Paris Public Transportation has long been praised as the safest, fastest and most efficient in the world.
The Paris Metro rapid transit system is also one of the oldest in the world; the first line opened for the World’s Fair in 1900.
Paris Metro (Wikipedia)
The Metro stations are surprisingly close together; If you wander past one station, you will soon come to another one.
The system was conceived so that you never have to transfer more than twice to reach your destination.
Some Metros stations are works of art in themselves.
The City is constantly modernizing the stations, making them brighter, cheerier and more user-friendly.
The announcements are now presented in several languages. Panels are clearly marked to prevent you from getting lost.
The Metro is the most rapid and economical way to get around Paris.
There are 2 metro lines within steps of the apartment:
Metro line 7, PLACE MONGE, which runs north/south, is at the end of your street.
This line takes you directly to the Opéra Garnier, the Louvre and Palais Royal in 10 minutes, as well as to Gare de l’Est in about 15 minutes.
Metro line 10, CARDINAL LEMOINE, which runs east/west, is 2 minutes the other way on your street. Westbound, it takes you to Odeon (Saint Germain-des-Prés) and Bois de Boulogne; eastbound to Gare d’Austerlitz.
Click on any plan to open a large version in a new windowThe Bus offers the luxury of being above ground to enjoy the sights along your route.
The Bus takes longer and is a little trickier to figure out. But well worth a try when you have the time.
There are also direct buses nearby to the Eiffel Tower and to Montmartre/Sacre Coeur.
The same tickets are used for both the Metro and the Bus.
For weekly stays, we find a ‘CARNET’ to be practical and economical. A carnet is 10 tickets for 14.90 euros. A single ticket costs 2 euros.
You can buy metro/bus tickets at the ticket machines in metro stations, and at many Tabacs.
These tickets are good for all of Paris. Once you go outside of Paris, you will need a special ticket which you can purchase at the ticket machines in the metro or RER stations.
There is usually a staff member available if you need assistance.
When you travel on the RER (the surburban trains), keep your ticket handy; you will need it to exit the turnstile at your destination.
The Metro is fast, efficient and easy to navigate.
The Bus is a little trickier to figure out, but well worth the effort; you travel above ground and really get to see Paris and experience its winding streets and different neighborhoods.
Remember, your little home is in the center of Paris and you can walk everywhere! (Wear comfortable shoes!).
But it’s handy to be able to jump on a bus or take a nearby metro when time is of the essence, the weather is bad, or your feet are tired!