hello, i found a recent experience here in Paris was so frightening that i am posting it on all websites for tourists to Paris.
I witnessed an italian tourist almost beaten to death on the train by two young robbers from the airport to Paris around 8pm on the 22nd of October 2009. I got involved and was bashed around too by these kids. But unlike the italian tourist, i fought back (i know, i know...could have gotten killed).
I find this incident rather bizarre because i am 47 woman and there were at least 5 men on the train in good enough physical condition to help. But the French are very passive when it comes to things like this. So, for your own safety, never, ever take the RER B from CDG airport to Gard du Nord UNLESS it is the nonstop train. The other one i took makes at least 5 or 6 stops in towns with some serious soical problems. The police told me these younger adults make a fortune stealing cell phones and whatever from tourists. Thanks for posting this. Nani