Travel from Paris to SJPDP WITH 2 nights to stay in small towns along the way

[Dan the Man]

I am walking the Camino for my 2nd time starting July 31 in SJPDP

Last time I arrived via Madrid. This time I am travelling via paris.
I want to take 2 days to do the trip with a few overnight stays in a small town or 2 that are lovely and quaint.

Questions:

Best way to get the train to SJPDP from the Charles de Gaulle airport?

Are there any quaint and recommended towns on the train route to SJPDP?

 

[tillyjones]

Trains depart right from the airport. (at least as far as I recall)

 

[Avromal]

Dan, Susie and I are doing something similar. A few days in Paris, followed by the train to Bayonne, to stay the night. Then train to SJPdP for a night there before we start our journey following in the footsteps of so many others. I'm sure there are plenty of other variations to see different places along the way before reaching SJPdP. Four days before we fly out of NZ. Exciting times.

 

[whariwharangi]

This thread discusses travel from Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Caveat. I do not have first hand knowledge of most of the information presented here. The material in this thread was researched using web resources that may be out of date. Information may be incomplete or incorrect. The information presented here is not exhaustive. You are advised to confirm your own travel details.

2100 Paris

2101 This section discusses transportation services in Paris.

Index 2100
2102 Paris Airports
2103 Getting around in Paris
2104 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Orly Airport
2105 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare d'Austerlitz
2106 Charles de Gaulle Airport to TGV Massy
2107 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare Montparnasse
2120 Trains in France
2121 Paris Train Stations
2125 Paris to London by Eurostar
2135 Paris to Barcelona by train
2150 Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2102 Paris Airports

Paris has two major airports. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is known as Roissy and is located NE of Paris. Orly Airport (ORY) is located to the South of Paris.

CDG and Orly:
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/

2103 Getting around in Paris

Paris Transit Network
http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/carteidf.php?lang=uk

Paris RER/Metro route planner - SNCF Transilien
http://www.transilien.com/itineraire/rechercheitineraire/init

RER B - Paris
http://parisbytrain.com/rer-b/

Paris Metro Line 4
http://www.paris-metro-map.info/paris-metro-line-4-map/

Le Bus Direct (formerly Air France) Shuttle Bus with service from CDG to Orly airport (#3) and to Gare Montparnasse (#4)
http://en.lebusdirect.com/

2104 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Orly Airport

There are two transit options from CDG Airport to Orly Airport.

a. RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Station Antony. Take Orly Val (name of train) from Station Antony to Orly airport Terminal Sud and Terminal Ouest. Allow 1:30 hours.

b. Le Bus Direct bus from CDG airport direct to Paris Orly airport. Allow 1:15 hours.

2105 CDG Airport to Gare d'Austerlitz

RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Saint Michel Notre Dame RER station. Take RER line C from Saint Michel Notre Dame to Gare Austerlitz. Allow 1 hour.

2106 CDG Airport to TGV Massy

RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Massy-Palaiseau RER station. The Massy TGV station is located next to the RER station.

2107 CDG Airport to Gare Montparnasse

There are two transit options from CDG airport to Gare Montparnasse:

a. RER Line B (destination B2 Robinson or B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Gare du Nord. Paris Metro Line 4 from Gare du Nord to Metro Station Montparnasse Bienvenue. Allow 1:00 hour. Allow an additional 15 minutes to walk from the Metro station to Gare Montparnasse.

~Note there are 3 points where it is possible to transfer from RER B to Metro line 4. A transfer at St Michel may be preferable as Gare du Nord is a large station and will require orientation time.

b. Le Bus Direct operates a bus service from CDG direct to Gare Montparnasse. Allow 1:15 hours.

2120 Trains in France

SNCF trains
http://www.sncf.com/

SNCF TER trains
http://www.ter-sncf.com/

2121 Paris Train Stations

In addition to CDG 2 and Massy there are 6 major train stations in Paris. Probably of interest to you are: CDG 2, Montparnasse, and Massy

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2 (CDG 2) train station (Roissy)
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frmlw/accueil/

Paris Gare Montparnasse
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpmo/accueil/

Paris Gare Montparnasse Map
http://www.railteam.eu/en/files/2011/11/MAP_Paris-Montparnasse_En.pdf

Gare de Massy TGV
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frdju/accueil/

Paris Gare d'Austerlitz
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpaz/accueil/

Gare Paris Bercy
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpbe/accueil/

Gare Paris Est
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpst/accueil/

Paris Gare de Lyon
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frply/accueil/

Paris Gare du Nord.
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpno/accueil/

2125. Paris to London by Eurostar

Eurostar trains operate between Paris Gare du Nord and London St Pancras International Station
http://www.eurostar.com

2135 Paris to Barcelona by Train

SNCF and Renfe operate high speed trains between Paris Gare de Lyon and Barcelona Sants.

