All you world traveler's are so great at giving out helpful advice, hope someone has some for us. We (4 women) are arriving late on a Fri night in Paris. We are staying at a private apartment in the 20th district. (the apt owner will not be in town to help us) I am concerned about arriving late and am going to hire a van or limo service to take us to the apartment. What my husband is suggesting is maybe should get a car if we are paying that much for pickup and return to airport. His concern is taking Metro late, say after dinner during our stay and walking to apartment. Not the same as staying in busy hotel area. Anyone have comments or pointers on getting around Paris? Our first time in Paris. I am not sure we want a car as we are only there for 4 nights.

I would avoid renting a car. Take a taxi if you are out late and don't feel safe. There are taxi stands all over the downtown area. From a cost standpoint, I can't imagine that you will be spending more for a cab ride or two each day, than you would for the car.

Debbi: Do NOT rent a car for Paris. It's too costly and you'll be feeding the meters all the time. When you arrive at CDG, either take 2 taxis (a Paris Taxi will only take 3 people max.) and with all that luggage, probably only 2. Either get 2 cabs or prereserve a car service and compare which is more cost effective. Where exactly in the 20th? Are you around Metro Gambetta or Pelleport or St. Fargeau? Where exactly? The 20th has some nice, quiet areas.

Heavens, NO, don't get a car. You would have to contend with the time, trouble and expense of parking, time to pick up and return the vehicle as well as the headache of driving, with net result being more time spent in the car than you would on Metro and less having fun.

Bonjour,<BR><BR>I agree with all of the above posters. We have a car that we keep in Paris, and the last two or three times we've been, we have only used it a couple of times. It's great for traveling around France. The Metro and bus lines are wonderful, get yourself a Carte Orange for a week and you will be set. Parking in Paris is impossible.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful stay in Paris. <BR><BR>RJS<BR><BR>

Would have guessed it was your first time to Paris. You can pay for a shuttle before you leave the states and it works just fine. As for renting a car.........No Way Jose!

Agree with all above. NO on car. Did we all get our point across? Cars are a hassle in Paris!

Debbi: Absolutely NO!!! do NOT rent a car for Paris. You will never see the city. You will be sitting terrified inside it all day long, stuck in traffic, looking for parking, and being hopelessly lost. The m&eacute;tro is perfectly safe except for a few stations late at night, and the cost of taxis certainly won't exceed the cost of a rental.