Just wondering if ALL metro stations in Paris have escalators/elevators or is it mostly all stair climbing? Thanks fodorites!

irishdame,<BR><BR>unfortunately, you should be prepared for LOTS of stairs...<BR><BR>Hope this helps,<BR>Andre

Not only be prepared for stairs, but also long tunnels and an odor.<BR><BR>IF you ride the Meteor route that runs along the right bank of the Seine, be careful. It is fully automatic, no humans driving the train, and it can be dangerous. I was trapped in the door last year when it closed suddenly and squeezed me like I was in a vice. The door reopened only when three people forced it open. <BR><BR>If you get the impression I don't like the Paris Metro, you are correct.<BR><BR>Also, beware of people reading the route maps over the subway car doors. Often pretending to read the map, exiting the car, and brushing into you in the process is favorite ploy of pickpockets.<BR>

yes, it is mostly stairs. I think elevators are rare, although I've never needed one so don't look for them. Some of them that have escalators only have them for part of the way, or perhaps only on the way up, not down.

Paris has an extensive bus system. I can give you some tips.<BR>[email protected]

agree..be prepared for stairs. It seemed more often stairs were the means from level to level. Escalators were always a pleasant surprise.

Yes , there are a lot of stairs and, yes, there is a lot of walking through tunnels. I have been on the Paris Metro hundreds of times in my life. I find it to be the easiest and one of the best metro systems in the world. And, by the way, I love those those unmanned metros where you can see all trhe way to the front. It's like a mini-thrill ride. Have fun.

<BR><BR>Lots of stairs. Lots of tunnels. Lots of walking. No wonder we all come home thinner! <BR>

Yup, be prepared for lots of stairs and lots of hallways. Agree that escalators, where you find them, and if they're working, are a nice surprise.<BR><BR>We like the buses MUCH better. No pickpockets, stops more conveniently located, and the scenery!

Look on the bright side, if it wasn't for the stairs and tunnels, then all the croissants and baguettes would be coming back as unwanted souvenirs. If you're physically able to do it then it's fine. Otherwise the busses get you where you need to go and you get to see the city too.