Help with metro route from apartment to Gare de Lyon
Mar 2nd, 2011, 07:37 AM
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Help with metro route from apartment to Gare de Lyon
We are arriving in Paris on 7/14, and then the next day have to be at the Gare de Lyon train station quite early - (I do not know the time yet as the train schedules are not out that far ahead but I plan on reserving an early time) so that we can get to Avignon. Our apartment is right near the Eiffel Tower, and I think the closest metro station is Alma - Ecole Militaire. We will not even have our feet on the ground at this point and I know we will be tired and jet lagged, can anyone help with details on how to get to this metro station (can we walk?) and once on the metro, how to get to Gare de Lyon? Like is it a straight shot or do we have to change lines somewhere? Sorry I come from a part of the US with no public transport so I know I will be confused
.
Also I am assuming that we will want to make reservations for the TGV from Paris to Avignon as soon as they become available? I am going to buy the France Railpasses, so will it cost extra to make the reservations? I know we will also be making a side trip one day from Paris to Chartres, can we just do that while we are there or should we reserve for that too?
Thank you!
Cindy
.Also I am assuming that we will want to make reservations for the TGV from Paris to Avignon as soon as they become available? I am going to buy the France Railpasses, so will it cost extra to make the reservations? I know we will also be making a side trip one day from Paris to Chartres, can we just do that while we are there or should we reserve for that too?
Thank you!
Cindy
Mar 2nd, 2011, 07:53 AM
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www.ratp.com is your friend. Enter start location, end location.
Ecole Militaire to Gare de Lyon
23 minutes (assuming 17h time of day)
Start: Ecole Militaire Metro station
M line 8, direction Creteuil-Prefecture (Hotel de ville) to Madeleine stop
M line 14 direction Olympiades to Gare de Lyon.
Walk to Gare de Lyon
Ecole Militaire to Gare de Lyon
23 minutes (assuming 17h time of day)
Start: Ecole Militaire Metro station
M line 8, direction Creteuil-Prefecture (Hotel de ville) to Madeleine stop
M line 14 direction Olympiades to Gare de Lyon.
Walk to Gare de Lyon
Mar 2nd, 2011, 07:58 AM
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There are tons of downloadable copies ofthe Paris Metro system so that you can start geting familia with it.
LEAST TRANSFERS: 23 MINUTES To get from Ecole Militaire to Gare de Lyon Take Line 8 direction Creteil-Prefecture (Hotel de Ville) and transfer at Station Madeleine to Line 14 going on the Direction Olympiades to Station Gare de Lyon.
LEAST TRANSFERS: 23 MINUTES To get from Ecole Militaire to Gare de Lyon Take Line 8 direction Creteil-Prefecture (Hotel de Ville) and transfer at Station Madeleine to Line 14 going on the Direction Olympiades to Station Gare de Lyon.
Mar 2nd, 2011, 07:59 AM
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Hi Cindy!
I'm preparing for my first trip to Paris, so while I haven't actually been in the area yet, I've done a lot of research into it. I'll also be staying in the Ecole Militaire area. From what I've read and seen on maps and StreetView on GoogleMaps, you should be able to walk to your nearest Metro station without having to go further than maybe a quarter mile.
As for the metro itself, there is apparently a way to map out metro routes on the official site, RATP.fr, but I personally haven't been able to get it to work for me. I ended up looking for an app for my phone, so I could have it with me in Paris, and settled on a free one called MetrO where you download all the maps and route info for a given city ahead of time, so you don't need an internet connection to use it.
Plugging in a starting location of Ecole Militaire and an ending location of Gare de Lyon, with the time 7am on Friday (which 7/15/11 will be), MetrO suggests taking metro line 8 from Ecole Militaire in the direction of Creteil-Prefecture, change trains at Madeleine, then take line 14 in the direction of Olympiades, then get off at Gare de Lyon. 7 stops, 1 change, about 18 minutes on the metro, according to the app -- though I don't know if that includes time waiting for your connecting train to come or not.
Anyway, I hope that helps a bit. Like I said, I haven't been to Paris yet, but I've been doing a lot of research into the metro and maps of the area in general. Hopefully someone who has been there can come along and confirm or refute these directions.
