sabrina

can anyone tell me what kind of secutiry issue that I need to be conecerned if i am going to go out alone in Paris as single girl such as drink bar, dance club or night time city walk alone. is safe to be alone?? any escort tour or any group that I can join it?? is safe to take taxi after mid-night? or??? any suggestions???

Doug

The Metro is generally safe at all hours. After saying that, there are precautions that I take anywhere, even in boarding areas at the airport ( the safest areas in the world). It is probably best not to go out alone at night into areas that you do not know are safe. Taxis are available in Paris only at taxi stands so take care to note the closest stand and decide if you feel safe waiting for a taxi there. Often the taxis are waiting.

Candace

My coworker lived in Paris for a while and she recommends taking a taxi during the late hours. However, after hearing her story I think that although taxis are generally safe late at night compared to the metro, it depends on the taxi driver also. My coworker-a student at the time-was thrilled to actually converse in French and so got to conversing with the taxi driver,and she being so naive(dumb?) at the time, was asked by the driver if she'd like to accompany him on all of his trips. Any other girl would decline but she said okay not even thinking of the implication. Well, yes he did drive her to this deserted stop finally and that's when she got it and demanded that he take her to her stop.<BR><BR>We travelled on the RER late at night (close to 11 p.m.) after coming from Brussels on a daytrip. Surprisingly, the RER was not deserted-many other travellers also-so it felt safe. But in general, if you do take the metro late at night (or daytime) you just have to be aware of your surroundings just as at home also. <BR><BR>

Alia

I definetly wouldn't take teh metro after 11. last year i was in paris with my mom, we used to take teh metro from franklin roosevelt (champs elysee) to opera square where our hotel was situated. yes it is crowded even at midnight but that one time there were a few bums (no more than 14-15 year old) who kept looking at our hand bags. I was terrified especially that it was one of those stops where u walk a lot in a tube till u reach the exit. I would be careful at all times (also in rush hour) in the paris metro, if u r nothing will happen. Other then being mugged u have nothing to fear anywhere in Paris, it is totally safe (as far as my experience goes).

Claudia

I just got back from Paris, but correct me if I'm wrong, the metro only runs until 1pm. We ended up taking a taxi because the station was closed.

xxx

claudia --- 1 PM is one hour after noon. the metro certainly runs later than 1PM. 1 AM is more like it.

Mia

xxx- I think we all understood what Claudia meant. No need to point out the typo.

ParisMetro

Whatever time it might be, if you're a young Ameican tourist planning to take the m&eacute;tro in Paris, you should have your wits about you in the late hours of the night (Paris m&eacute;tro stops at 1 a.m. and you shouldn't be on it at that hour.)Your message on Fodor's suggests that you are less than literate, but if you are here's a tip: STAY OFF THE METRO AFTER 11 PM. OK? Got it?: DON'T TAKE THE METRO IF YOU'VE BEEN DRINKING!!!<BR><BR>Got It? Paris is a very safe city.Be wise and you'll be OK.

Marla

I think you should be very concerned and very cautious. It would be best to visit bars, dance clubs, alone only near your hotel or where there is a very nearby taxi stand with a waiting taxi. Being out and about alone might give some the completely wrong impression and you could be followed, by having inadvertenty extended the wrong impression. Under no circumstances should you head for the metro after having visited a club or bar by yourself. Paris is definitely very safe, but I do not recommend going all about late at night by yourself. You'd be inviting trouble.

elvira

The metros stop running about 1am - different lines have slightly different times. Most stations are safe (Barbes is not safe at night), so are the trains. There are buses that run all night, and cover a good chunk of the city.<BR><BR>If you normally go out by yourself in your own city, to clubs and bars, etc. where there are people you don't know, then you know how to handle yourself.<BR><BR>Stick to places near your hotel, or take a taxi. Especially after a few drinks, judgement isn't always the best. A short walk to your hotel or a cab ride is the safest bet.

CAUTION

be on the lookout for the horrible pygmy arab gypsie troubadors...they will get under your skirt and tickle your "fancy" before you know it.

gigi

If you're from a big city you know what precautions are in order. Paris is very safe, but a woman by herself should always be careful. Keep your wits about you- since you can't do that if you're drunk, don't go home drunk late at night in a strange city. Walk with purpose, ignore beggars, don't talk to strangers, etc. This is all standard for any city. If you're not used to getting around in a big city or on a subway system, don't be afraid, though things like aggressive beggars can freak you out if you're not used to encountering them. Just be aware. And please don't get drunk and wander home by yourself late at night, in ANY city, big or small, at home or abroad. That is always dangerous.

pygmy-arab-gypsy

Nah sabrina go on out and drink it up and party and then get on the metro so I can sneak up on you and tickle you little fancy

Kate

I'm 30, female, and often go to Paris alone. I feel safer in the summer - oh, but I suppose everyone does. There are just more people on the streets, taking their time, sitting outside, etc. I always feel safe ON the metro, but if you're at one of the further-out stops, it can be very scary getting to street level. I have no reason to be scared - no one ever approached me - but you can just be completely alone, and you simply don't feel safe. If you're getting off at a busy central station, you'll probably feel pretty safe at any time. But, you know, don't look scared, don't look around you and hold onto your purse. Relax, don't close your body up, don't look like someone expecting to be mugged. Just be careful. If you're drinking in a bar and someone won't leave you alone, face him, and tell him, then move to somewhere else that seems safe to you. <BR><BR>I'm sure you'll have a great time and have no need to worry, but just remain cautious without looking fearful. I always seem to get annoying little old men talking to me in broad daylight. Smile, and walk faster than them.