Getting Around Paris on a Budget

The absolute best and easiest way to get around in the City of Paris is the Metro. There are metro stops everyplace; it's clean, safe, and easy to navigate. Stop at any Metro station information window, and pick up a free Metro map, buy a carnet of tickets (ten tickets) for about $14, and you'll be on your way.

The Paris Métro is the rapid transit system in Paris. It includes 16 lines, primarily underground, with a total route length of 211 km (131 miles). Lines are identified by numbers from 1 to 14, with two minor lines, 3bis and 7bis, which were formerly part of their parent line and only later became independent. The system, which has become one of the symbols of Paris, is notable for the density of its network in central Paris, and for its homogeneous architectural style, influenced by Art Nouveau. The system was expanded later by an additional express network known as the RER to reach further suburbs.

Trains run from approximately 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day of the year on every station of the network. The last train, often called the "balai" (broom) because it 'sweeps' up remaining passengers, arrives at the terminal station at 1:15 a.m. The Metro stays open one hour later on Saturday nights and nights before a holiday, ending service at 2:15 a.m. As of December 2007, the Metro will also stay open an hour later on Friday nights.

Turnstiles mark the entrance to the metro network. With regular tickets, travelers should insert their ticket in the designated slot and take it back afterwards. The ticket should be kept during the whole trip, and may be checked by an inspector at any time. We have been stopped numerous times while exiting a train station, and asked by inspectors to see our tickets. They have a scanner, and scan them to make sure that they are valid for the route and day that you are traveling. Don't lose your tickets!

If you'd like to get the lay of the land, so to speak, before you venture out on your own, you might want to book a City Tour. Book a morning or afternoon tour that will last about three and a half hours, and see the highlights of the city. Then you'll be ready to explore on your own!

If you're feeling really adventurous, consider renting a car and driving out of the city. The French drive on the same side of the street as in North America, so it's not difficult. There are many sites to visit outside of the city that are just an hour or two away by car; it's so romantic to tour the French countryside with the one you love! Keep in mind that it's not very practical to rent a car to drive within the city; parking is limited, and traffic is very congested.

Of course the best way to see Paris is on foot! There's nothing quite like walking along at your own pace, stopping to gaze at a beautiful window display, smelling the fragrant scent of fresh baquettes, or stopping at a sidwalk cafe and having a leisurely cup of coffee. Enjoy!

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