I will be going to Paris this May and plan to get the 5 day metro pass. Any tips on getting around using the Metro would be appreciated.
We also plan to use the Metro to get to our hotel, InterContinental Le Grand Hotel Paris could someone pleast provide directions on how to do this.
Thanks
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THe metro is very simple, each line has a colour and a number, the terminals are also listed. To find out which direction you need to take you look for the name of the end station in the direction you want to go and follow the signs.
To get more of an idea visit the Paris transport website, www.ratp.com - there is an English language version. Their routefinder function is great and will help you get safely to your hotel.
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We loved the metro--this was the only transportation we used. We got a 5 day pass. Get a good metro map and street map. We found the Streetwise map to be very good and compact enough to really use. We are a family of 5 with two young kids and it worked out great.
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When travelling you need to find your nearest station, no doubt this will be the one nearest your hotel in the first instance. You then need to find the station nearest your destination. You may find this site useful for information before you go
http://www.ratp.fr/
You will see there is an English flag on the top right to navigate the site in English. You can put in your starting point and destination and it will tell you the route, and there are even maps of the area around each station also at the site there are plans of the Paris Metro/RER system which you can print off. Once you get to Paris you can no doubt pick up a map.
One thing to note - once you have which line and which station you need see what the name of the station at THE END of that line *in the direction you are travelling* is called. You will need to look for this at the station so you can find your line and be sure you are travelling in correct direction.
As to getting to your hotel your travel info should tell you the nearest Metro%26#39;s and then you can use the RATP site.
We always use the RER/Metro from CDG into Paris and it%26#39;s pretty straight forward and cheap compared to a taxi. The trains are generally empty when you get on at CDG but some have stops along the way and fill-up. You might want to sit near an exit door so you can get off easily at your destination. In general, depending on where you are staying, this will take about an hour from CDG to central Paris at the most.
There are a lot of beggars and %26#39;performers%26#39; who %26#39;travel%26#39; on the trains (Metro and RER) they tend to be inoffensive (I%26#39;ve yet to see anyone actually give them money) and this is just a feature of Parisian public transport.
The system feels as safe as any major form of transport around a city. The usual cautions - being aware of your belongings/pick-pockets not standing around with a huge map looking lost will help make you less of a victim. When it comes to maps I find the little %26#39;Popout Maps%26#39; which fold down to postcard size are great as they just slip in a pocket.
www.mapgroup.net
Amazon and major bookshops should have them.
The train doors open in one of two ways once in a station, one involves physically pulling the handle back. As someone else is bound to be getting of at your station the first few times sit near the door and watch and learn for future trips!
We will also be there in May - have a great trip! The weather is usually quite nice and the city is not too busy with visitors as it can be, like any major city, at the height of the Summer.
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My wife is the Metro Queen and can get us anywhere
in Paris from La Defence to Pere La Chaise with ease.
Maps that have been suggested are most helpful, particularly
if you consult them BEFORE you enter the Metro Station.
May I suggest that you make your first trip at non-
commute hours.
As you enter the Metro Station there is a large map on the
wall you may want to consult, it can be very helpful at
easing last minute panic.
We found the pop down seats, just as you enter the car,
easiest to use.
Best wishes
We will be back, riding the Metro for our 5th
year this September.
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%26quot;You may find this site useful for information before you go
http://www.ratp.fr/%26quot;
Thanks, ebabe69! This site is brilliant - just key in your hotel address and where you want to go, and it comes up with the most direct route (bus, metro or RER train), including any changes, and approx tme of journey. Really useful!
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Hi Mike - I just returned from my first visit mid March and I LOVE the Metro!! It has a life all of its own - the previous posts about %26quot;performers%26quot; are spot-on - they really add to the journey...and don%26#39;t stress if you miss one train - there%26#39;ll be another in 2 or 3 minutes. The Metro is fantastic - the only negative is that you%26#39;re underground and therefore miss out on seeing what%26#39;s happening on the ground level. All the Metro stations are signed with a large and decorative M, next to steps heading down, down, down.
The trains all have maps inside which show the stations - you%26#39;ll have absolutely no worries at all. Just remember the direction you%26#39;re heading on the ligne number and you%26#39;ll have the time of your life! enjoy, enjoy!!
Sandra
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