Relative Safety of RER From Charles de Gaulle-Etoile

[tfc3rid]

Reading some sites regarding overall safety of Paris compared to other places around the World and it seems a little disconcerting (this coming from a native NYC'er)...

How safe will it be to travel in the AM (post rush hour) from Charles de Gaulle-Etoile Station on the RER A to DLP with some luggage? I've told my wife that given all the train travel required suring our 8 day trip to Paris-DLP-London that we will need to just go with our wheeled carrry-on luggage as opposed to the large ones she likes to travel with...

Hoping that some folks are overstating the level of pickpocketing and intimidation out there (and figuring some are...)

 

[Carrie_Cat]

Reading some sites regarding overall safety of Paris compared to other places around the World and it seems a little disconcerting (this coming from a native NYC'er)...

How safe will it be to travel in the AM (post rush hour) from Charles de Gaulle-Etoile Station on the RER A to DLP with some luggage? I've told my wife that given all the train travel required suring our 8 day trip to Paris-DLP-London that we will need to just go with our wheeled carrry-on luggage as opposed to the large ones she likes to travel with...

Hoping that some folks are overstating the level of pickpocketing and intimidation out there (and figuring some are...)

More than 1 millon people use the RER A everyday, I myself use it several times a week, and never ever have any problems.

Yes it can be crowded in rush hour and they go on strike every so often but the worst thing you'll get is a rubbish musicien or a guy who comes round offering you a bit of paper with a sob story on

You just either ignore them or smile and shake your head and they move along

I wouldn't say the same about the RER B in parts or the A going up to the Northern suburbs late at night but going to Disney at anytime you are more than fine.

Apply the same common sense that you show everyday I imagine in NYC, don't flash money about, keep your wallet in your front rather than back pocket etc etc and you will have a great holiday

 

[Happy Tappy]

I must have done that trip at least 20 times including the last train back from Disney and I've never had a problem.

Keep your wits about you as you should in any major city, make sure you can see your luggage at all times and you should be fine.

 

[tfc3rid]

Apply the same common sense that you show everyday I imagine in NYC, don't flash money about, keep your wallet in your front rather than back pocket etc etc and you will have a great holiday

So look like I could kill anything that steps near me, never make eye contact ever and talk to yourself!!! SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!!!

 

[Carrie_Cat]

So look like I could kill anything that steps near me, never make eye contact ever and talk to yourself!!! SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!!!

That's the way to do it

You'll fit in just fine

ps - Here is the only place in the world where I get people looking at me, men and women, it's a bit unnerving at first as I'm so used to reading the signs above their heads in other subways but you get used to it

I have a great death stare though for those occasions that I go into the "no go" areas from time to time

Talking to yourself is way more acceptable than attempting to talk to those around you, we like to keep ourselves to ourselves here

 

[tfc3rid]

That's the way to do it

You'll fit in just fine

ps - Here is the only place in the world where I get people looking at me, men and women, it's a bit unnerving at first as I'm so used to reading the signs above their heads in other subways but you get used to it

I have a great death stare though for those occasions that I go into the "no go" areas from time to time

Talking to yourself is way more acceptable than attempting to talk to those around you, we like to keep ourselves to ourselves here

He he... I can understand... I now live in Atlanta and the subway system is not as safe as it is in NY... Very differnt but the same behavior applies!

I look forward to my visit in May!!!

 

[smallpig]

We just had an AWFUL saxophone player on our last trip - offensive to the ears but otherwise fine!

 

[MazdaUK]

You definitely need to be able to move your luggage easily! Huge cases (and I've seen a "typical" American case on the London underground a few times) will not only be awkward but will not win you any friends on a packed Metro Its only 8 days, and your DW will probably not need a lot of "best" clothes and shoes for evenings out - unless you're planning high-end dining in London most places are fairly relaxed.

 

[chmurf]

Hoping that some folks are overstating the level of pickpocketing and intimidation out there (and figuring some are...)

Pickpocketing is a reality. But most of the time, those being robbed just had it coming.
Pickpockets will go for the easy, unsuspecting target. unzipping your backpack in a crowd will be an easy job for many pickpockets. So basic safety rules are to never get anything of value in a place where you would not immediately notice someone reaching into.
Zipped pockets inside of your coat, or a banana bag around your waist (and bag in front of you) might be enough to have the pickpockets choose another easier target.
Also remember that rush hour is happy hour for pickpockets.

And whatever you do, remember that showing off something of value will get you in trouble. Do not, ever, toy around with your new iPhone, even if it's to check the subway map you've downloaded onto the phone. Phones can be grabbed easily by passing thieves, and there is little you'd be able to do about that.

Anyway, I don't intend to scare you, because what I just said were basic "survival" tips valid for any big city around the world.
Actually I used to commute daily on Paris subway, and never have been in any danger or mishap. To tell you the truth, I'll be taking the train from Newark to NY Penn Station in under 2 months and I'm more concerned about safety than I ever was on the Paris transportation.

