Things to do in Paris

PARIS PUBLIC TRANSPORT - THE PARIS METRO SYSTEM

Please note that the following information should be read in conjunction with the partial copy of the metro Paris map below and the image to the right. The complete metro Paris map can be obtained by clicking here - "Downloadable Metro Paris Map" (Visitors might also want to visit the "Paris zoomable street map" - The combination of metro map and street map is essential for visitors to find their way around the city. The metro Paris map is fully printable and the Paris zoomable google map is ideal for those with an "I phone" etc - Ideally visitors should also obtain a paper Paris street map before visiting the city - one of the best and most popular folded street maps is the michelin guide available at "Amazon"

The Paris metro rail system runs underground (mostly!) and is by far the most popular form of Paris public transport for the central Paris area. The separate RER (suburban railway) system is used by visitors as a means of transfer from the airports to the city centre or for longer journeys to the outskirts of the city and metropolitan/commuting areas beyond. A DIY visit to the palace at Versailles or Monet`s gardens at Giverny would require a trip on the RER system. In order to keep thing simple the Transilien lines shown to the right can be disregarded for use by most visitors to the city.

The Metro lines are coloured and numbered 1-14 whilst the RER lines are coloured and lettered A-C- SEE IMAGE TO RIGHT. Both train systems meet up at certain city centre stations for ease of access and use. The free downloadable Paris metro map shows stations where different lines meet. It is fairly common when trying to get from point A in Paris to point B that changing metro lines will be required - the downloadable metro Paris map shows which lines meet at which stations ( see below for example) - Some bigger stations have several metro lines and RER lines converging within the same station - Visitors within these stations will find that directions to required departure platforms are clearly marked with coloured and numbered or lettered markers and are easy to find.

Tickets can be purchased from manned booths within the stations or from ticket machines. The Paris Metro pass`s covering different periods of time are very "queue time" saving and cost effective and can be purchased at ticket booths and also cigarette/newspaper stands on the pavements as well as many shops.

THE PARIS METRO PASS & THE "PARIS PASS"

As detailed above the Paris Metro Pass is a very cost effective and time saving way of using the Paris metro system. In addition to this pass, visitors also have the choice of combining unlimited travel with a wide range of other cost cutting benefits - To see the full range of benefits available please visit "Paris Pass"

RUNNING TIMES ON THE PARIS METRO

The first trains set off from either end of the line at 5.30am in the morning with some lines having an additional intermediately commencing train. The last trains finish at 1.15am except for Friday and Saturday nights when they finish at 2.15am. On New years nights and on some other special occasions the train service will run all night long. Missing the last train will usually mean a trip home in a taxi - These can often be "acquired" at a local hotel or club although a tip to serving late night staff may speed things up a little here!

DOWNLOADABLE METRO PARIS MAP- ( illustrative sample area only - see above to download )