-Samantha
I'm preparing for my first trip to Paris, so while I haven't actually been in the area yet, I've done a lot of research into it. I'll also be staying in the Ecole Militaire area. From what I've read and seen on maps and StreetView on GoogleMaps, you should be able to walk to your nearest Metro station without having to go further than maybe a quarter mile.
As for the metro itself, there is apparently a way to map out metro routes on the official site, RATP.fr, but I personally haven't been able to get it to work for me. I ended up looking for an app for my phone, so I could have it with me in Paris, and settled on a free one called MetrO where you download all the maps and route info for a given city ahead of time, so you don't need an internet connection to use it.
Plugging in a starting location of Ecole Militaire and an ending location of Gare de Lyon, with the time 7am on Friday (which 7/15/11 will be), MetrO suggests taking metro line 8 from Ecole Militaire in the direction of Creteil-Prefecture, change trains at Madeleine, then take line 14 in the direction of Olympiades, then get off at Gare de Lyon. 7 stops, 1 change, about 18 minutes on the metro, according to the app -- though I don't know if that includes time waiting for your connecting train to come or not.
Anyway, I hope that helps a bit. Like I said, I haven't been to Paris yet, but I've been doing a lot of research into the metro and maps of the area in general. Hopefully someone who has been there can come along and confirm or refute these directions.
-Samantha
Mar 2nd, 2011, 08:00 AM
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Hi Cindy!
I'm preparing for my first trip to Paris, so while I haven't actually been in the area yet, I've done a lot of research into it. I'll also be staying in the Ecole Militaire area. From what I've read and seen on maps and StreetView on GoogleMaps, you should be able to walk to your nearest Metro station without having to go further than maybe a quarter mile.
As for the metro itself, there is apparently a way to map out metro routes on the official site, RATP.fr, but I personally haven't been able to get it to work for me. I ended up looking for an app for my phone, so I could have it with me in Paris, and settled on a free one called MetrO where you download all the maps and route info for a given city ahead of time, so you don't need an internet connection to use it.
Plugging in a starting location of Ecole Militaire and an ending location of Gare de Lyon, with the time 7am on Friday (which 7/15/11 will be), MetrO suggests taking metro line 8 from Ecole Militaire in the direction of Creteil-Prefecture, change trains at Madeleine, then take line 14 in the direction of Olympiades, then get off at Gare de Lyon. 7 stops, 1 change, about 18 minutes on the metro, according to the app -- though I don't know if that includes time waiting for your connecting train to come or not.
Anyway, I hope that helps a bit. Like I said, I haven't been to Paris yet, but I've been doing a lot of research into the metro and maps of the area in general. Hopefully someone who has been there can come along and confirm or refute these directions.
-Samantha
I'm preparing for my first trip to Paris, so while I haven't actually been in the area yet, I've done a lot of research into it. I'll also be staying in the Ecole Militaire area. From what I've read and seen on maps and StreetView on GoogleMaps, you should be able to walk to your nearest Metro station without having to go further than maybe a quarter mile.
As for the metro itself, there is apparently a way to map out metro routes on the official site, RATP.fr, but I personally haven't been able to get it to work for me. I ended up looking for an app for my phone, so I could have it with me in Paris, and settled on a free one called MetrO where you download all the maps and route info for a given city ahead of time, so you don't need an internet connection to use it.
Plugging in a starting location of Ecole Militaire and an ending location of Gare de Lyon, with the time 7am on Friday (which 7/15/11 will be), MetrO suggests taking metro line 8 from Ecole Militaire in the direction of Creteil-Prefecture, change trains at Madeleine, then take line 14 in the direction of Olympiades, then get off at Gare de Lyon. 7 stops, 1 change, about 18 minutes on the metro, according to the app -- though I don't know if that includes time waiting for your connecting train to come or not.
Anyway, I hope that helps a bit. Like I said, I haven't been to Paris yet, but I've been doing a lot of research into the metro and maps of the area in general. Hopefully someone who has been there can come along and confirm or refute these directions.
