Our family of 3 (one 10 year old) will be in Paris from Aug. 12 (Thursday) to August 19. Should we buy Carnets or a Carte Orange? Or are we among the minority that would benefit from a Visite pass? We plan to buy a museum pass.

At the recommendation of someone on this board, my husband and I each got a Carte Orange Pass-- it was terrific! We were there only 5 days, and it more than paid for itself. It is very easy to do; just present passport-size (or smaller) photos of yourselves to any ticket window in the Metro, and they will give you the small card and form to fill out. Since you will be there a week, I'm sure that you will really find it of great value.
Paule

Hi,

We have found that we only need a carnet for a week's visit.

The weekly Carte Orange starts from the Monday to the Sunday. Since you're arriving on a Thursday (i.e. stradling the weekend), it's not worth it as you'd have to buy 2 Carte Oranges for your entire trip. I'd probably stick to carnets.

Hi
I'm not arguing against the pass, but like ira I've only ever used carnets, and even on a week's trip I seldom use it up, because I walk a lot. Perhaps the 10 year old will discourage that, perhaps not. The metro is fast and efficient for longer distances. For shorter distances (only a stop or two) by the time you walk the stairs and corridors underground you can just as easily walk the distance above ground, in fresher air, and get to know the city at the same time. Buses are slower, but they also allow you to see where you are going.

I think that the others are right; since you will be starting a week on a Thursday, it probably isn't cost-effective for all of you. My husband and I started our trip on a Monday, and really used it a lot on Tuesday through Friday. We hopped on and off trains frequently, and we certainly saved money. It allowed us the freedom to go further afield and we also used it to go shorter distances. For those starting early in the week, I recommend it highly. Paris is a large city and walking everywhere is more than my feet want to do!

I think that I would buy a carnet for the Thursday - Sunday leg, and then wait to see how much you use the metro before deciding if a Carte Orange will be good for the Monday-Thursday leg. We certainly got excellent use out of the Carte Orange, despite doing many, many hours of walking. Are you taking public transit to/from the airport? Where are you staying? Those issues might affect your decision.

If goin the carnet route keep in mind that kids of that age get demi-tariff carnets, a block of ten tickets at about half-price. So if your kid will ride 5 or more times in the week, buy him a demi-tariff carnet. As always keep your ticket until you are out of the metro as you oft have to insert it in machines to escape the system.

Is the Carte Orange a better deal than the Visite? Our family of 3 (2 adults and a 9 y.o) will be there for a week next spring (Sat. - Sat.).

My husband and I used a carnet earlier this year, but with our daughter along, I figured some sort of pass would be better.

Leonora, I'll be interested to hear what your 10 year old likes and doesn't like in Paris!