Arriving in Paris alone, I'm trying to decide how to get to the St. Paul metro stop area. Have been in Paris several times with friends but on my own this time. Have taken the RER and metro once, but I've read that the Chatelet area is seedy. Will I feel safe transferring to the metro at that station? I will be arriving in the early afternoon mid-week. Also considering the Air France bus and transferring at Etoile to the metro. Taxi is an option, but pretty expensive alone. Thanks in advance. Good travel info here!

eurocheapo.com/paris getting around

RER always has worked fine for me tonnes cheaper

always have personally felt safe.

Chatelet is large, but I did not find it particularly seedy. And during a weekday afternoon, I would not worry.

Many routes to get you to St Paul do not require you going via Chatelet.

You could take the Air France bus to Gare de Lyon, and get on metro Line 1 there, only two stops.

You could take RER to Gare du Nord, Metro Line 5 to Bastille, then walk or take Metro on stop over to St Paul.

I would have no problem at that time of day making a transfer at chatelet to line 1 for the st. paul stop. Just follow the signs and make your way to the train. I wouldn't think you would have any problems.

I wouldn't hesitate taking the metro and transferring at Chatelet at that time of day.

Thanks, everyone! I'll probably take the RER and metro, or I may take the Air France bus. Michel, your route option was helpful. I was unaware of that choice. I appreciate the input.