I would like to know how difficult the photo process is in order to get the Carte Orange. Is it advisable to bring photos from home?

We have used the Carte Orange 3 times in Paris. The first and second time we used photos we took in a "instant" photo booth in the US (Small size). The last time I just cut head shots from some current snap shots I had at home. The size is about 1 1/2 " square. They also have "instant" photo booths in the Metro in Paris. Just something that looks like you and small should be ok. Give the photo to the clerk when you purchase the Cart Orange. Have a wonderful time in Paris I wish that I was there now. <BR>

Take some photos with you. You can use the photo booths in the metro station, but you will need coins, they take time to develop and there could be long lines, especially in the morning.

I agree that you should get them at home and bring one, if possible (passport-sized photo) not because it's difficult or costly (although a little more than in the US, I think the booths in Paris cost about US$6), but because all stations don't have booths and in the ones that do, they seem to be out-of-order quite a bit. If you forget or can't, the larger metro/RER stations tend to have them.

BTW, just as a note for AJ or others in that situation, you don't have to get a new Carte Orange every time you go to Paris. It is an ID card that doesn't expire (or if it does, it's not for a long time). I used the same one for about 10 years until I decided I wanted a newer one with a more recent photo.

What exactly is a Carte Orange and will I need one? I will be in Paris next month for the first time and have never heard of this.