Paris Metro App-do you use one?

I've used this great ap for the metro for decades. You get it free from the info window and fold it up and put it in your pocket. You can whip it out and plot a course any time you need it.

The Hundreds Mounted on the Wall in Every Station app works pretty well too, does not clutter your pocket, and does not use data.

Dave,

I've been using the Presselite Paris Metro app for several years, and it's been very useful. I don't believe it uses data, but that's not a concern as I typically use it at the hotel for planning trips (when I have Wi-Fi available). I also have their London Tube app.

My 11 yo son figured out the Paris Metro and the London Tube in 30 seconds at the first stop by looking at the map on the wall. No app needed.
But lots of people love apps and may find it useful... : )

Dave,

I just got my first smartphone/note and it will be going on my trip to Europe this year. I purchased it specifically for my travels instead of making and hauling a 3 ring binder.

Ive seen the many apps for many cities out there.

But for me, i found that just looking at the metro maps was good enough. If your map challenged, then maybe the app will work, but so far ive been able to use most if not all subway systems where i have traveled. Sometimes i will take a shortcut and do a color printout at home and examine it before i go so im familiar with it, but sometimes its not available online for me to do so.

also, when it came to the London tube system, i just grabbed a paper map at all of the stations to use and carry with me. I brought a couple of them home for reference and future visits.

Im not sure i will use any of the subway map apps since google maps covers some of the places where im going. Im not sure i will carry my smartphone/note with me 24/7 on my sightseeing either but i plan on experimenting with bringing it and not. I will most likely get a paper map somewhere since i try to bring one back for future use.

happy trails.

I love my official RATP (Paris transit authority) app for my iPad and the "RATP Horaires" app for my Windows 7 phone -- not because I need them for the maps or routes, but because they warn me of delays or impromptu closures, and even better, WHEN THE NEXT BUS IS ARRIVING at the stop I'm interested in nearby. Do I want to spend a few more minutes browsing in the bookstore, or do I want to stand out on the street at a bus stop for 12-15 minutes? Etc etc.

Yes of course this uses data, however . . . . But I love love love it!

We found the RATP app very helpful in planning bus routes. The printed bus maps aren't all that clear. Didn't need the app for the Metro, used the Ed method.

Hey thanks for the tip, Kim, I just got the RATP one as well, for the bus help as Dick says. I do prefer the MX app for Metro though to the Ed and Janet method ;-)) .
And by the way, thanks to Janet for a great blog, too! All the info on Chateau visits is really useful.
Cheers, Dave

The app I use has a white background with a blue M. Often I will refer to it the night before and write the plan down in my pocket notebook, therefore, I am not taking my phone out, only my notebook. It also has the RER and bus.

I have also downloaded on my ipad the pdf of the metro and bus. I print it out and carry it with me.

Enjoy Paris, my favorite place.

Using an app will help any pick pocketers know where your phone is located. I enjoy using a map; the Metro is very easy to navigate.

As others have said, the Paris Metro is easy to navigate and the Metro Maps located throughout the underground are simple to read; however, I've been using an app on my android called 'Metro 01' (Paris) by Atelier 01-Olivier Lecrivain, and have found it to be quite handy and simple. You can key in your starting point (either the nearest Metro station from which you will start your journey, an address or hotel name) and then enter your destination (nearest metro station, or an address, etc.) and the app will provide you with the shortest Metro/RER route. It can reverse the route also. The app is free, you don't need to be connected to use it, so you're not using data or searching for WiFi. Obviously, you should be cautious about your surroundings when you're using your smart phone, but I check my route on the app before I leave my hotel, and then head out to my destination. I'm sure that there are other full featured apps with bells and whistles, but this one works well for me.

ATLBob, I also like that I'm able to bookmark "favorites". So before I even leave home, I can pop the start and end in there, save it, and the route is right there when I need it. It also allows you to select a route via another stop, for example going from Censier-Daubenton to Rue Saint Maur, but stopping off on the way at St Paul to grab a fallafel. Plus I can share the route via email, or print. And I do understand the downside of smartphone use on a crowded Metro, one does need to be smart about that.
Dave

In Paris now and I find Google Maps to be my best Metro resource. I tried the RATP app and some Metro apps, but Google Maps' simplicity won me over. I just type in the station I want to go to, or even just something nearby if I don't know the station name, press the public transit button, and Google Maps automagically gives me route options from my current location (including my walking time to/from/within stations). It will show me which lines I transfer on and which direction for each line. Obviously you need data on your cell to use this as an option.