Where To Stay - In Paris Or At The Regatta

[glrfcentral]

For many of the participants, there will be a debate about where to stay, in Paris, or at the regatta venue.

 

The Paris train for Vaires-Torcy (train station nearest the venue) leaves from the East station, also known as le Gare de l'Este. The train ride takes 18 minutes. Looking on Google Maps, the last train on Tuesday, 06 March, as a sample, leaves at 23h01. That means your visit at the Opening Ceremonies will be brief because the subway ride and walk from the Opening Ceremonies to the East station takes some time.

 

The opening ceremonies will take place at the Stade Jean Bouin, also known as Jean Bouin Stadium. On Google Maps, that is way way in the western outskirts of Paris. So that means you have to catch the subway from Jean Bouin at 22h14 to get the last train from the East station, taking a total of 65 minutes. Then you have to factor the walking time from inside the stadium to the subway. You get the idea. This always happens for the rowers, since we all get up early, and rowing is scheduled early in the week.

 

Obviously most of the parties and other Gay Games events take place in Paris. One other thing to keep in mind: the distance from the Vaires-Torcy train station to Vaires-sur-Marne is not a short hop. Rather it is a longggg walk. Of course, if you can grab a bike or hope a bus, you're set. Still, something to keep in mind.

 

You can always rent a car for the two or three days surrounding the rowing event.

 

You can split your room locations, staying in Paris, then move out to Vaires-Torcy, then move back. You can see from the group news that housing is available at the venue. Here are some links to all the housing nearby:

 

Airbnb Vaires-sur-Marne

 

France-Voyage scroll down to see samples as well as additional links for vacation rentals, bed and breakfast, campsites, and hotels.

 

Misterbnb

 

What are your plans? Got some other ideas? Share them!