Here’s my #1 Paris travel tip.
TAKE THE METRO! TAKE THE METRO! TAKE THE METRO!
In the last month, over 10 clients have been 20-40 minutes late for their tours. All of them were stuck in traffic in either Ubers or taxis. The traffic is at its worst right now, as there is construction on many streets in Paris because of the upcoming Olympics in July and August of 2024. Not only are many of the main streets and boulevards under construction, but small side streets in the Marais and all over the city are being dug up. I was with clients last week in a van, and the traffic was so backed up on Place de la Concorde, we ditched the van and walked the rest of the way.
The metro is reliable, fast, easy, and mostly safe. I live next to the St Paul metro, and it never takes me more than 30 minutes to get to most places in the city. On most metro lines, the trains come every three to five minutes. It’s also easy to follow, and you can download the Bonjour RATP app on your phone, which you can also buy tickets on.
Two metro precautions.
- Beware of pickpockets. Keep your wallet, phone, and other valuables in a safe place. Don’t put your phone in your back pocket and don’t put anything valuable in your backpack. Also keep your purse or handbag zippered up and closed.
- Beware of the fast-closing doors. Once you hear the beep sound, board ASAP, as the doors close immediately. May of the metro lines have the double doors, so be extra careful you get in the car before they close. If you miss the train, no worries, another one will come in a few minutes.
- DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR METRO TICKET UNTIL YOU ARE UPSTAIRS AND HAVE LEFT THE STATION. There may be ticket agents inside the halls of the metro, checking tickets. If you do not have your ticket, or have damaged it, you will be fined 50€, to be paid on the spot with cash or credit card.
If you can’t take the metro, it’s much better to take a taxi instead of an Uber because there are special lanes for buses and taxis which Uber’s can’t use. Download the G-7 taxi app which works just like Uber, but you get a taxi instead. If you are more than four people, you can order a van.
I’ll see you on the metro.
Thank you for this advice. I have read that Uber has been cancelling folks a lot. I wish the metro was more disability friendly! As a result, my husband and I usually wind up taking a taxi. The G7 app has been a life-saver for us!
Posted by: Julia Gray | June 26, 2023 at 04:50 PM
Great advice as usual, Richard! :)
Posted by: Julie in Provence | June 26, 2023 at 05:17 PM