Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
worthwhile for visitors who stay a full week (or more), start their trip early in the week (on
a Monday or Tuesday), and use the system a lot.
Other Passes:
A handy one-day bus/Métro pass (called
Mobilis
) is available for €6.40.
The overpriced
Paris Visite
passes are poorly designed for tourists and offer minor reduc-
tions at minor sights (1 day/€9.75, 2 days/€15.85, 3 days/€21.60, 5 days/€31.15).
By Métro
In Paris, you're never more than a 10-minute walk from a Métro station. Europe's best sub-
waysystemallowsyoutohopfromsighttosightquicklyandcheaply(runsdaily5:30-24:30,
Fri-Sat until 2:00inthemorning,
www.ratp.fr
)
.Learn touseit.Color Métro maps arefreeat
Métro stations and included on freebie Paris maps at your hotel.
Using the Métro System:
To get to your destination, determine the closest “Mo” stop
and which line or lines will get you there. The lines are color-coded and numbered, and you
can tell their direction by their end-of-the-line stops. For example, the La Défense/Château
de Vincennes line, also known as line 1 (yellow), runs between La Défense, on its west end,
and Vincennes on its east end. Once in the Métro station, you'll see the color-coded line
numbers and/or blue-and-white signs directing you to the train going in your direction (e.g.,
direction: La Défense
). Insert your ticket in the automatic turnstile, reclaim your ticket, pass
through, and keep it until you exit the system (some stations require you to pass your tick-
et through a turnstile to exit). The smallest stations are unstaffed and have ticket machines
(coins are essential). Be warned that fare inspectors regularly check for cheaters and accept
absolutely no excuses—keep that ticket or pay a minimum fine of €25.
Be prepared to walk significant distances within Métro stations (especially when you
transfer).Transfersarefreeandcanbemadewhereverlinescross,providedyoudosowithin
1.5 hours. When you transfer, follow the appropriately colored line number for your next
train, or find orange
correspondance
(connection) signs that lead to your next line.
When you reach your destination, look for the blue-and-white
sortie
signs pointing you
to the exit. Before leaving the station, check the helpful
plan du quartier
(map of the neigh-
borhood) to get your bearings. At stops with several
sorties,
you can save time by choosing
the best exit.
After you exit the system, toss or tear your used ticket so you don't confuse it with un-
used tickets—they look almost identical.
Beware of Pickpockets:
Thieves dig the Métro and RER. Be on guard. If your pocket
is picked as you pass through a turnstile, you end up stuck on the wrong side (after the turn-
stile bar has closed behind you) while the thief gets away. Stand away from Métro doors to
avoid being a target for a theft-and-run just before the doors close. Any jostling or commo-
tion—especially when boarding or leaving trains—is likely the sign of a thief or a team of
