Paris Transportation Details
 

I have read several different posts concerning transportation in Paris and are still a little confused. Thought I would give our itinerary and hope for some valuable advice. We are arriving at Charles Des Gaulle on a Sunday morning and traveling to our hotel (Hotel Britannique-1st arrondisement). During our 4 day stay, we plan to see several of the sights for first time Paris visitors and hope to visit Versailles at some point (something I have always wanted to do). Thursday morning, we leave by way of Orly early in the morning (very early). Not sure if we should buy the Paris Visite pass or just pay by trip. Any suggestions?

If it were me, for the four days, I would get a Carnet, pack of 10 tickets. It's good for metro and buses. You need to take the RER to Versailles, different ticket.

Last time I was in Paris, I was there nine days and purchased two Carnets. I had about three tickets left on the second Carnet and gave them to a friend who was staying longer than I was.

We walked so much that we usually didn't use more than two tickest per day.

My recommendation is to skip the Paris Visite as it offers no advantage. You really have at most three and a half days in Paris - less if you make a day trip to Versailles. The carnet (a bundle of 10 tickets good on metro and buses) is a much better option. You can purchase at any station with a staffed window.
How many are in your traveling group? If more than 2 people or if you have more luggage than can be easily handled onto and off a train, taxi from/to the airport may be your best bet.

I agree with the others, a carnet would be the way to go. BTW, the Britannique is a fabulous hotel! We stayed there for 5 nights a couple years ago and absolutely loved the hotel and the location. You will be able to walk to so much from there.

Carnet is the easiest way to go. You'll probably be surprised how much walking you will do. It is a beautiful city for strolling about.

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like the carnet is best for within city. RER for Versailles. Concerning trips from and to airports, we are thinking about shuttle or RER for arrival (CDG) and taxi for departure (Orly). Taxi because plane leaves around 7am and thought it was too early to depend on shuttle.

I have had Paris Inter pick me up at 5 AM with no problems

If your flight leaves ORY at 07h00, waiting until 05h00 might be a bit risky. It usually only takes 30 minutes to reach the airport but I might call for a 04h45 pickup and know in advance from which terminal I will depart.

A taxi to ORY will cost you less (and is overall more reliable) than a shuttle, about 30€ - 35€.

Call Taxi G7 the night before to arrange for pickup:
English speaking operator 01 41 27 66 99

Many metro stations no longer have a staffed ticket window... look for shops called a Tabac... they have a diamond shaped red sign. You can get a carnet at pretty well any of them.

A carnet should do you fine. Based on your location, you could spend a good day touing that area, walk to Notre Dame area. Dinner, Seine cruise. No tickets

Next day, Louvre area. Long walk or short Metro. Full day around there. 0/2 tickets each

Next day, versailles. Walk to st Michel RER station. No tickets, require RER tickets.

Next day, Marais area. Long walk or short Metro. Full day around there. 0/2 tickets each

Or...Eiffel tower/Rodin/Orsay. Another full day.
Metro, 2 tickets each

Or. Left Bank ramble. Walk from hotel, another full day. No tickets (perhaps ticket home).

You can easily get tickets in metro stops even if the windows aren't manned, just use the machines. You can use euro notes in them, or coins. A carnet isn't that expensive that you should have trouble getting that amount of cash in hand.

For Versailles you have the option of going on your own, or taking on of the coach tour companies, such as Parisvision and Cityrama.

Depending on time of year, you can allot more or less time for the gardens. They are huge, and if you add in fountains, Marie Antoinette's hameau, Petit Trianon,etc..if could fill better part of the day.

Going by RER train (not a long ride) means you can get there before the buses, and get back to Paris to have some of your day left. Line C, Versailles Rive Gauche stop.

There are occasional evening concerts there, as well as tours of the stables

Down to shuttle or taxi for airports. Judging by what I have read, there are mixed reviews concerning shuttles.

Yes, sushimomma, shuttles at CDG do get mixed reviews. A couple regular posters here swear by them. I find shared shuttles unacceptable as the last thing I want to do after an overnight flight is to sit in a van while other passengers are dropped off at their hotel. Shuttle that is reserved for exclusive use - aka car service or airport limo - is better but the cost for two or more approaches or even exceeds taxi fare in many cases and if your flight is delayed you run the chance of the misconnecting with the driver and/or additional charges for waiting time. So, based on years of arrivals at CDG, I just go for a taxi on arrival. They are easy to get, just walk out to the official queue and if there is not one waiting one will be there shortly. Whatever you do, use a licensed taxi only from the official taxi stand and do not accept anything offered by a tout as you approach the taxi stand - they are very likley crooks.