Paris Metro/RER
Jun 5th, 2003, 06:54 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Paris Metro/RER
We've found an apt in the 12th with easy access to Nation and Vincennes stations. How good are the metros in Paris - tried the ubahn and sbahn in Munich and they were a breeze. Any gotcha's we need to know? Will be taking them into the city center and the RER for a couple of day tours during our stay. Thanks!
Jun 5th, 2003, 07:00 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Paris metro system is very well organized and user friendly. I have found it to be the best I've ever used. Be sure to get a good metro map, and choose your train by looking at the end of the line/final stop on the route.
There is a very recent thread herein about the Paris metro. Do a text search and you will come up with tons of useful info.
Have fun!
There is a very recent thread herein about the Paris metro. Do a text search and you will come up with tons of useful info.
Have fun!
Jun 5th, 2003, 08:53 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
All your questions will be answered by visiting
WWW.RATP.FR
WWW.RATP.FR
Jun 5th, 2003, 09:10 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
No, the paris metro does not run all night...i believe they stop at midnight or 1:00.
We walked alot, so i don't think i ever took it that late.
There are buses that run all night, you can get a schedule and bus route map at
the RATP website..which someone posted in another message.
Have fun..the metro is easy, just watch out for those closing doors on the older trains!!
We walked alot, so i don't think i ever took it that late.
There are buses that run all night, you can get a schedule and bus route map at
the RATP website..which someone posted in another message.
Have fun..the metro is easy, just watch out for those closing doors on the older trains!!
Jun 5th, 2003, 12:37 PM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 970
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If your apt rental is Sat-Sat, get a carnet of tickets (10/€9.60) to see you through Sat/Sun and a Carte Orange Hebdomadaire (weekly) that gives you unlimited access to buses and metros. They run Mon-Sun and cost €13.25. You'll need a small (1 x 1) picture, Photomaton, school pix or cut out of a larger one. And do try the buses--I much prefer them. Bus 86, for example, goes to Bastille, goes to St. Germain, dropping down by St. Sulpice (due to one way streets), ending up at the St. Germain des Pres church. (Returning it runs along St. Germain)
I would encourage you to get Michael Middleditch's Paris Mapguide, which divides Paris into sections and marks bus routes.
I would encourage you to get Michael Middleditch's Paris Mapguide, which divides Paris into sections and marks bus routes.
Jun 5th, 2003, 01:06 PM
#8
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 739
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Paris Metro is wonderful. I believe that most (or all stations) have a map outside, so if you find yourself near a Metro stop you can find out where it's going and figure out where to transfer (correspondance).
Jun 5th, 2003, 01:13 PM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 12,820
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Taking the Metro late at night can be risky!!!I suggest that, for your own safety , to take a taxi..It is worth the price. Paris is not what it used to be Unfortunately, but it still a great city to visit.
Jun 5th, 2003, 01:14 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree Paris metro is great--it will take you basically anywhere you want to go; however, you do need to be aware that the transportation workers have been striking a lot lately and this shuts down the metro--I just returned from Paris on Tuesday and metro was shut down, also buses, trains, and all domestic air traffic. Hopefully this will be over by when you visit.
Most stations close from midnight or 1:00 am till about 5:00-5:30 am.
Most stations close from midnight or 1:00 am till about 5:00-5:30 am.
Jun 5th, 2003, 03:19 PM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree that the only times we felt a little "iffy" about being in the metro stations was very late at night (say from 11:30 on). Otherwise, we felt very safe, but were always aware of our surroundings.
Another thing to remember, some of the station ticket booths close in the evening, so it's always a good idea to have a carnet of tickets. We got stuck w/o any tickets on our way back to London and liked to have never found an open booth to purchase any. Needless to say, we learned our lesson.
Another thing to remember, some of the station ticket booths close in the evening, so it's always a good idea to have a carnet of tickets. We got stuck w/o any tickets on our way back to London and liked to have never found an open booth to purchase any. Needless to say, we learned our lesson.
Jun 5th, 2003, 06:29 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We're on a Sunday-Sunday schedule so a one day ticket and then the weekly pass will be our best route if I read the posts correctly. Heard about the strikes - a friend's college-aged daughter was there last week and the group had to cancel their Versailles trip - they could get a taxi out but had no guarantee of getting back and they are on a very tight budget. just one reason to "have to go back" again I guess. thanks for all the info -
Jun 6th, 2003, 05:33 AM
#13
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 739
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
While we all are probably cautious late at night, remember that things can happen in broad daylight. A few years ago, I was pickpocketed in Cite Metro (near Notre Dame). These people are fast and skillful. I didn't realize what was happening until it was over. Looking back and wondering what I would have done differently, I believe it was a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think these things are more likely to happen in areas frequented by tourists. And yes, I still ride the Metro.