-Samantha
Mar 2nd, 2011, 08:03 AM
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<< can anyone help with details on how to get to this metro station >>
If you mean how to get from your apartment to the Alma - Ecole Militaire metro station you would have to provide the apartment address. How can anyone give directions when we don't know where you're coming from. This is like giving someone directions to get to your house without knowing where they're starting from.
Before you buy a rail pass you might want to check out the prices for point-to-point tickets from Paris to Avignon. Usually rail passes are not the most economical way to buy tickets. Yes you do have to have a seat reservation and rail passes have a limited number of seats available.
For Paris to Chartres you can buy an inexpensive ticket when you're at Gare de Lyon. Remember to validate this ticket in the yellow machines on the train station quay before you board.
If you mean how to get from your apartment to the Alma - Ecole Militaire metro station you would have to provide the apartment address. How can anyone give directions when we don't know where you're coming from. This is like giving someone directions to get to your house without knowing where they're starting from.
Before you buy a rail pass you might want to check out the prices for point-to-point tickets from Paris to Avignon. Usually rail passes are not the most economical way to buy tickets. Yes you do have to have a seat reservation and rail passes have a limited number of seats available.
For Paris to Chartres you can buy an inexpensive ticket when you're at Gare de Lyon. Remember to validate this ticket in the yellow machines on the train station quay before you board.
Mar 2nd, 2011, 08:10 AM
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I hope that you are not arriving too late on 7/14 because the area around the Tour Eiffel will be a mess with everyone congregating there for the fireworks.
On April 15 try to order your TGV ticket at http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train. You might be able to get a PREM ticket (non-refundable, non-exchangeable) for less than 40€, I would guess.
On April 15 try to order your TGV ticket at http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train. You might be able to get a PREM ticket (non-refundable, non-exchangeable) for less than 40€, I would guess.
Mar 2nd, 2011, 08:29 AM
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Hi Viaj!
As an addendum to the above, I carry with me a map of the city which includes the Metro system. While I am good at finding my way around, I sometimes wander...and find that a 'real' map is better than one of those tourist maps with the major sites plunked on them.
RATP does offer a PDF map of the metro system.
As an addendum to the above, I carry with me a map of the city which includes the Metro system. While I am good at finding my way around, I sometimes wander...and find that a 'real' map is better than one of those tourist maps with the major sites plunked on them.
RATP does offer a PDF map of the metro system.
Mar 2nd, 2011, 08:44 AM
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I am sorry, I thought I put the street address of the apartment in my post, it is on Avenue de la Bourdonnais, I do not have the street/house number with me. We are arriving at 9AM into CDG, I know it is going to be crazy being Bastille Day. We are going to hire the driver service from the apt. rental company we are using, I hope we might be to the apartment by noon? Having never travelled IDK if that is too optimistic to get through customs, luggage etc. and get into Paris. We do not have anything planned that first afternoon and evening other than to try to get oriented and get some food, and hopefully see some fireworks since we are so close to them!
Thank you all for the metro detail, it is a big help. I have been spending a little time on the RATP site, it is a little confusing but I think I am seeing how it works and it will be a big help. I do not think we will have internet access while there, we are not planning on lugging a laptop at this point and I understand our current smartphones will not work over there, to call on anyway, I do not know if they will access the internet. I definately plan to bring a good street and metro map with us.
And thank you for the tips on the train passes and tickets. I guess we need to plan how many train trips we might want to take, being in Paris for a week, to see if it makes sense to get the passes or just get point to point tickets.
Thank you all for the metro detail, it is a big help. I have been spending a little time on the RATP site, it is a little confusing but I think I am seeing how it works and it will be a big help. I do not think we will have internet access while there, we are not planning on lugging a laptop at this point and I understand our current smartphones will not work over there, to call on anyway, I do not know if they will access the internet. I definately plan to bring a good street and metro map with us.
And thank you for the tips on the train passes and tickets. I guess we need to plan how many train trips we might want to take, being in Paris for a week, to see if it makes sense to get the passes or just get point to point tickets.
