I spend a lot of my free time on travel forums and I would be rich if I had a euro for every time someone asks: “I’m coming to Paris and want to live like a local.” Not surprisingly, no one is ever interested in going to work, calling the plumber, cleaning the house, or taking the kids to school.
However, I’ve found the perfect answer – take the free shuttle bus to Ikea.
Yup, that’s right. I’m suggesting a trip to Ikea.
Wow! Check out the huge Bricorama sign
I remember my first visit to Ikea - which happened to be in Bordeaux, France. I was on a trip with my mother and we decided to check out Ikea instead of touring the wine cellar at the rusty-dusty chateau where we were staying near Saint-Emilion. This was nearly 20 years ago – when Ikea was still a novelty to us mid-westerners. We were thrilled to have a chance to check it out.
Unlike my Ikea visit in Bordeaux, I had a shopping list this time - new sheets and pillowcases. Hardly seems worth the trek - but bed linens are expensive in Paris and I was up for a little adventure on cold and gray Paris day.
Shoppers arriving at Ikea
The free shuttles leave from 2 locations in Paris: Bastille and Denfert-Rochereau. I would recommend leaving from Bastille because there are more departure times available.
I arrived about 15 minutes early for the 1:00 p.m. shuttle on a Wednesday afternoon. There were plenty of seats available and the shuttle was, at most, 25% full when we left.
The shuttle is easy to find – it’s painted Ikea blue and yellow, and stops right in front of the Opera Bastille.
Signs of Spring!
Since I love seeing new places, I thought that the 20-minute ride to Ikea was interesting. We traveled down the Rue du Lyon to the Quai de Bercy and onto the A4 Autoroute.
Views of Paris from the overpass. The Eiffel Tower is behind the trees...
In addition to Ikea, there’s a mall across the parking lot - with a large InterMarche store. I hope to make it there next time.
The Huiatian Chinagora Hotel in Alfortville
Along the Seine - almost back to Paris.