A. Marie R.
Yelp
I recently had a whopping 8 hour layover at CDG on my way back to the States, so I decided to make the most of my midday break. I stored my luggage with Bagages du Monde in Terminal 2, hopped on the train, and headed into town. This was a definite whirlwind day, with me attempting to maximize the big sites, seeing as it was my only time in Paris thus far.
I got off the metro, stepped out, and boom! I was right in front of the Eiffel Tower. How cool! Look, I'm a heavy traveler and while I'm generally sort of meh on big touristy sites. . . c'mon, it's the Eiffel Tower! And it was right there!
I walked along the Seine for a while. I'd stop, take in the view, take some photos, then slowly walk on. I eventually crossed the river at Pont d'iena in front of the Eiffel Tower, then walked down the river before eventually wandering down various streets and making my way to the Arc de Triomphe. It really was a lovely way to spend an afternoon and I highly, highly suggest it.
Also, I was a single female and felt perfectly safe the entire time. Yes, there are panhandlers and scammers-- just tell them no, ignore them, whatever. Several that came up to me led with, "Do you speak English?" to which I said, "Absolutely not." I walked off as they sat bewildered. A firm no and a glaring b-face will get you far in world travels, let me tell you.