We are going to Paris on a day trip from London. I was reading some postings on Rick Steve's board and it seems that it is difficult for tourists to make it from the Eurostar to the metro without being approached by a scam of one kind or another. I am now wondering if we made a mistake. We live near Chicago, and I consider myself somewhat street smart, but perhaps since we don't speak French, I am feeling unsure. Any ideas/responses?

Just spent two weeks in Paris and not once did I run into a pickpocket or a scam. From your posting I feel as if I missed something.<BR>Fear.. Face everything and run!

Yes, we did experience this on our first trip from the Eurostar. There are several 'shifty' people who wait at the metro area at Gare du Nord, I think mostly on Saturdays since it's a big arrival day from London. The reason they do this is that sometimes the line to buy tickets is so long, and the metro workers on hand quite unhelpful--even in French--so they figure if they offer to help you, you'll be so anxious to get going that you'll take them up on it. But, you'll end up spending something like $70 for a one way ticket.<BR>Just avoid anyone who offers help of any kind and wait on line, even if long, or try to figure out the machines.<BR><BR><BR>Also beware of groups of men on the metro to and from Gare du Nord as, at rush hour they can crowd people in, pushing back and forth, and easily pick pockets.<BR><BR>I am not trying to scare you, but as long as you are aware and careful you should not have a problem.

Even though Paris is my favourite city, my encounter with the ‘undesired' side of Paris left me a rather depressing experienced of the city of Light. In one morning trip, travel from the Eiffel tower to the Louvre museum, I had been pickpocket not one but twice, first in the metro and then right in the main foyer of the Louvre. The trick they do at the metro were to block your path in boarding the train and while you stumble in the middle of the crowd the others reach for your pockets. Just be alerted and mind for your belongings.

We also encountered the "helpful" person at the Gare du Nord who was "assisting" us with ticket purchases. I finally realized it was a scam, went to the ticket booth and bought a carnet of tickets.

We spent 10 days in Paris during May and did have a few problems with pickpockets and conmen harassing us. My camera was ripped out from within my windbreaker and a slew of young thugs barraded us in a large crowd of people. They did a number on a large amount of people, tourists and locals. Just be very aware of your surroundings at all times.

jk:<BR>My experiences have been different, Thank God.<BR>My common sense is in full alert while at Gard du Nord. The waiting area for the EuroStar was a busy and well patrolled area. There were police offices and soldiers all over. They continually shoo away undesirables. <BR>Be alert but enjoy yourself.<BR>

The waiting area for the Eurostar is actually a restricted area (i.e. you must have a Eurostar ticket and have your bags examined). The trek from the Eurostar to the metro is a pretty long one. However, it may well be worth your time and money (if you have baggage) to simply take a cab. The Taxi stand is directly beneath the Eurostar waiting area. Finally, the foregoing warnings are important, but we actually received legitimate help from people within Gare du Nord, but were solicited on a number of occasions by young women with babies begging.

The waiting area for the Eurostar is actually a restricted area (i.e. you must have a Eurostar ticket and have your bags examined). The trek from the Eurostar to the metro is a pretty long one. However, it may well be worth your time and money (if you have baggage) to simply take a cab. The Taxi stand is directly beneath the Eurostar waiting area. Finally, the foregoing warnings are important, but we actually received legitimate help from people within Gare du Nord, but were solicited on a number of occasions by young women with babies begging.

If you are on a day trip from London I assume you will have no luggage. Just walk straight out of the Gare to the street and get a taxi to your first sightseeing destination. If it were the Opera it would only be about $5. Take a taxi Parisien in the line. This will keep you above ground and you will immediately begin seeing Paris without the hassle of the Gare du NOrd Metro. You can take the Metro back to the Gare easier--just follow the signs for "grand Lignes" in the Metro.

Does this problem apply to the RER as well? We've never been to Paris, but were told by our hotel that it was easy to catch train fr. Gare du Nord to St Michel Notre Dame. Having not been there I don't know if access to the train is the same as metro? Thank you.

Gare du Nord is no worse than any other large train station. Large train stations in all countries (including the USA) are places where thieves ply their trade. <BR><BR>Just stay aware, keep a grip on your belongings, and ignore strangers who approach you.<BR><BR>I spent a considerable amount of time using the Gare du Nore 2 years ago (my hotel was nearby), and did not have any problems.

Forgot to mention: The long-distance trains, RER, and metro are located in different areas of the Gare du Nord. My memory is a little hazy on this, but I think the RER is located in the left-most part of the station (left, when inside the station facing towards the outside street). There are also signs pointing to the RER section.

To Ardy about the RER from Gare du Nord.If you have luggage it just sort of compounds the problem--you are trying to go through turnstiles, buy tickets, find the right platform and direction. It isn't hard but it does require attention. It also draws attention of thieves to perhaps prey on you. So if you do it (and I have) pay attention acutely. Gare du Nord is a sprawling complex that has recently had a lot of construction also making things even more complicated. I have heard that that is complete (since October). And I will say that St. Michel is also not my favorite Metro stop for safety. How about a cab--particularly if you have luggage.