h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This is the thread for the HOW.

How do I get there?
Does anyone know about discounts on train or plane tickets?
Which hotel are you going to?
etc.

I'll probably get there on whichever Wednesday or Thursday, and stay until Sunday, probably at the Ibis Reims, Central.

http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1422-ibis-reims-centre/index.shtml

Rates are around 70€ or £56 per night...

Only negative is no catering, but hey, is that a problem?

.



MMF

I've just compared coach and train prices and travel times. They both seem to be about the same: 4-5 hours and 60-90 Euros.

This was for fictitious dates in March, because the June timetable is not available yet. I'll go along with anyone else re accommodation, am even quite happy to stay in the Youth Hostel.

I would, TC, but not usually geared up for people who are disability compromised.



MMF

Hmm. I fancied doing as much of it by train as possible, but Easyjet could take me direct to Paris thus allowing more time to mooch around France.

Or I could do it the even weirder way - train down south, sail to Cherbourg, and onwards across northern France. Which is appealing but pricy and circuitous.

http://www.hostelworld.com/hostelde...ls.php/CIS-de-Champagne/Reims/14962
This youth hostel is pretty close to the town centre, 5 minutes on the tram; they say they are wheelchair accessible and there is a lift.

Otherwise, the Ibis Centre Hotel is literally 10 minutes max walking from the main street with most of the restaurants and bars, so no catering is not a problem.

Will check it out.

Getting excited. Just hope I have employment by then!



MMF

I've just been looking at train connections (to pass the time) and was offered several stops in Reims. Do I aim for Reims Champagne-Ardennes railway station, Superfrenchie?

The station in the centre of town is "Reims Centre", but not all high speed trains stop there.
"Champagne-Ardenne" station (which is specifically for high speed trains) is a bit farther away, but there are trams from there to the centre.
I'll also be able to shuttle people by car if needed, but that's something we can discuss nearer the date anyway.

That's very nice of you. The reason I ask is because it looks like my best bet is the TGV via Strasbourg. But I'm sure I haven't investigated all routes yet.....

Via Strasbourg sounds logical to me.
I remember when I went to the German Meet a couple years ago, I had to go to Paris first, and then back the other way through Brussels...

EasyJet Belfast - CDG.

Leaves Friday lunchtime, return Sunday evening. There is no flight on the Saturday.

Just checked : there are trains between Charles de Gaulle airport and Reims, some direct, and some with one or two changes. You don't necessarily have to get to Paris Est first.

Looks like you could save a heap by flying from Dublin rather that Belfast - £100ish rather than £150ish return. More options of flights that way, too.

It looks like the CIS hostel is full on the date of the Meet. Did one of you book all their rooms?

Hey, *other* people have been booking rooms for that weekend? Who do they think they are?

The manager's just going to have to tell them to pick another week.

I can't tell them, I'm in my pyjamas.
You do it.

Well, I can't tell them. It's snowing outside.

Maybe Elton will tell them.

Hmmm flying via Dublin adds on another 3 or 4 hours, plus £20-30 to get there. I think I'll stick with the Belfast options.

Is CDg the best airport to aim for?

Since I am doing a half marathon on Wednesday 19june, I'll need to do a training run at some stage of the weekend. Is Reims safe enough for road running? I might choose a hotel with a gym just to be sure

I'd say it's safe enough if you stick to the town centre (unless there's a football match on). There are a number of rough areas, but they're more on the outskirts.