Trouble reading Metro Map
 

Need to pick up Metro at Cardinal Lemoine and get to Gare Lyon. Doesn't seem to be a direct shot, and lots of changes. Am I reading the map wrong? Can't imagine it's just across the river and so many changes.

Well, there are at least two changes. Lots of lines don't go directly between two points across the river from each other. Cardinal Lemoine is on a line that runs east-west on the Left Bank, so it couldn't go across the river. You could change at Gare d'Austerlitz and then Bastille, but there are other ways, mainly which seem to involve going through Chatelet, that might be just as good (change at Odeon and then Chatelet onto line 14). I like line 14, so I might do that.

Changing to line 1 at Bastille requires a LOT of walking, don't try that one. Have you looked at the bus routes?

No, you're not reading the métro map wrong; it involves at least two changes. Check out the buses.

A lot of people just walk across the bridge between Austerlitz and Gare de Lyon. It's easier than making the metro connections.

Bus 89 to Gare d'Austerlitz.
Either Bus 63 or walk to Gare de Lyon.

The Métro is a non-starter in my book. This reminds me of Southern California, where the shortest distance between two points is, by definition, a freeway.

With one connection about 12 minutes:
Linge 10 direction Gare d'Austerlitz, Connect at Gare d'Austerlitz for
Linge 63 Direction Gare de Lyon
Get off at Van Gogh and walk to Gare de Lyon

With one connection about 12 minutes
Linge 10 direction Gare d'Austerlitz, Connect at Gare d'Austerlitz
Linge 24 Direction Ecole Veternnaire de Maisons-Alfort
Get off at Gare de Lyon

Looked at bus map but cannot see a line 10? Also are these numbers on the front of bus with destination?

I think you'll find that's a Métro line. By the time you climb down into the ground at C.L. and back out at Gd'A, you could have walked it.

Yes, buses display the line number and end point of the direction of travel.

Barnum - why are you resisting the bus and taxi option. You can pre-book your own taxi the night before. I'm sure they will not turn you down.

I also suggested the bus on your other thread rather than the stairs with luggage.

I think you're beginning to stress. :(

It looks like the 63 (one block from the Metro station) would go directly to the Gare de Lyon.

When heading in the direction of Gare de Lyon, bus 63 stays on Blvd. St-Germain and would probably be more like a 3-4 block walk.

I agree with adrienne...

I know you're tired of my explanation but I am still doubtful I can get a cab to take us. I have run into this three times now. Suspect in the future the answer is staying far away from my train station. I am planning on requesting a taxi, but covering my other options as well.

Then he can take the 89 and change for the 63 at the Institut du Monde arabe.

Then he can take the 89 and change for the 63 at the Institut du Monde arabe.

Actually, with a minimum of French, one can get the answer from the system itself, choosing the various modes of transportation:

http://www.ratp.fr/

Its recommendation from Cardinal Lemoine is to walk to Maubert Mutualité and pick up the 63 there.

Ditto Michael's response. I've used www.ratp.fr/ lots of times for very complicated exchanges, and it's never steered me wrong.

Okay,using your aides I found that I can take the Metro from Jussieu to Chatelet (La Courneuve) and then Chatelet to Gare Lyon (Olympiades). Does that make sense to all you?

Is that what the RATP site recommends? The Chatelet station is notorious for its long walking distances, but that might not be the case for that specific transfer.

<< Does that make sense to all you >>

Sorry but it does not make sense. Have you previously been to the Chatelet metro interchange? Miles of tunnels. Long, long walks. Even if you have roller bags they will get heavy going through the Chatelet tunnels.

Chatelet is a very popular interchange with lots of people on the metro cars, entering and exiting. A prime place for pick pockets who will especially love a couple of tourists with their hands busy with the luggage.

I do understand your concern about getting a taxi, especially with your last attempt. But I do not understand why you don't want to take the buses, easy on and off; no hassle with luggage.

Okay, will stick with Michael's recommendation. Walking to Maubert Mutualite and pick up the 63 bus.