ilovetulips

You know maybe using the Metro seems very easy for you, but when you live in an area that is completely dependent on cars you may have little or no experience using a subway system particulary one in a foreign country. We have about 5 1/2 days in Paris and anything that will increase our learning curve is very much appreciated.

jody

I was the one that metioned the buses and the metro. Sorry, fellow..but after 20 or more trips to Paris the buses continue to confuse me..and I lived in a big city! The Metro is easy but I still have to check my map and the signs, it's not like I lived there and used it every day. Michael has it all in his head.

I am so glad that you are so knowledgeable about so many things, it must make you a real pleasure to live with!

Infotrack

I am totally against seasoning tour guides. They are much better in a natural state, just simmered on low heat. If you MUST season a tour guide, use a good Cajun spice, on high heat.

--Marv

jody

Another thought..if you haven't tried it, maybe you'd like it and even learn a thing or 2.

Robespierre

I'm not a know-it-all; I am humbled by the magnitude of what I <u>don't</u> know. But this isn't rocket science.

Do you know about <b>M&eacute;tro</b>? It's a Palm Pilot program that will instantly compute the shortest metro/bus route between any two places in Paris. It's free. A brand-new Palm can be had on eBay for $15.

There are about 300 maps of transport routes at ratp.fr that are also free. You can download them and print them out.

Christina

By a registered guide I meant one who is entitled to a professional guide card according to Parisian regulations by the law of July 13, 1992. That's what the Paris Tourist Office says and they have a list of official guides. They are the only ones who are allowed to lead people in museums and the only ones allowed to advertise for group tours in Pariscope, etc (these are called conferences in French), according to their web site. I don't know about individual guides, but I know the ones who are listed as leading &quot;conferences&quot; always have cards with their official guide number on them when you go on those tours.

KathrynT

Sorry Robespierre, but not everyone is used to the Metro system. I think it is very reasonable to get a little extra help as one hears horror stories about tourists getting ripped off standing in confusion at the ticket machines. One &quot;guided ride&quot; on the Metro and they'll have it down.