Helpful Information: France
 

Hi all,

Considering the number of FAQs on travel to France and Paris, I thought it might be useful to start a thread answering these questions.

How do I buy train tickets on-line:

You can buy your tickets online from SNCF.

http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/...geUK&WB=HP

Enter your arrival and departure stations.

You will pick up your tickets in France.

Choose the Automatic Ticket Machine option.

You will get a confirmation number which will allow you to get your ticket at the departure train station.

Bring the same credit card to which you charged your ticket.

Ummm.. you're sitting in front of this computer too long, ira...

If you want to help, start a website.

This thread will be lost and forgotten in less than 48 hours.

And I better not sit here that long, myself... Yikes, I need to get some work done today!

Best wishes,

Rex

Just out of interest Ira. How many times have you answered that question?

(And Rex, given that I learned this a long time ago, why am I always gobsmacked when faced with the standard American lack of comprehension of irony?)

Hi Sheila,

Often enough to start a new thread of FAQs for France.

Thanks for the info, Ira. I'll have to buy SNCF tickets soon and having the website and details will make it much easier.
Ginny

Glad it helped you, ginny.

Anyone else have suggestions?

Suggestion: Keep topping this thread.

Are there special passes for travel on the Metro in Paris?

See http://www.bootsnall.com/europetrave...y02metro.shtml

http://www.ratp.fr/ParisVisite/Eng/index.htm
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Are there museum passes?

See
http://www.discoverfrance.com/gotoparis/musee.html

Can I buy these passes in Paris?

YES. It is cheaper that way. Get museum passes at any of the museums on the list. Get the Metro passes at the Metro.
........................

What is a Carnet?

It is a card of ten Metro tickets. You get a reduced rate of about 10E. Buy it at the Metro.

You can also buy a one-day pass.
......................

How can I find out how to get from one point to another on public transportation in Paris.

Go to http://www.ratp.fr/index_eng.htm

Does the Museum Pass include Versailles?

See

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34476912

The Italy one has been such a success. Can you francophiles help with this one?

Museum (the big 3) opening hours:

Louvre: closed Tuesdays. 9-6, open late M and W.

See http://www.louvre.fr/anglais/infos/p_ouv.htm

Orsay: closed Mondays. 10-6 (9 during the summer). Open late Th.

http://www.musee-orsay.fr/ORSAY/orsa...s?OpenDocument

Pompidou/Beauborg: Closed Tuesdays. 11-10. Open late Th and F.

See
http://www.centrepompidou.fr/Pompido...=3.1.1&L=2

Ira, thanks for the train info, very helpful.

Too keep this topped*
Electricity in France:
220 volts..you need a transformer and adaptor plug.
BHV Dept Store, rue de Rivoli has what you need, if you do not bring your own.

Real Italian gelato in Paris:

Amorino -

47 Rue St Louis en Lille.

4 Rue de Buci.

Amazing French Lingerie
Sabbia Rose
Blvd St Germain

This can be reeeally important information!! ((L))

Scarlett, Sabbia Rosa is at 71 rue des Saints-Pères, just south of blvd. St-Germain. You can tell what it is by the nose marks on the window. :-)

more, please...

thanks for the lingerie tip, scarlett and shellio! :)

Thank you Shellio, I must have had a Pre-Senior moment :O

Here are 27 Good Value Tips for Paris/Caen
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34465677

ttt for holiday and weekend viewing!