newesttraveler

I've been researching the various Paris Metro options and need to varify that the information I have pieced together is correct.

We'll be in Paris for seven days (Sunday to a Saturday) and will probably ride the metro a couple of times a day, including a day trip to Versailles.

I believe that the Carte Orange costs 13.75 euro for one week (starting on a Monday) and that travel to Versailles is coverd in this cost. Therefore, this seems to be a much cheaper option than the 10 ticket carnet, the one day Mobilis card, or any of the multi-day Paris Visite cards.

I understand that a photo is required for the Carte Orange, but I am assuming that they will take my picture when I purchase the card and that I do not have to bring a photo with me.

I understand that I can purchase the Carte Orange at any Paris Metro station, but I am not sure if I can purchase it on Sunday when I arrive, or if I need to wait until Monday to purchase.

Please let me know if the information I have collected, and the assumptions/conclusions I have reached are accurate.

Thanks!

littilesthobo

nope.you have to provide your own photo. mobilis doesnt require a photo.

WillTravel

You can get a photo at the photo machines at the metro for 4 Euros. However, not every metro station has a photo machine, and if it does have one, it might not work. It would be easiest to take one. If you don't, however, no big deal if you are at a large metro station like Chatelet or Montparnasse-Bienvenue.

Travel to Versailles is not covered with the standard zone 1-2 Carte Orange. You pay a supplement that is something like 5.60 Euros roundtrip.

I'd recommend getting a Carte Orange for the extreme convenience, plus you can use it on buses. It won't work for your first Sunday, though. I think you can purchase it ahead of time, however.

LAwoman

There are little booths in some of the stations where you get your picture taken, see the film "Amelie"

clevelandbrown

We used carnets, but I had also researched the Carte Orange.

You buy it to cover zones, most commonly zones 1 and 2 which would not extend into the suburbs very far and definitely would not reach Versailles. The cost is 14.50 Euro this year, I believe.

My understanding is that you have to bring your own photos, but if you don't have any, I'm sure you could find a photographer in Paris.

Yes, you can buy one in advance, but be certain you can communicate well enough to insure you don't buy one for the stub of a week that has already begun. Remember, Europeans write the date differently than Americans, 10-1-2004 is January 10 in Europe.

I was lucky we opted for the carnets, as we ended up doing more walking and less metroing than I would have guessed. The metro is quicker than walking (assuming you don't get lost in the metro), but there is no view, and we so enjoyed just walking down the Parisian streets and seeing new things.

Enjoy your trip.

newesttraveler

Thanks everyone for your quick replies.

If I take a photo with me, does it need to meet any specific requirements (dimentions, color vs B/W, head shot, etc.)?

regalada

We bought two Carte Oranges to use Monday-Sunday. We bought it on Sunday night. The first metro attendant did not want to sell the card to us because they are supposedly not for tourists (our accented French gave us away), but we went to a different station and the attendant there was very gracious and we had no problems. We brought photos from home, they have to be fairly small (about one square inch) since the spot where you glue it on the card is not very big. The card comes with one metro ticket that you use the entire week so make sure you keep that little ticket in a safe place. The Carte Orange was a good deal for us since we used the metro 4-5 times per day.

WillTravel

They aren't that picky. Just trim it so it's about 1" by 1".

Gretchen

Cut a face out of any snapshot you have. It may even be a bit smaller than an inch square.
They will not sell you the wrong week because you will be buying on Sunday. The last day it is sold for the current week is Wednesday.
As has been said it won't cover Versailles because you don't need that extensive a zone coverage.
It is WONderful for riding the buses because you just show it to the driver (do not put in the canceller) and you can transfer buses, instead of having to use a new individual ticket. The buses are so much fun to use and easier than all the walking and climbing of stairs.
You need to write the number of the CO folder ON the ticket they give you. And of course, always be sure to retrieve it from the turnstile as you use it and put it away safely.

Christina

It's like an ID photo, a passport photo will do or those you get in booths. YOu can't take an 8x11, for example, and it is supposed to be a head shot, not a full body image. They want to see what you look like for identification and in less than a 2 inch square space, so a full body shot is not going to work. Mine is really about 1-1/4" across by 1-5/8" high.

newesttraveler

Thanks again everyone. Your comments and clarifications are extremely helpful.

WillTravel specifically noted that I was wrong about Versailles and that "a supplement that is something like 5.60" is required to travel to Versailles.

Does that mean that if I show my Carte Orange to the agent when I purchase my ticket that I will be charged this supplemental price rather than the full fare for the Versailles trip? (and how much is the full fare to Versailles and back if I am leaving from and returning to Ecole Militaire?)

Robespierre

Take the M&eacute;tro to La Motte Picquet Grenelle, and from there to Javel. Change to the RER C and buy your supplement there. There are three train stations in Versailles; yours will be the one to <u>Rive Gauche</u>.