2150 Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2151 This section discusses how to get from Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Index 2150
2152 Executive Summary
2153 Fly from Paris to Biarritz and train to SJPdP
2154 Train from Paris to SJPdP
2155 Bus from Paris to Bayonne
2156 Train stations between Paris and Bayonne
2157 Saint Jean Pied de Port
2158 Author's Pick

2152 Executive Summary

There are at least two viable options for getting from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport to Saint Jean Pied de Port (SJPdP):

a. Fly from Paris to Biarritz and take the train from Bayonne to SJPdP.

b. Take the train from Paris to Bayonne and transfer to another train from Bayonne to SJPdP. Stations in Paris with trains to Bayonne include: CDG 2, Gare d'Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare Massy.

Note: The tracks between Bayonne and SJPdP got washed out in Spring 2014 and repaired in November 2015.

2153 ~Option 1 Fly from Paris to Biarritz and train to SJPdP

a. Fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Biarritz Airport (BIQ). Air France and Easy Jet provides service; or,

b. Fly from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to Biarritz Airport (BIQ) Air France provides service.

The Chronoplus urban bus #14 leaves from the doors of Biarritz Airport and goes to Gare de Bayonne. Allow 40 minutes.

The SNCF TER train #62 travels from Bayonne to terminus at SJPdP. Sometimes the train goes from Bayonne to Cambo les Bains. Passengers to SJPdP then transfer to an SNCF operated bus at Cambo les Bains. Sometimes the entire route is serviced by a bus.

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/

Chronoplus
http://www.chronoplus.eu/

2154 ~Option 2 - Train from Paris to SJPdP

TGV trains travel towards Bayonne from three train stations in Paris:

a. There is a TGV station located at Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2.

b. There is a TGV station located at Gare Montparnasse in central Paris. There is greater frequency of service from Gare Montparnasse than from CDG 2.

c. TGV trains from CDG 2 stop at Gare Massy.

SNCF TGV trains leave from Paris enroute to Bordeaux or Irun. Often there is a transfer required at Bordeaux. TGV trains from Bordeaux terminate in Irun. TER trains from Bordeaux terminate in Pau or Hendaye. If your train is bound for Pau another transfer is required at Dax. Trains bound for Hendaye or Irun stop in Bayonne.

SNCF Intercites night trains travel from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Hendaye and stop in Bayonne.

SNCF TER train #62 travels from Gare Bayonne to terminus at SJPdP. Sometimes the train goes from Bayonne to Cambo les Bains. Passengers to SJPdP then transfer to an SNCF operated bus at Cambo les Bains. Sometimes the entire route is serviced by a bus.

You will get limited results if you try to find a schedule for a train from Paris to SJPdP. I'd suggest planning your trip from Paris to Bayonne then Bayonne to SJPdP.

2155 Bus from Paris to Bayonne

The cheapest way is by bus. Eurolines offers overnight travel.

Flixbus
https://www.flixbus.com/

Eurolines
http://www.eurolines.fr/en/

2156 Train Stations between Paris and Bayonne

Gare Bordeaux - Saint Jean (Saint Jean is name of main station in Bordeaux)
https://www.gares-sncf.com/fr/gare/frboj/bordeaux-saint-jean

Gare Bordeaux - Saint Jean according to Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Bordeaux-Saint-Jean

Gare de Dax
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/fracg/accueil/

Gare de Bayonne
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frxby/accueil/

2157 Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port
http://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/

2158 Author's pick

If I were traveling to SJPdP by way of Paris I would consider:

a. Fly from Paris to Biarritz. Time effective means arriving in time to catch a train from Bayonne to SJPdP on the same day.

b. If arriving at CDG ... take the train from CDG 2.

c. If CDG 2 schedule doesn't meet yours ... Take Le Bus Direct from CDG to Gare Montparnasse; or, take RER B train to St Michel and transfer to the Metro. Take the line 4 Metro to Montparnasse. Board the TGV train originating from Montparnasse.

d. If arriving at Orly ... take the Orly Val to station Antony and RER train to Massy.

Links checked February 2017

 

[MaryLynn]

I am walking the Camino for my 2nd time starting July 31 in SJPDP
Last time I arrived via Madrid. This time I am travelling via paris.
I want to take 2 days to do the trip with a few overnight stays in a small town or 2 that are lovely and quaint.
Questions: Best way to get the train to SJPDP from the Charles de Gaulle airport?
Are there any quaint and recommended towns on the train route to SJPDP?

You might consider starting your Camino two days before SJPdP on the LePuy Camino. I have done this twice and it makes a nice 'warm-up' to the Pyrenees. From the CdG airport in Paris, I took the TGV to Dax, spent the night at the friendly, family-run O'Petit Hotel (~10min walk from train station). The next morning after breakfast, I took a bus from the Dax train station to St. Palais, about a 30minute ride, and began walking from St.Palais. I spent the night in Ostabat and arrived in St.Jean the next afternoon. Except for a steep hill just outside of St. Palais, the route goes through beautiful rolling agricultural farmland and is well-marked. I'm happy to give you more detailed information, if you are interested.

