Getting Around On The Trains In Paris

[Travel Guru]

If you've ever been to Paris, France, you know that getting around on the trains is difficult at best. Trying to figure out which train goes where, how much it costs, and what time to be at the train station (metro) is very confusing for the non-French speaking traveler. Here is some useful information on getting around on the trains/ metros in Paris, France.

A carnet of ten Paris metro tickets is cheaper than buying an individual Paris metro ticket (this was €9.60 for ten, €1.30 individual at time of going to press). There are five travel zones in Paris, and a carnet ticket covers zones 1 and 2 only. The same ticket will work if you take the métro and change to the RER using the underground passages. You need to use a new ticket once you go outside, so buses require another ticket. Be aware that La Défense RER is in zone 3, not 2 like the metro, so you will need a more expensive ticket if you take the RER.

You can buy Paris Visite tickets for between €8.35 and €47.50. These are one- to five-day passes that allow you unlimited travel in zones 1 and 2, or out to the suburbs, depending on how much you pay. The advantage is that you can start the ticket on any day.

If you are going to be in Paris for a week it might be a good plan to buy a carte orange with the accompanying coupon hebdomadaire. Remember to write your carte orange number on the coupon to validate it (this prevents them being used by other people). They cost under €14 and you then have unlimited journeys in zones 1 and 2. The coupon is valid from Monday to Sunday, so only buy one if you arrive before Wednesday so that you can take full advantage of it. There is also a monthly version (coupon mensuel) that costs €47. In order to obtain the carte orange you will need a passport photo of yourself.

You may also want to consider that you can take the TGV to Tours, then with a rental car explore the Loire Valley. Having done this as a day trip myself, I can attest that you can see many Chateaux and still be back in Paris for a late supper. Or, travel to Chartres on a regional train - the gothic cathedral is a short walk from La Gare. Or go for either Provence or Languedoc - travel on the TGV to Avignon or Montpelier - a very different France! What I have found is anywhere in France you will find great train rides, wonderful food, delightful wine, and friendly people. It's all good. I would also second the previous thought of taking the Chunnel instead of the Channel Ferry.

Getting around in France on the metro/ train system is the best way to go, but you do need to get used to it. The best advice I can give for vacationing travelers is to study before your trip, and be prepared to make a few good mistakes along the way.

Have fun!!!