It may only be 6:23 (!) to go from Montréal to Paris, but the total trip was closer to 24 hours.
We left Ottawa Saturday afternoon and took the Greyhound to Montréal. The bus was almost empty and we were at the airport around 7 pm. A quick lunch/dinner later, we started queuing for check-in, which took over 1:30. Another line-up for security and we boarded the plane just before midnight. I fell asleep as soon as I sat down and only woke up when we were flying over the U.K.
Once in Roissy, we lined-up again for passport control — since I wanted to enter France as a Canadian, I was in the “foreign passports” section which I found hilarious. As Feng pointed out, passport control in France is a bit of a joke: the immigration officer was just taking passports, glancing at their owner and stamping them. So much for machine-readable passport — there wasn’t even a computer at the immigration desk! The passport were nor swiped nor checked more thoroughly and no question was asked. Suits me, but compared to entering Canada or the U.S.A, it is definitely a joke.
We missed the first train to Nantes because we had to wait for our checked-in luggage and they took forever to come. By the time we exited Terminal 3 and walked to Roissy’s train station, it was well past 2 pm on Sunday.
The train station hadn’t changed: still only a couple of booths open for a huge line-up of tired travelers. Train tickets’ priced raised a lot too but we didn’t really have the choice and couldn’t wait until low peak period (the following Wednesday!) to travel. We boarded the train and feel asleep again.
Three hours later, we finally reached Nantes.
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I know that logo: you guys flew Air Transat! Which also makes sense since you mentioned Charles de Gaulle’s Terminal 3. Sorry, airline geek.
Long way home and I wish you a great holiday Zhu 🙂
Isn’t it good to be home? I personally not a fan of Paris airport (CDG) ’cause it has no proper signs or information for travelers.
Anyway, enjoy your wonderful summer in France, while I enjoy mine in Canada 😉
Looks like a lot of sleeping involved 🙂
I didn’t know you were planning a trip to France, have fun and e-mail me if you’re going to spend some time in Paris 😉
@Linguist-in-Waiting – Yes, we flew Air Transat, cheapest option! It wasn’t bad actually. Did you ever fly with them?
@shionge – We are both a long way home!
@Poem – I hate CDG, it’s dirty and totally falling apart. Not the best place for travelers, for sure…
@Nigel – Best way to wait, right?!
@Cynthia – Well, I had no idea we were going to France either, it was a last minute decision! Yes, you are part of the people I want to meet in Paris. We will probably be there in July, will let you know.
On a eu à attendre longtemps à la gare TGV de Roissy la dernière fois (en mars), je suis sûre que tous mes maux ont commencé là (gastro et rhume la même semaine) tant on se gelait dans leurs courants d’air!
Profite bien de ton séjour en tout cas!
Oh unfortunately, no. Air Transat’s routes happen to be a little off from where I would be flying to/from. They mostly fly to/from Canada to vacation destinations in Europe and the Caribbean I think, and transiting Canada en route to the USA adds another visa to worry about.
It’s always a galere arriving in France! Glad you’re in Nantes and able to rest now.
Zhu,
I am so happy for you. The feeling ‘home’ coming is very special whether it remains our home or not is a different issue altogether. 🙂
Maybe in a year or two, my sweetie and I will go to Ireland/Scotland, with a stopover in France. She wants to see Paris, I want to see Paris … I’m hoping for the Louvre, and Notre Dame, myself. Anyway, keep the photos coming, and enjoy your trip!
Have fun in France!
see you when you get back!
Dear Zhu,
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@Delph – Oui, c’est sûr que ce n’est pas mon endroit préféré en France !
@Linguist-in-Waiting – Oh right, it is a Canadian airline I guess. I didn’t know they were flying South though.
@Soleil – Trying to, but I’m still a bit jetlagged I think!
@Nisha – Yes, it’s home but at the same time it changed. It’s a weird feeling.
@Ghosty Kips – You definitely should stop in Paris, there is a lot to see!
@Rich B – Thank you dear new Canadians!
Zhu,
Oui, vous êtes vraiment arrivés!!!
Bien sûr, pas de promesses; si vous ne pouvez pas nous voir, c’est pas grave.On voyage aussi et on sait comment ça se passe.
C’est drôle; tu prends des photos de Roissy comme qqn qui est venu pour la première fois. 🙂
Je pense que chaque retour est nouveau pour toi maintenant…
Bises xx
Home sweet home!
Was the air different from Canada upon arrival?
Ha ha… I always thought so when I’m away from London for a while!
London’s air is dirty but lively!
I can feel the air dancing.
So envious of your summer in France! Have a wonderful time and I look forward to hearing about the trip on your blog.
I have to echo Tanya’s sentiments about you being in France. It feels like home to me and I just love your photos!!!