Paris Metro
 

For a couple with a 3-year old toddler, what is the best type of ticket to get for Paris Metro for a period of 3 weeks?

s

It depends on your dates and ages. Kids under 4 ride free; for adults, some combination of weekly passes (called <i>Navigo Decouverte</i>) and single tickets bought in a <i>carnet</i> of 10 should work.

The weekly passes are always valid Monday through Sunday. They are sold from the preceding Friday through Wednesday of the week of validity.

There is also an all-day pass called <i>Mobilis</i> which might be cheaper than singles if you take a lot of rides in a day. For those under 26, a less expensive <i>Ticket Jeunes</i> can substitute for a <i>Mobilis</i> on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday.

Prices for weekly tickets are shown as <i>Carte Orange</i> at http://www.ratp.info/informer/tarif.php

Don't forget to use the buses! The bus lines are just as efficient as the metro and a lot less wear and tear on toddler legs! If you haven't tried the Paris bus system before (it took me 3 visits before I tried)you're in for an enjoyable alternative to the metro. So much to see and enjoy and the buses really do service all areas of the city.

Bus primer: fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?tid=34987572

I heartily second the advice to use the buses rather than the Metro, where practical. I have a bit of difficulty with stairs, and the Metro has zillions of them, plus the connections at some stations require really long walks, as well as plenty of stairs.

We got the Navigo Decouverte for the two weeks we were in Paris last October, and found it very convenient, as it is good for both the buses and the underground.

The buses are full of folks with little kids, as they hate lugging tired toddlers up and down stairs as much as I hate dragging my tiring old body.

You will love Paris!

:-)

Thank you all so very much. Will definitely try the bus and get the weekly ticket.

We arrived yesterday, staying in the 4th. Been to Paris many many times but first time with child on tow, it will be challenging to say the least and the sights will certainly be different through a toddler's eyes.

s