Last tip, Try not to make eye contact, especially with groups of youths. Some will stare at you, and snap at you if you try to glance back at them.
Ignore people and they will basically ignore you.

Bottomline is that Paris is not more dangerous than any foreign big city. All of those cities around the world become intimidating and have a higher level of danger for the simple fact that, when there, you are a "tourist", and of course, there is no place like home.

But think of the millions of people visiting Paris every year.
Paris is ranked 4th destination in the world for culture and discovery trips.
Paris is ranked 4th destination in europe for lovers, and Marne la Vallée (DLRP) is ranked 1st in europe for family vacations.
That gives you the picture as to the amount of "tourists" in the Paris area. So now, what are the odds for you to get in trouble ?

 

[tinks_1989]

Talking to yourself is way more acceptable than attempting to talk to those around you, we like to keep ourselves to ourselves here

Ha this makes me laugh in 2007 8 of used the RER it was very busy so we seperated from each other to get seats my dad say on his own next to a man who was talking to him self he asked something in English then reply in French lol he was asking who wants to be a millionaire and also used his life lines lol

 

[tfc3rid]

Pickpocketing is a reality. But most of the time, those being robbed just had it coming.
Pickpockets will go for the easy, unsuspecting target. unzipping your backpack in a crowd will be an easy job for many pickpockets. So basic safety rules are to never get anything of value in a place where you would not immediately notice someone reaching into.
Zipped pockets inside of your coat, or a banana bag around your waist (and bag in front of you) might be enough to have the pickpockets choose another easier target.
Also remember that rush hour is happy hour for pickpockets.

And whatever you do, remember that showing off something of value will get you in trouble. Do not, ever, toy around with your new iPhone, even if it's to check the subway map you've downloaded onto the phone. Phones can be grabbed easily by passing thieves, and there is little you'd be able to do about that.

Anyway, I don't intend to scare you, because what I just said were basic "survival" tips valid for any big city around the world.
Actually I used to commute daily on Paris subway, and never have been in any danger or mishap. To tell you the truth, I'll be taking the train from Newark to NY Penn Station in under 2 months and I'm more concerned about safety than I ever was on the Paris transportation.

Last tip, Try not to make eye contact, especially with groups of youths. Some will stare at you, and snap at you if you try to glance back at them.
Ignore people and they will basically ignore you.

Bottomline is that Paris is not more dangerous than any foreign big city. All of those cities around the world become intimidating and have a higher level of danger for the simple fact that, when there, you are a "tourist", and of course, there is no place like home.

But think of the millions of people visiting Paris every year.
Paris is ranked 4th destination in the world for culture and discovery trips.
Paris is ranked 4th destination in europe for lovers, and Marne la Vallée (DLRP) is ranked 1st in europe for family vacations.
That gives you the picture as to the amount of "tourists" in the Paris area. So now, what are the odds for you to get in trouble ?

No worries about the NJ Transit from Newark to NY Penn... It's easy... For the most part, folks in the NY/NJ area are actually friendly if you have a question... We get a bad reputation!!!

I'm super cautious about everything anyway... Being from NY I have a solid bearing for never showing that I don't know where I am, where I am going and am always in an alert position... Helps that I also work for the government and have been involved in a lot of personal security training...

Enjoy your visit to the Big Apple!!!

 

[tfc3rid]

You definitely need to be able to move your luggage easily! Huge cases (and I've seen a "typical" American case on the London underground a few times) will not only be awkward but will not win you any friends on a packed Metro Its only 8 days, and your DW will probably not need a lot of "best" clothes and shoes for evenings out - unless you're planning high-end dining in London most places are fairly relaxed.

I'm trying to talk her into simply going with a smaller carry on type bags that we could easily fit on our laps as opposed to the large suitcases that cary every piece of cosmetics and every shoe we own...

Usually she has a giant suitcase JUST for her shoes...

I'm telling her to think simple this time...

 

[zavandor]

Usually she has a giant suitcase JUST for her shoes...

I'm telling her to think simple this time...

You could tell her that she needs only one pair of shoes: the most comfortable pair she owns to walk all day.

 

[MazdaUK]

I always overpack myself But I'd say you need two pairs of very comfortable shoes (in case one gets soaked, so you have a dry pair while they're recovering) and one pair of comfortable heels - in other words, that you can walk in and use public transport with, but still look good in the evening (think "best" office shoes). Number of layers and one lightweight waterproof jacket (which you'll be wearing), two pairs of jeans (again in case one gets wet) or even better those trousers where you can zip off the legs to make shorts.

Depending what transport you'll be going with, check the rules for carry-on sizes - my DBil had to put his carry on in the hold for a return journey, even though he was allowed to take it on the plane on the way out So make sure all bags are lockable and sturdy just in case

ETA don't forget that unless you have a specific skin condition you can get whatever toiletries you need here. hey, we even have make-up!