We need to get from Nord to the Hilton Arc de Triomphe. Would it be advisable to take the Metro? It appears on the metro map that it involves a transfer but I can't tell which line I should be on first before getting onto the purple line. Would appreciate some advice. Thank.

YOu can use the journey planner on
http://www.ratp.fr/

It'll tell you exactly which line to take and where to make transfer.

There is a purple line?

Hi bog,

The metro lines are numbered, not colored.

Whether taking the metro or a cab is better depends on how much luggage you have, when you will arrive and how tired you are.

Well, they are colored on the maps but you won't use the color to actually navigate in the system.

You would use Line 4 to reach Line 2 to get to your nearest stop, or you could walk a long connection at Gare du Nord to directly board Line 2. (haven't done so don't know how long exactly but the map shows it).

Take Line 4 direction Pt. Clignancourt, change at Barbes-Rcchechouart to Line 2 direction Pt. Dauphine, and get off at Courcelles. The walk to Hilton s/b about 400m.

If you have to change platformes at Barbes, beware that it involves a climb over a footbridge which would be a serious pain with luggage.

There are now elevators at Barbès.

Thanks for all the tips. I checked out the RATP site and I think (if I am reading the directions correctly) that I can take the #30 bus, and it would not involve a transfer. We will arrive at Nord no later than 6pm with one small suitcase each. Is the bus better?

I've done the trek to Line 2 at the Gare du Nord. Don't do it! You're really walking to the La Chapelle station, and it's quite a hike.

Expect a fairly long ride on bus #30, but if you're not rushing to get anywhere, it should be fine.

Gare du NOrd is the 2nd stop from Gare de l'Est, so there's a chance you may not find empty seats when you get on. An alternative option is to walk to Gare de l'Est and get on Bus 30 there, as that's the terminus for this bus and you should be able to find seats.

You could also start from Gare du Nord on the N°42 (which originates behind the station on the east side), ride to Madeleine and change to the N°84, which stops at Courcelles a half block from the Hilton.

See my bus guide for how to plot the whole thing: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...nte-b-cest.cfm

I love that Bogey had the initiative to also check the bus maps!

Yes, it is all this checking various resources on my own that I find confusing. Checking on the RATP site, I can take the #43, or the #30 or even the #42. So many options....