The Charles De Gaulle International Airport is not among the best designed or run airports in the world.
L O N G walks from the gates to immigration and then again to baggage claim. Customs consisted of funneling everyone through one exit where there were a couple of inspectors who would occasionally stop someone to examine their bags. There was not even a customs declaration form to file.
We booked a hotel near the airport called B&B Hotel. Apparently there are a lot of these hotels throughout France and beginning to expand into surrounding areas. They are different than any hotel I have ever stayed in. They are all new and in good condition, but I've see postage stamps larger than the rooms. They are not Bed and Breakfasts as we have in the U.S. The accommodations are spartan at best. No extra pillows are even available, no soap or shampoo in the bathrooms, and only two thin towels. You can get a razor or other personal items if you need them -- from a vending machine in the hall. The hotel is apparently designed only for quick overnight stays and maybe just one step up from a rural hostel. There are a lot of other guests, so they appear to be popular. If all you want is a clean bed and a good shower, this is the place.
After a short afternoon nap, we went out on foot to explore (and try to find something for dinner). Except for hotel restaurants, none of the restaurants are even open until after 6 p.m., some not opening until after 7 p.m. The French eat dinner late. We ended up buying a baguette, some cheese and clementines at the local tiny grocery for our meal.
The hotel is located in a "village" called Roissy-en-France. The village is very quaint and very old. There is a church dating to 1570. This is something we were not expecting -- especially this close to the airport and to Paris. We did not go into Paris itself -- that we are saving for the end of this trip.
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