saintedstarr

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

uhoh_busted

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.

bob_brown

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.

BrimhamRocks

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!

suze

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)!

jody

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!

scigirl

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.

LarryJ

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

Cobos

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

Scarlett

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 ~

jsmith

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.

opaldog

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.

KathyO

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.

ed

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

grandmere

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.

LVSue

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.

StCirq

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.

M_Adel

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.

Amanda

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!

DougP

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.