We're planning to visit the Eiffel Tower late at night, probably leaving there at about 11 pm. I've never been to Paris before and am wondering about the safety of catching the Metro from the Tower back to our hotel in Les Halles district. What do you think?

Thanks,
Judy

I have always thought the Metro in Paris was relatively "safe" but I am a man and have never been accosted, pickpocketed, felt scared in somewhat deserted stations, etc., there, as some others might.

Unlike places such as New York which has those so-called "safe zones" where one waits late at night for the next train, you won't see those in Paris. the stations are well-lit and even late there may be numerous folks riding.

Personally, I think yours is a workable plan however others may disagree.

I would echo intrepid1's comments.

My wife and I spent three weeks in Paris recently, and used the Metro extensively, with many late night returns to our hotel. We never felt threatened or intimidated, nor did we experience any problems.

I think you will be fine.

I had this same worry when needing to get from the Eiffel Tower late in the evening with 3 youngsters aged 12-14 back to our hotel.

It was fine, quite crowded, but we felt perfectly safe. We had to change lines somewhere near place d'Italie, and that was okay too. We did use the main exit from our 'home' metro, rather than the more convenient exit because I would not have felt safe going that way, darker stairs, etc.

Judy, after wine and a nice dinner, then watching the lights sparkle on the Eiffel Tower on the hour, why take the chance on Metro's that late at night. Take a cab and keep the glow of the evening. My guess is that it would be about 6 euro so.

I have had a few dicey experiences on late night metros, but that is spread out over more than 75 trips to Paris within the last 10 years.
Specifically, I have been followed by some creepy guys at the Gare du Nord station (on my way to catching the last Thalys to Brussels) who abruptly veered off when a police officer came around the corner. I've also had a couple of unpleasant moments at night in the Denfert-Rochereau, Barbes-Rochechouart, and Chatelet-Les Halles stations. However, I was always on my own. Two or more people traveling together are highly unlikely to be bothered.
Two other options to consider though: take a night bus or a taxi (not that expensive). As great as the Paris Metro is, it's nice to ride above ground at night when the city is so beautifully lit. One of my favorite memories is taking a cab from the Pont Marie area (the 4th) over to the Auteuil section of the 16th, passing through central Paris in all its nighttime glory.

Having stayed in the are of Les Halles last year I would not use that metro stop late at night. You can get off at the one before that one. Better yet there are many taxis on the street in front of the Eiffel tower.

I have taken the Metro (mostly Trocadero) many times from the Eiffel Tower..not alone..late at night. I would not get off at Les Halles that late at night.

If you're the least bit squeamish about going down in the ground at that hour, you might want to take the bus. You can sit near the driver for an additional comfort factor.

You can see the possible routes by downloading <i>Bus soir&eacute;es</i> from

<b>http://www.ratp.info/orienter/tous_plans_pdf.php
</b>

The Trocad&eacute;ro stop is probably the shortest walk. The #63 from there will get you to Cluny for a #21 or #38.

Just like in many cities, the sleazier the metro station, the more policemen (many undercover) are present. You should also know that, according to statistics, you are 6 times safer in the metro than on the surface of Paris.

Spent 8 days in Paris and took the metro in the a.m., in the p.m. and the last train of the night. Never felt at risk and don't let others here deter you from taking it. Exercise common sense and you'll be just fine.

Thanks everyone,
Once again this is the sort of information you just can't get from reading guidebooks. I'm not sure what we'll do yet, but I feel much more informed about the choices.

Judy

Personally, I'd feel much safer on the B and C lines on the Metro than the A train in NYC.

Judy:
We took the metro after seeing the midnight Eiffel Tower &quot;show&quot; and it was fine.

The station we used (can't recall - nearest to Trocadero) was unstaffed and at the moment my husband's Carte Orange quit working, after the rest of us had gone through. A nice gentleman helped us out by using an intercom on the wall that we hadn't seen to summons assistance with the gate. It was opend by remote.

Also - the subway doesn't run all that late. We caught the last train at our connection and I can't quite remember what time that was, but it wasn't all that late. I was a little worried about being stuck at the connection point.

I'm not suggesting that the metro is not safe late at night. Just that we were warned by locals not to go to Les Hallees late at night. We were there many times during the day and had no problems.

I'm a single female traveller and have always felt safe on the metro, even at night. HOWEVER....I have also heard negative things about Les Halles at night so I would be careful! Also, once you arrive in Paris you should check on the metro stops' open times. For example, last time I was there the metro stop at Ecole Militaire had limited hours due to construction. So I had to make it back there by 9 p.m. each evening or get off at the next stop. That was last year, though.

Especially with two people together, what are we talking? a few extra euro for taxi vs Metro? Personally I would spring for a cab. Unless you're particularly city savvy, speak French, are looking for extra adventure...

I know everyone will pooh-pooh this but my first trip to Paris I found the Metro fairly intimidating, and that was during the daytime! Once you are in Paris and have taken the Metro from your hotel to other locations, I'm guessing you can answer this one for yourself, what your comfort level is.

kindly, s.

I agree with you about taking a taxi, suze. I've got nothing against taking public transportation, but I really don't care to take it during nighttime. As with taking taxis to and from the airport, this is a personal preference of mine. When my aunt traveled with me, she was very tired after a full day of sightseeing ending at the Louvre. The last thing she wished to do was walk back to the hotel which was not that far (7th by the Orsay). So we opted to take a taxi which cost no more than 6 euro. I guess that seems expensive for a short distance but to her and myself it was well worth it.

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Personally, I'd feel much safer on the B and C lines on the Metro than the A train in NYC.
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so?

Judy, even though we ride the Metro a lot at night, the Metro ride you've described would not be one we'd do. I don't like Les Halles or Eiffel Tower stations late at night. I remember a return around 10 o'clock one winter weekday night from the Eiffel Tower with my two kids where I said, &quot;Note to self: Don't do this again.&quot;

I hope that I don't sound alarmist because you should not be dissuaded from using the Metro in general. We can assure you that we took the last evening trains many a time without any worries to/from other areas.