Check out the following website for information regarding public transport in Paris:

http://www.ratp.fr/

I advise familiarizing yourself with the information under the drop down categories "Discover Paris" and "User Guide". It's a pretty decent site and should help you obtain a working knowledge of their transport system.

To my knowledge, the Paris Visite pass must be used on consecutive days. You might consider purchasing a Paris Visite pass for the first 2-3 days you are there. Just be sure of the Zones you will be in as your ticket and price is dependent on this as well.

A single ticket on the metro costs 1.50 EUR (called the T+ ticket). You can also purchase a package of 10 tickets for 11.10 EUR.

I'm not really sure how the French would view your child reading a book and eating french fries at a Bistro, but I'm sure this wouldn't be a first in Paris. I found that most restaurants, bars, cafes, bistros, etc are friendly (mainly the ones away from major tourist areas) and since you and your husband will be eating a regular dinner, I'm sure it won't be a major problem.

The multi-day PARIS VISITE transportation pass is valid for CONSECUTIVE days of use, from first day of useage. It is also sold for travel within and between Transportation Zones--1-3 and 1-6. Since CDG is out in Zone 5, you would need a Zone 1-6 PV to cover the RER 'B' ligne train fare from CDG into central Paris. But since ALL of Paris (and in a few exceptions, a bit beyond) will be within Zones 1-2. So you can pretty much write-off the PARIS VISITE as an option for you....as well as most other transportation pass products.

Given your proposed itinerary, your best option will be to purchase separate RER tickets (8,20€) for the 'B' ligne train and Metro upon arrival at CDG and then CARNETs (booklets of 10 reduced-priced tickets--11,10€) for your public transportation requirements while in Paris.

>>> let's say we feed our 8 year old dinner and then bring him out later to a bistro and he can read his book and eat some fries and dessert while we eat our dinner - is this acceptable?<<<

If your child is quiet and well behaved while reading his book...I can't imagine anyone (French or otherwise) having the least objection to his presence at table while you dine.

Hi Algebra,

if you follow Stephanies suggest to take a look at www.ratp.fr in the english version you can't see all the avaible tickets (because the want to sell the Paris Visit cards to the tourists). Try the french version - much more options.

Friday

Transfer CDG to City

- RER-Ticket adult 8,20

- RER-Ticket child 5,80

Travel in Paris

- day ticket "Mobilis" 5,60 (adults & child)

A day ticket is cheaper for adults from the fourth use than single tickets (1,50) or from the sixth use than carnet tickets (11,10 for 10).

There is a ten-ticket-carnet for Children too (5,55). So most of the times this is chaeper than a day ticket.

The price for Paris Visite for children is 9,00 (incl. Airport). If you do more than five rides after arriving at the hotel this is cheaper than single-airport-ticket & carnet.

I feel always good with a day ticket because that means unlimited access to RER, metro & bus. Even at the end of a long day in Paris (after a lot of walking) I don't have to decide between "one ticket more?" or "more waking back to the hotel?". I had days with eight or more rides ...

Saturday

Adults: day ticket or carnet.

Child: there is a special weekend offer for persons under 26 "Ticket Jeunes". It's a day ticket for saturdays, sundays & public holidays for 3,20. This is cheaper than the carnet tickets if you do more than five rides.

Sunday & Tuesday

Single tickets or carnet.

Wednesday

Day tickets for the adults.

Carnet for the child.

Thursday

like arrival day

I hope this helps.

(sorry for misspelling - not my native language)

Good stuff!! Thank you.

One more question - does the RER from CDG stop at Champ de Mars?

Forget it - figured out there are different RER lines. I am all set.