Fear of the Metro in Paris
 

I'm trying to get up the courage to use the metro system in Paris while I am there with my family. I've been reading some horrible stories at other travel boards about the pickpockets and general fears of taking these things in the city. I would love to hear some positive postes that would make me feel better about taking the metro with my family. I will probably be using the assistance of a guide but I can't have them around for 24 hours.
Thank you.
Sal

We've been to Paris 3 times since 1998 (for 8 days, one week, and just last May another 4 days) and we always use the Metro. We have never had a problem, or even felt uncomfortable. I'm also used to using the Metro in Washington DC (we live in the area) and NYC, and have never had any problems. Nor did we have any trouble on the tube in London for a week last year. It is public transportation that is used by residents every single day.

Fear? Well, that might not be the right word. Caution and concern yes.

What age ae the children? If you have toddlers or children who need constant monitoring, I suggest you work out a method by which you hold onto them.

I cannot really say much to put your fears at ease because I hate the Paris Metro.

I take the bus whereever and whenever I can.

One major problem with both means of transportation is that of finding seats. During the late morning and early afternoon, and late in the evening you can find seats, but often they are not contiguous.

How large a group do you have?
I am not trying to be an alarmist about the Metro, but after 3 trips to Paris in recent years, I am very cautious.

I've been to Paris twice, although not with children in tow. Both times I spotted pickpockets. But hey, let's face it - there are pickpockets almost wherever you go, nowadays.

Just be cautious, as you would in ANY new place that you aren't familiar with, and enjoy the metro. I consider it to be part of the whole Paris experience!

I avoid the Metro not because of the possibility of theft but because I find it intensely confusing. Yes yes I know many say it's a piece of cake. But for me personally, and particularly if I am solo ... I just stay above ground and do my traveling on foot (and pick a very central hotel).

Other options include taxi and bus.

Oops I just read the original post & I'm supposed to be saying something positive (sorry)!

We've been to Paris 10 or so times...I have never had one moments qualm about using the metro!

You do realize that some are just alarmists and most probably would react the same way at home.

Just be aware...as you would anywhere..and enjoy the time you will have in the most wonderful city!

I've made three trips to Paris and never had a problem with the Metro. I find it easy to navigate, inexpensive, and quick. As with any crowded public space you'll want to keep a hand on your belongings (and children) - but that would be true of the bus, lines into events, etc. I personally never saw or encountered an pick pockets in Paris (I'm sure they are there) whereas Rome seemed to be crawling with them...

There are metro maps at pretty much each station. You can map out your route, stops, line changes, etc. in advance.

I'm in Paris every few months. I don't know how anyone can truly experience all Paris has to offer if the Metro is not used to the fullest. Wear a money belt under your clothes with your credit cards, passport and large sums of money. Carry in your front pocket only a day's worth of walking around money and your Metro pass or tickets. It is now impossible for you to suffer any great loss by a thief. No physical harm will come to you on the Metro system as physical violence is rare; much less than any major city in US. As for your children; they will be safe as thieves do not steal children on the Metro and with your valuables safeguarded in your money belt you will be free to devote all your attention to the kids. Do this any I'll bet you a nickel no harm comes to you in Paris.

Relax and enjoy Paris as I do.

Larry J

I've only been to Paris 3 times and every time I used the metro many many times every day. It's fast, convenient, with stops every few hundred meters and except at rush hours (which you as a tourist should be avoiding anyway) is generally not full of people....
And about the pickpocket issue...consider how many takes the metro every day...lets say 0,5-1 million maybe and how many of them get pickpocketed do you think ? 10 maybe 20 ? Then look at the odds... :) (though my numbers are based on my own estimates if someone knows better please correct me)...
My question is rather how else would you get around in Paris ? My limited experience with cab-drivers in Paris on the other hand.... :) Let's just say I've never seen anyone use a gas station to skip 2 cars ahead in the queue on the main road....

Cobos

I live in NYC and never take the subway but find the Metro in Paris easy to use. I have never had a moments worry or confusion. I have also never spotted a pickpocket but that might just be my not paying attention to such things :)
The Tube in London and the Metro in Paris are the easiest and cheapest way to get around.
In this case, I would say NOT to listen to every horror story ~

My wife and I have taken multiple trips to London and Paris in the last dozen years and have never hesitated to use the Metro in Paris and the Tube in London. We find both easy to use. Every station has a map and the stations are well marked.

The first thing to do on arrival is to get pocket maps of the system for each member of your part so you can see where each line goes and where they intersect. Most guidebooks have a map also so you can prepare yourself before you go and many tell which is the closest Metro station to the attraction.

I don't believe in reinventing the wheel so I suggest you use the info here at Fodors to get details of how the system works. Click "Destination", "Paris", "Smart Travel Tips", "Getting Around" and scroll down to "By Metro".

