I know there have been messages about this before but my computer has taken forever to load the old messages. Can anyone suggest what metro pass I should and where I can get it. My girlfriend and I are going to Paris this Tuesday and will stay until Sunday. We arrive at CDG and planned to take the RER to our hotel. We will take 1 day trip to Versailles and we were also planning to use the RER to get there. Again, if anyone has advice on which Metro pass to buy and where to buy it, I would appreciate it. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Chris

Chris: You could purchsae either the 10-ride carnet pass or better yet, the Carte Orange which is available from Friday until Tuesday to purchase and it's good for the week. It costs FF 80.00 per person. These are good for lines #1, 2 & 3. Bring along a passport size photo of yourself. <BR> <BR>You can catch the bus for the "RER" at CDG gate #28, unless on Air France as the RER station is located right by the terminal. <BR> <BR>We took the RER-B from CDG to St. Michel and the RER-C from the Eiffel Tower to Versailles. The RER trains require an additional ticket. <BR> <BR>Have fun! <BR> <BR> <BR>

I always buy the 10 pass booklet (carne)for I think 48 fr. You buy it at any Metro ticket window.

Lee is right about the carte orange hebdomadaire. It is a great buy. Zones 1 and 2 for 80 FF will cover everything you want to see, I am sure, with the exception of your RER trips in from CDG and to Versailles. It runs from Monday morning to Sunday night and is available at subway stations and at tabacs. Even if you use it for only three days, I think it is worth it. You can use it on both buses and subways. <BR>

I will be arriving on Friday and need a pass for 4 days. It looks like I can only get the Carte Orange for Monday use only, which does not make sense at all. If I get Mobilis for 1-2 zone and want to travel to Versaille (zone 4?) do I have to buy ticket for the entire trip or do I just need some kind of supplement to travel thru zones 3-4?

<BR>Hi Chris. I've tried the passes mentioned above and the 10-ticket carnets and have found that the carnet is overall a better deal, especially for the short time you're staying. You can buy them at any metro station.

I would go with the Carte Orange for the week. This pass is valid Monday thru Sunday and costs 80F for Zones 1&2 which covers all over Paris, unlimited travel on the buses, metro and RER. You need a passport photo to purchase this pass. Or, there are photo booths in the metro stations. Or, just snip your head from a snapshot and bring it along. You can purchase the weekly pass in most metro stations (best chance where two lines intersect, a few small stops don't sell them) It's really convenient. If you're not fluent in French, just write "Carte Orange" on a piece of paper, with the (Monday/Sunday) dates and had it to the cashier with your photos. You'd need separate tickets from CDG and to Versailles. A carnet of ten tickets costs 52F. Up to you, depending on how often you think you'll ride. Either way, be sure to hold onto your ticket until you exit the station. If you're asked for it by the RATP monitors, there's a hefty fine (payable in cash on the spot) for not having one. I highly recommmend riding whenever possible. Even so, you'll do more walking in Paris than you can possibly imagine, so it's best to conserve your energy. Keep in mind that many of the museums are HUGE with miles and miles of exhibits once you arrive. Also, try the buses. The stops are more conveniently located, no long hallways or staircases, and you can enjoy all the spectacular scenery along the way. Free maps are available in the metro stations and there are maps at every bus stop. You may want to consider taking the Air France (not just for AF customers) bus into the city and then a taxi to your hotel. Believe me, lugging your belongings from CDG to your hotel on the metro is not a good experience. If you do, hang onto your things tightly! Also available in most metro stations is the Carte Musees et Monuments. These are available for one, three or five consecutive days and are a terrific bargain. Not only do you save plenty over the cost of individual admission prices, you don't have to wait in line at each place to purchase a ticket. Versailles is among the 65 places included on the pass. The only major place not included is the Tour Eiffel.