We are flying into Paris in less than a week. The best metro route to our hotel involves taking the RER B from CDG to Denfert-Rochereau. At Denfert-Rochereau we catch line 6 of the metro and ride a few stops to our hotel near the Eiffel Tower.
Simple question: At Denfert-Rochereau do we need to purchase a new metro ticket? Or, can we transfer at no additional cost using the ticket we will purchase to ride the RER B at CDG?
Your ticket will still be valid for a free change to the Metro as long as you stay within the station. You do have to scan your ticket to exit the RER section of the station. There should be signs indicating which gates to use to continue on the Metro. If you exit to the outside, then you'd need to buy new Metro tickets.
Note you must be pickpocket proof doing this. My husband actually got frisked on the stairs by 3 aggressive pickpockets at Denfert Rochereau as he was carrying a suitcase in each hand. They didn't get anything because he wasn't carrying his wallet in his pockets. This open thieving is somewhat unusual but pickpocketing by stealth is commonplace and when you are traveling tired and with all your stuff you are an obvious target. So use a moneybelt or have your valuables well stowed not in pockets, backpack or carelessly used purse.
You will exit the RER with your ticket and then insert that same ticket into the metro stile for the ongoing metro at the station. The machines will recognize it is one trip. Hang onto the ticket till you are through the doors at your final stop; you won't need it to exit from the metro, but you can be asked to show it by inspectors at any time and the fine is large and on the spot if you don't have it.
Will this be on a strike day ? When we took the RER-B from CDG last week, the train terminated at Gare du Nord ( something to do with different unions for intra city and long distance trains ?) You may have to transfer at Gare du Nord.
My husband actually got frisked on the stairs by 3 aggressive
pickpockets at Denfert Rochereau as he was carrying a suitcase in each
hand. They didn't get anything because he wasn't carrying his wallet
in his pockets.
Oh no! What time of day and what day of the week? Did anyone help him or was there nobody in sight? I'm trying to picture 3 men "frisking" somebody and I can't. Just despicable.
The Navigo Decouverte does not run Sunday Am to Monday AM. It runs Monday to Sunday midnight. It is the best travel bargain in Europe if it works for one's trip.
I don't recall the day of week we were at Denfert Rochereau when my husband was surrounded by thieves, but we were coming in from the US, so I would guess we were there mid morning by the time we cleared immigration and got into town. We were on our way to a friend's place near Montparnasse where we were cat sitting for two weeks while they traveled. A French women did intervene and chastened the thieves who were 3 good sized men. I was carrying our heavy messenger bags with computers and such and had stupidly gotten out ahead of my husband and so he was alone on the stairs with the two suitcases. We have often had pickpocket attempts, but this is the only time it has been so brazen. Most of these are organized criminals and are skillfully trained to be undetected. Once my husband literally put his hand in his pocket and discovered the hand of a young woman was already in that pocket. These three guys were not highly skilled; they were just thugs.
Basically pickpockets are not big deal; usually you don't even see them work; you won't lose anything if you don't carry valuables in pockets or other easily accessed spots like backpacks or purses carried in back rather than cross body in front. I use a money belt in transit from the airport when I have all the valuables and passports and then stow them in hotel safe or apartment.
Well, I'm wearing a money belt from CDG to Marais. Everything important will be in there.
We will have luggage (not a lot) and I figure why take a chance? Better safe than sorry. Heck, I may wear my wife's purse in front of me around my neck and shoulder.
Thank you for sharing what happened, Janet. One can never be too careful. What a relief that he wasn't hurt and that a woman nearby intervened.
I have a money belt and will wear it.