In Feb 01 we took our grandchildren at 10 & 14 to London and in Feb 02 to Paris at 11 & 15. After the first couple of days, we think both could have navigated the system back to the hotels and we confidently let them plan the routes to our destinations. We made sure that each of the kids had a Metro ticket or two, a card for the hotel, money and strict instructions of what to do if they became separated.

You do have to be cautious that you don't become separated so try to avoid rush hours when this is most apt to occur. You should also have plans in case it does happen - get off at the next station and wait for the missing is probably the best tactic.

In many rides I know of only one time that an attempt to pickpocket me was made. There is a whole thread elsewhere on this board with hints how to protect yourself.

Go and use the public transport with confidence.

I love the metro. Of course, whenever you can walk, you'll see alot more. For getting around it's great. I find it very easy to use. You just need to know the destination of the end of each line you plan to use. Hang onto your pocketbook and watch your pockets and you will have no problems. You would do that in any large city. I have never had a problem.

We just returned from a June trip and took several metro trips. We never felt unsafe, although I was very cautious with my belongings. I was fully expecting to see potential pick-pockets but never did.

We might have preferred taking a bus for the view of the sights along the way, but the drivers were on strike our first day so we ended up using the metro. Once we did it we found out how easy it is.

We have been to Paris at least 12 times and have used the Metro without a problem.

It is very easy to figure out but the maps don't show stairs which can be quite a chore.

This last trip we bought a Carte Orange
( got there on Sunday) and used the bus a lot. With the Carte Orange you can just hop on and hop off if for only a few blocks.

the bus is slower, or course, but more scenic:-B

Perhaps I've just been lucky, but I've never had a bad experience on the Metro in several trips to Paris. I am careful, hang onto my bag, and stay alert, though.

I've used the metro for the last 40 years and find it to be a terrifically efficient way of getting around Paris, much better than the Tube because there are more lines and the likelihood of finding a close-by station are better.

I've never felt unsafe, though last year for the first time I noticed a potential pickpocket. We were standing, holding onto a pole. There was a young woman (Med complexion) holding onto the same pole. Her left hand/arm was clearly visible, but I declare this gal must have been a contortionist because her right arm was extended way under her left, to the point that she could touch my friend. I kept an eye on her and my friend's carrier was under her jacket.

Please have no fear--the metro is great! And buses are great, too, cuz you get to see the sites as you go.

I've used the métro in Paris a lot - many times a day on three or four days' visits a few times a year since 1972 - and have never been the target of a pickpocket or any other kind of criminal and have never even witnessed such an incident. I know they occur, but you'd think the odds were that I might have experienced something in all those years, so it can't be so bad.

I've also tended to use the bus system a lot in recent years, mainly because it's above ground and I can soak in more of Paris on what are my usually short (3-4 days) stays there. The bus is slower, though.

I do not stash my possessions in a fanny pack or under-the-clothing whatchamadoodle or anything unusual at all. I carry a purse I bought in Paris and wear clothes I bought in Paris and am prepared to scream and yell in vulgar French if anyone comes near me as well as use the karate techniques I learned years ago (the elbow is the hardest part of the body - slammed up against a chin, it can do wonders; and the index amd middle fingers poked really hard into someone's soft spot in the throat can turn someone off pickpocketing for a few days at least).

Seriously, if you're afraid to use the métro, use the bus system and the Batobus. Also, Paris is the ultimate walking city. I walk MILES every day when I'm there - it's actually a small city and with a few exceptions if you plan a good route, you can see the whole place well on foot if you're up to it.

And don't forget that just about every Parisian who lives in Paris uses the métro to get around. If it were really that scary, the system would have no riders.

I was in Paris in June with my family--two adults and kids 15, 13, and 8. We took the Metro all over the place during the day and even up 'til midnight without any problems. Just pay attention to where you are going and your surroundings and you shouldn't have any problems. Also ask for a carnet (book of ten tickets) from the Metro station attendant if you're traveling with your family to get a price break on the tickets.

I've used the tube in London, Metro in Paris, and underground in New York and Washington. The only place I found a bit confusing was New York because we didn't realize there was a 2 level system. I was more worried about pickpockets in NY, but use the same precautions I do at home. We had a rule that worked for us when a child got on the train and we were left behind - he got off at the next stop and waited for us!

Another positive. In any given day approx 100,000 people use the metro, nobody gets killed and probably only 10 people get pickpocketted ( is that a word?). Your odds of being felt up by a pickpocket are slim. 1 in 10,000. I know, this probably doesn't ease your fear. False Evidence Appearing Real.

the only thing i find daunting about the paris metro is the incredible ammount of stair climbing to be done when transferring or exiting certain stations.

the ones at chatalet are truly awesome!!!

