We're actually doing this! Need some advice from veterans!

[stephandjoe]

We just found out today that we are definitely going in June!

One slight hitch in our plans though. We are staying in Germany with my brother and will be spending one or two nights at DLRP. He will not be able to accompany us as planned. He can put us on the train to Paris and then we're on our own. My French is rusty to say the least!

As Americans with limited French can we transfer trains and make it to the resort ok? I'm a tad worried about this but will also be studying up in the coming months.

Thanks!
Steph

 

[Vadania]

The majority of signs in France, especially public transport buildings are bi-lingual so they'll have English on it. Also, people working in the information points in these areas have a limited grasp of English too. Just remember the phase "Je ne sais pas Francais" (I don't know French)

 

[Cyrano]

I'm sure you will be fine.

Have a look at the Useful Info sticky as it is not that difficult to get from paris to DLP

 

[bavaria]

Steph, are you taking the train from Germany into Paris, and then from Paris to DLRP? are you going to be in Paris for a day or two first, or go directly to the park? The train can actually be more costly than a quick flight, just so you know. And don't book your train travel via a US consolidator/website - the mark up is very significant. I believe that it was about 60% or more when I booked the TGV from CDG to DLRP versus booking directly on the French website.

Since I am fluent in German and English and almost fluent in French, I can't really comment on the language issue - I just read a sign, my brain processes it, and I don't realize what language it is . But others here don't speak any/much French and do get by just fine.

If we can help with info please let us know. I have travelled via RER to DLRP several times from Paris.

The French site www.ratp.fr is useful - you can turn it into English although some of the information (such as the cheaper tickets does not always show)

 

[bavaria]

here is the website for SNCF for booking train travel in English http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvHomePage?_CMD=cmdHomepageUK

 

[bavaria]

And lastly the skyscanner site so that you can check out low cost airfare within Europe just in case!

http://www.skyscanner.net/

hmmm and I see that dba is offering 9 euro flights from Munich to Orly..... I may need to use that site myself soon!!!

 

[stephandjoe]

You guys are so helpful!!

Bavaria- my brother lives in Woschbach (?sp)/Pfinztal which is in the southwestern part of Germany and probably driveable to Paris if we chose to (he drove last time he went). I'm pretty sure I don't want to drive though!

We would be going in on the same day we would check into the resort and stay one night or two.

Off to check out the train info... ( I think my brother would arrange that for us there on his end).

 

[bavaria]

That's a five hour drive; much better than my 926km! It's actually a fairly easy drive, too, with a crossing at Strasbourg and then about 300km on the A4- a very straight shot.

But note that if you are not familiar with driving in Germany, you may not want to do the drive. (I am not even that comfortable driving in France, although I am very good on the Autobahn and in German cities)

 

[bavaria]

Also note that it makes best economic sense to book your rooms on the DLRP german website as the package offers for Americans are never as good or as frequent as for Europeans.

If you want to check room only rates for the DLRP hotels, use www.expedia.de (the German site; the US site does not have room only rates)

I also recommend this German website (if your brother can help you translate) as it has school holidays listed, as well as special offers, and is easy to navigate http://www.2000-reisen.de/tubi/

 

[stephandjoe]

Do you think the train ride would be less expensive since he is fairly close? I'm not sure how to look up where I would get on the train in Germany. Any advice?

Thanks so much for all the info!

 

[bavaria]

It may not be that convenient. On the SNCF site the route is Stuttgart - Strasbourg - Saverne - Paris. The sample leaves at 19h11 (7pm) and arrives at 06h (6am). Total price is 68 Euros on a regular fare

STUTTGART HBF 19h11 Train 60 2e classe Placement
STRASBOURG GARE 21h01 Réservation recommandée
STRASBOURG GARE 22h11 Autocar 30222 2e classe
SAVERNE 23h21 Sans réservation
SAVERNE 00h50 1512 2e classe
PARIS EST 06h42 Réservation obligatoire


68.60 € • TARIF NORMAL. : Billet échangeable et remboursable.
• DECOUVERTE SEJOUR : Billet non échangeable et non remboursable après départ. Aller et Retour obligatoire et nuit du samedi au dimanche sur place.

that's why I suggest looking at alternatives like air - when I looked at doing the train from my corner of the country it just wasn't a viable option anymore. I am a big fan of train travel, but only when it works out properly.

The german website www.bahn.de finds a somewhat easier connection but still a 10 hour trip

Stuttgart Hbf
Paris Est Mo, 12.02.07
Di, 13.02.07 ab
an 20:04
06:47

using the skyscanner site, a flight on Germanwings in June nonstop Stuttgart-CDG is about 69 euros return. Then you just take the TGV (high speed train) 10 minutes to DLRP. Much faster and quicker for the same prices!

 

[stephandjoe]

Looks like a flight or car ride are in order! That train schedule is nuts!

Thanks again!