Fear of the Metro in Paris
Jul 13th, 2003, 03:48 AM
#22
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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.
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.
Jul 13th, 2003, 04:07 AM
#23
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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
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
Jul 13th, 2003, 04:11 AM
#24
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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]
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]
Jul 13th, 2003, 04:14 AM
#25
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"...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!
)
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!
)
=D>
Jul 13th, 2003, 07:22 AM
#27
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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.
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.
Jul 13th, 2003, 07:31 AM
#29
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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.
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.
Jul 13th, 2003, 08:15 AM
#30
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Hi sainted,
You can find directions for going by bus (or metro) at http://www.ratp.fr/index_eng.htm
Click on "Route Finder"
You can find directions for going by bus (or metro) at http://www.ratp.fr/index_eng.htm
Click on "Route Finder"
Jul 13th, 2003, 08:21 AM
#31
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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.
Jul 13th, 2003, 08:51 AM
#32
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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...............
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...............
Jul 13th, 2003, 09:17 AM
#33
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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.
Jul 13th, 2003, 01:17 PM
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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 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!)
Jul 13th, 2003, 01:30 PM
#36
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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.
Jul 13th, 2003, 08:44 PM
#37
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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.
Jul 14th, 2003, 05:33 AM
#38
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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.
Jul 14th, 2003, 08:42 AM
#39
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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.
Jul 14th, 2003, 09:48 AM
#40
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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.
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.