Hi

I have visited Paris many times (most recent in 2001) and have never felt unsafe on the Metro.

The only time my wife and I have been robbed was when her purse was snatched six blocks from our home in the US.

Hi
The worst thing about the metro for me is the smell-not overpowering, just slightly stale and unpleasant.
I've never been robbed on my travels, I just exercise common sense. If you are crowded into a subway car or on the platform, make sure your bag is closed and against your body. Men's wallets should be in secure front pockets, or in a totebag.

The metro scheme is

whoops, pushed Go too soon

anyway, the metro has great maps all over the place, and sometimes interactive maps where you push the button for where you want to go and the route lights up. The kids will enjoy that.
You just have to remember that you are heading toward the final stop of the route that your particular destination is on. So you want "Direction__" depending on what that final stop is.

You will see some people begging, in any city I tend to stay away, and give generously to a charity instead.

Buses are fine too and you can see the city as you go, but they can be quite slow in traffic. A good guidebook (such as Paris Mapguide) will have bus and metro maps.)

I have a file on Paris, if you'd like to see it, email me at
[email protected]

"...though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For I am the meanest S.O.B. in the valley."

Seriously, though, you are going to be very handicapped if you can't make use of the Paris metro system. I've ridden it hundreds of times; often with family members, too. Use common sense when it comes to your belongings and how you situate yourself. You should be just fine. Personally, I have several garments that incorporate discreet, zippered pockets and that is handy in places where pickpockets are known to work.

(Now, if I can just shake this image in my head of StCirq yelling in vulgar French before dropping someone in a crumpled heap with a strategic elbow blow! ;) )

LOL, I want to learn those vulgar French words!!
StCirq is my hero :) =D>

I agree that not using the Metro in Paris out of fear of what MIGHT happen could hamper one a bit...but there are always taxis and other ways to get around if the fear is at the point of impeding travel.
I had to laugh at StCirq's comment about all the protesting and vulgar words, karate chops, etc., etc., because in actuality a really GOOD pickpocket/thief will be LONG gone before the impulse for screaming/yelling/Kung-fu or anything else sinks in.

Point well taken, (but you don't know StCirq!)

I think this is really an issue because some people have never used this form of transportation and aren't used to it, or perhaps big cities in general, and thus they are worried and find it difficult. If you are familiar with big cities and have used underground systems before, it doesn't seem unusual or scary at all. Paris' system is better-marked and easier to use than some others IMO, although I've never taken a subway system that I thought was that difficult as use just follow the lines to get where you want to go. (NYC probably was the most complicated). You have to have a good city map to know what station you want to go to, that's all--you look on your map as to where you want to go, find the closest station and then just look at the metro map to see what line gets you there. I know some people just find maps difficult to read, and for them, I think maybe it's not a good idea, or those who get confused easily or don't have a lot of stamina because there are a lot of stairs and walking around in them--that's the worst part to me.

I take both bus and metro, but just decide based on my route and which is most direct. The bus is nicer because of no stairs, but can be a lot slower due to traffic. At night, I usually take metro because many buses have very limited runs at night and you can wait a long time (some don't run after 8 pm, either). Both metro and buses can get very crowded during rush hour, but the metro can be hotter and smellier.

Pickpockets do target tourists and a lot of pickpocketing is done on the metro (I've seen stats about about half of pickpocketing on the metro). There is no problem if you do not have anything accessible to be pickpocketed and don't lend yourself to it. That is fairly easy to do -- don't have anything in a place it can be picked. I have seen pickpockets on the metro. The no. 1 and 4 lines are the worst, from what I've read, because a lot of tourists are on them (as well as the RER line from the airport).

As for odds and statistics, I do have some on this, but I almost hesitate to post them because I think it isn't a realistic way to approach the problem. Of course the actual rate of pickpocketing on the metro is very low as an occurrence. But it isn't spread evenly over everyone. The real figure is less than one pct (much less) of trips, but it isn't going to be the same for a tourist on the no. 1 line who is acting carelessly as for a local on the line between Balard and Lourmel, for example.

I don't think DougPs stats are very close to the real ones, however--at least not ones I've seen in publications, newspapers, or reputable online sources. I think they are way off. The Parisian metro takes millions of passengers a day (about 4-6 million), and each line carries about 25-40K a day. Also, more than 10 people a day get pickpocketed (stats I've seen are close to 50 on the metro who actually file police reports, it's a guess as to what proportion of events that represents). At least, those are the stats I've seen.

YOu should be careful about pickpockets in other areas, also--around any tourist attraction, in crowded tourist areas in general (such as Montmart, near Notre Dame), and leaving your things on the floor at open-air terraces.

