labelled . Take Line 4 for to Chatelet Station and transfer to Metro Line 1 direction Esplanade de La Defense. (there are guides on line that will tell you to go to Strasbourg Saint-Denis however, this station is being renovated and you cannot transfer here. And after you attempt to, and have been travelling a long time you will get frustrated and study INTENTLY the huge complicated metro map that there in the station. Don't ask me how I know this) Anyway, take line 1 to Franklin D. Roosevelt station and transfer to Line 9, direction Pont de Sevres. This will take you to Trocadero. A Metro map will definitely help.

Big pointy thing in the centre of Paris

Walk out the station turn the corner and BOOM there it is in all it's glory. I have done this twice, and even the second time when I knew what to expect when I rounded the corner and saw the Eiffel Tower it sent chills down my spine. Seriously, it is a wonder to behold. Totally worth the effort of getting there. Take a picture, buy some bread and reverse your steps to get back to the airport.

Oh I forgot the best part! Some guy tried to pickpocket me on the Metro! I was quite honoured that of all the easy marks on the train he choose me, the biggest guy! I almost feel bad for pushing him to the floor. But not really.