 

[Annie Little]

Abus leaves Charles de Gaulle goes directly to Montparnasse station ... from there get train to Bayonne takes five hours ... can spend a day there and get train to st Jean

 

[mspath]

Abus leaves Charles de Gaulle goes directly to Montparnasse station ... from there get train to Bayonne takes five hours ... can spend a day there and get train to st Jean

The name of the Paris airport autobus coach is Le Bus Direct; see more in English here--
http://www.lebusdirect.com/en/

You can buy your ticket on line if you wish.

At the Gare Montparnasse buy a ticket to Bayonne on the next fast TGV train plus a ticket from Bayonne to Saint Jean Pied de Port on local line TER 62.

Good luck and Bon voyage!

 

[BillyJane70]

I'm flying from Australia, and have decided to take an easy jet flight from CDG to Biarritz/ Bayonne, the day after I arrive. And then take the local train to SJPDP, stay the night, and join the Camino the following morning. After 24 hours of flying, I didn't fancy another long journey on the train. Ticket cost €60. Not as cheap as train, but saves a bit of time.

 

[Annie Little]

I'm flying from Australia, and have decided to take an easy jet flight from CDG to Biarritz/ Bayonne, the day after I arrive. And then take the local train to SJPDP, stay the night, and join the Camino the following morning. After 24 hours of flying, I didn't fancy another long journey on the train. Ticket cost €60. Not as cheap as train, but saves a bit of time.

I flew from Australia ... arrived Paris 7.30 am ... got train from Montparnasse 12md .... arrived late afternoon Bayonne ... good nights sleep in local time ... next day breakfast ... train to st Jean .... lunch ... time to explore ... slept overnight ... started walking 7.30 am next morning .... no jet lag etc

Uktreia

 

[FLEUR]

Bordeaux, is a lovely, well maintained city. Train to Dax and bus to St. Palais. Walk from there to stay overnight at the auberge at Ostabat. As someone mentioned earlier it's beautiful in the French Basque country, a great way to "warm up" before you reach SJPDP and begin the steep climb on the Pyrenees.

 

[billmclaughlin]

It's hard to stop in "small" and/or "quaint" towns while traveling the major train routes. But an overnight or two in Bayonne would work nicely if you took the local bus to explore Biarritz or the local train to idle away a few hours in St. Jean de Luz. There's something especially nice about the ocean shore and sea breeze when you know you're headed inland for a few weeks.

 

[t2andreo]

The name of the Paris airport autobus coach is Le Bus Direct; see more in English here--
http://www.lebusdirect.com/en/

You can buy your ticket on line if you wish.

At the Gare Montparnasse buy a ticket to Bayonne on the next fast TGV train plus a ticket from Bayonne to Saint Jean Pied de Port on local line TER 62.

Good luck and Bon voyage!

The "Le Bus Direct" leave immediately outside the baggage claim at T-1. It is perhaps 30 meters from the door to the sign where the bus stops at the curb.

The ride to Montparnasse is about 70 - 80 minutes. The bus lets you off at the station. From there, consult the large overhead schedule boards.

Track is "voie" in French. Once you find the correct platform and track, VALIDATE your ticket in the yellow/orange free standing machine (it date & time stamps your ticket). Also, there is a diagram on a electric sign board, IIRC, that tells you the order of the numbered cars / voitures at the platform. This way, you can position yourself near to where your car will stop or be at the platform.

Taking the bus to Montparnasse, the train direct to Bayonne, then the TER #62 train (or substitute bus, if the line is under repair) to Saint Jean Pied de Port is, in my view the best and easiest way to get to SJPdP. But, everyone is entitled to their own solution.

I hope this helps.

 

[marbuck]

St. Palais is a really nice town.

 

[FLEUR]

Marbuk you are right St. Palais is a very nice town. To OP why not take fast train Paris to Bordeaux. Stay overnight in Bordeaux and explore. Then take the train to Dax and bus to St Palais. Overnight stay there, look around, then walk to Ostabat which took us most of the afternoon but we were not walking at speed that day (or any other!) I believe all these places have pilgrim accommodation. In Bordeaux to be central, a small hotel / pension might be a good choice. Look on Booking.com for prices.

 

[BillyJane70]

I flew from Australia ... arrived Paris 7.30 am ... got train from Montparnasse 12md .... arrived late afternoon Bayonne ... good nights sleep in local time ... next day breakfast ... train to st Jean .... lunch ... time to explore ... slept overnight ... started walking 7.30 am next morning .... no jet lag etc

Uktreia

Unfortunately, my flight doesn't arrive at CDG until 4:30pm. Which is also a good excuse to go straight to bed. It might give me a chance to adjust to the time change a little more....she hopes

 

[Annie Little]

Unfortunately, my flight doesn't arrive at CDG until 4:30pm. Which is also a good excuse to go straight to bed. It might give me a chance to adjust to the time change a little more....she hopes

No problem .... get train of bus to Montparnasse station .... there is hotel in same street if your budget allows .... have good nights sleep and get train next day to Bayonne and st Jean ...