Hi sainted,

You can find directions for going by bus (or metro) at http://www.ratp.fr/index_eng.htm

Click on "Route Finder"

Elaine mentioned the Paris Mapguide. I bought one on her advice and was happy to see that the exellent maps include notations of bus routes on major streets. This is really helpful in understanding the bus system, which is large and complicated.

I travel to Paris 3-4 times a month and want to encourage you to use the METRO.It is really the most efficient and economical way to get around the city. The major things to always keep in mind when using public transportation
is to :know the routing to get to your destination without having maps,etc. out(beginning and end of the line names);keep your valuables close to "your person";keep those lime green shorts that you love to wear home;buy the carnet 10 pak of tickets so you will be ready to breeze through the turnstile and have the look on your face that you know what you are doing. I ride the METRO with groups and alone (at all hours) and think that it is the only way to travel through Paris and a great way to people watch. If you are really nervous about crowds then try and not ride it during rush/peak hours as so many people in Paris use it for their transportation to work.It really is the best system and definitely part of your trip to Paris.PS-my kids were riding on the METRO with my husband and I at a very early age and it is very doable.
Now the gypsies in Florence-thats another story...............

I just returned from Paris and used the Metro. I can understand uneasiness if you are not used to using subways. It is a bit overwhelming. The only real worry you should have is about pick pockets, and the can easily be remedied by the above suggestion of using a money belt. Try not to carry too many things in your hands, as this can make you look like a target if you can be easily distracted by dropping things. As for bodily safety, I don't think there is a concern-just use everyday common sense.99.9% of the people riding on the Metro are riding it to get from one place to another. I like to take a spot at the end of the train, so the window is behind me and I can see all in front of me, instead of in the middle of the crowd. Also, I noticed that if you are riding the Metro in touristy areas, there are less "sleazy-looking" (so to speak) passengers, than if you travel to the outskirts like to the fleas markets. If you still feel uncomfortable, ride the bus. It's a little slower, but just as accessible. The Paris metro has a simple to follow grid map of stops.

This thread has taught me something I never knew about the Paris transportation system despite my frequent trips there. Pickpockets never ride buses in Paris! Who knew!

Larry J

Just got back from Paris a couple weeks ago. The metro seemed as safe as any in Europe, but the smell was horrible in some of the stations.

My best advice is steer clear of the Stalingrad station at all costs...I almost lost my lunch there because the smell of urine was so strong (no exaggeration!)

My wife and I have used the metro in Paris,London. Yes there are pickpockets. Your main concern is getting on and off the train. When in Paris do as they do push and shove in a courtesty type of way. It is eat or be eatten especially at rush hour. All in all they are safe as any in the states DC, NY, SF CHI. Go and have fun. It will be a great experience. Just have a good map of the stops.

I think its fine, but you've already read that. If you're not keen on it to begin with I wold avoid the Chatalet and Montparnasse stations. They look convenient because so many lines cross at these stations, but they can be confusing and are among the busiest in the city, particularly Chatalet. The yellow line that runs from Le Defense to ? is the busiest (line 1 I think) and so I would avoid it during rush hours if crowds bother you, plus it can be oppressively hot. Its an easy and effecient system. The buses are certainly more senic and cooler, but can take much longer.

My husband and I always use the Metro when in Paris. We are NYers so are used to subway systems, and find the Metro to be one of the best. Some tactics we use to 'fit in' and not look lie tourists - never look at a map in the station or on the train, we plan our route before proceeding. We very rarely speak to one another on the train, as English is a dead give away. I never carry a pocketbook (never when on vacation anywhere) so one less thing to worry about. Never drop your guard and be aware of your surroundings. Use common sense and you'll be fine. I have seen plenty of pickpockets in the Metro and so far (knock on wood) have managed to avoid being hassled by any.

We go to Paris and ONLY use the Metro. I don't speak a word of French and still find it quite easy to navigate. I am not a regular subway/metro user at home, so the idea of it was very foreign, but its just SO easy. We've had many very nice people help us to understand announcements being made, etc. I especially love the live entertainment in the metro stations - classical chamber music, opera, jazz. Its great. Don't be afraid. Its not nearly as scary as the NY or DC subways.

Some advice:
When riding the subway, keep your belongings directly in front of you and make sure there are no strange men behind you. I always knew about the first rule but not the second. After being violated as a innocent teenager in the Paris Metro (believe me - he got one pointy elbow to the ribs, though he deserved worse), I should have realized this. After being ummm...shall I say "humped" on the NYC subway twice when I first moved here, I realized that you should NEVER let a man stand behind you on a crowded subway. Make sure a woman, or your companion, or a wall is behind you. If the train is very crowded, it's not really worth it to get on in the first place. It's better to use it during non-commuting hours.