Mar 2nd, 2011, 08:48 AM
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Just look at a metro map and figure it out, it isn't difficult. You follow the lines that are the most conveient in terms of distance/trasnfer to where you want to go. there are maps in all metro cars as well as on the walls of the metro station and you can get one to take from the clerk. And all (decent) maps of Paris have a metro system map on them.
Alma and Ecole Militaire aren't even the same stops. Pont de l'Alma is an RER stop and the other a metro stop, two different lines.
Some metro stations are closed on certain holidays or for certain events, and I'm thinking that may be one of them if you are arriving late (Pont de l'Alma), but probably not.
Alma and Ecole Militaire aren't even the same stops. Pont de l'Alma is an RER stop and the other a metro stop, two different lines.
Some metro stations are closed on certain holidays or for certain events, and I'm thinking that may be one of them if you are arriving late (Pont de l'Alma), but probably not.
Mar 2nd, 2011, 09:02 AM
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You are buying Railpasses? What is your plan regarding trains? Just TGV to Avigion and back + Chartres?
Paris to Chartres...you are coming back to Paris visit then?
For Paris, you could just get a carnet per person, which is 10 Metro tickets.
As a note, to use Metro, know the line (colour will help) and the endpoints. The platforms are indicated by endpoints...so for example when you enter a Line 8 station, there will be a platform for Creteuil-Prefecture or Balard. So based on where you are at, you pick the direction by the endpoint. There will be a big sign on the wall for each platform, with the stations ,in order, for the direction you chose.
Paris to Chartres...you are coming back to Paris visit then?
For Paris, you could just get a carnet per person, which is 10 Metro tickets.
As a note, to use Metro, know the line (colour will help) and the endpoints. The platforms are indicated by endpoints...so for example when you enter a Line 8 station, there will be a platform for Creteuil-Prefecture or Balard. So based on where you are at, you pick the direction by the endpoint. There will be a big sign on the wall for each platform, with the stations ,in order, for the direction you chose.
Mar 2nd, 2011, 09:09 AM
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Michel_paris, I have not purchased the railpasses yet, I need to look at the prices for both options and see what makes sense, I just assumed passes would be the way to go but maybe not. We are in France from 7/14 - 7/23. We will take TGV from Paris to Avignon on 7/15, back to Paris on Sunday 7/17. THen we are in Paris until Saturday 7/23. The only other thing we have planned outside the city so far is going to Chartres, but I would imagine we might add one more thing. There are three of us, 53, 22 and 23 years old.
Thank you for the color system explanation! I know we are just going to have to jump in and probably get lost a few times and we'll be fine. I just don't want to get lost when we have a train connection waiting!
Thank you for the color system explanation! I know we are just going to have to jump in and probably get lost a few times and we'll be fine. I just don't want to get lost when we have a train connection waiting!
Mar 2nd, 2011, 10:31 AM
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I would not think you will need or benefit from a railpass. You can get your TGV PREMs (discount tickets)) for the Avignon route 90 days beforehand, print out at home. Then buy tickets for Chartres while in Paris, regular train.
Mar 2nd, 2011, 02:22 PM
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Hi Cindy, one more piece of unsolicited advice. If you are 3 people you might want to take a cab to the Gare de Lyon. It will probably run you 25-30 Euros, but you may find it worth it rather than having to schlep luggage up and down stairs & through the metro line transfers early in the morning when you need to be there on time for the train. Also, don't forget that the metros could be quite full with commuters depending on the time of morning.
Here is a site for one of the popular taxi companies, G7. They have a nice app where you estimate the cost of a cab:
http://www.taxisg7.fr
You can order a cab for the morning and they will take you right to the curb of the station. I used to ALWAYS take the metro, but now this is getting to be one of the things I tend to splurge on now when I have just arrived, since I never sleep on the plane.
Here is a site for one of the popular taxi companies, G7. They have a nice app where you estimate the cost of a cab:
http://www.taxisg7.fr
You can order a cab for the morning and they will take you right to the curb of the station. I used to ALWAYS take the metro, but now this is getting to be one of the things I tend to splurge on now when I have just arrived, since I never sleep on the plane.
