We will be in Paris for 4 days and plan on exploring mostly on foot (there are 4 of us). We also want to spend a day at Versailles. So we are trying to figure out the most economical way to travel.....
or
If economy is your criterion, then (1) is probably your best bet. Definitely so if your stay in Paris spans a weekend, because the Navigo runs from Monday to Sunday before you have to put another week on it.
You'll probably need more than one carnet, but they are still a good value.
yes, our plan is to buy two, and we will be there Tues. - Sun.
What days of the week will you be there and how are you arriving and departing? Air, Rail, auto?
See above.......and we are traveling by rail
Then 2 carnets is 29 EUR and 8 origin-destination tickets for Versailles is 28.40 EUR. 4 Navigos will be 88.60 EUR plus the initial set-up fee. Plan 1 is a winner.
Plan 1 will certainly be more economical,
however, that's only true if you only end up buying 2 carnets.
Keep in mind that some of the major sites are far from each other & you may decide that it's more efficient to take the Metro or bus instead of walking.
So your plan of having 5 Metro tickets per person for 4 days means that you can only take the Metro or bus once per day or twice on one of those 4 days.
So... In reality, you may end up needing 4 or more carnets.
Here are some helpful websites for you:
http://parisbytrain.com/paris-to-chateau-versailles-by-train/
http://parisbytrain.com/paris-train-metro-week-pass-navigo-decouverte/
Have a wonderful trip!
Will you be exploring multiple sites, going in or just exterior? If going in you may want to look at the Museum Pass, Versailles entrance fee is included with it. I downloaded the bus app, RATP I believe, last May and used that to locate our bus stops & routes when we wanted to travel above ground. It worked well. Enjoy your trip.
I agree, get the Paris Museum pass which includes metro and buses (option for the Hop on Hop Off bus). Then purchase your metro ticket to Versaille the morning you go out there.
Here is a really good review of the Paris Museum Pass and how to use it. You may not get monetary benefit out of it but the time-saving part is invaluable, especially if you are only going to be in town a few days.
BTW the Orsay is open late on Thursday and the Louvre is open late on Friday; this will help you see more in day. Highly recommend going to Versaille as soon as they open in the morning.
Germany1116,
I must respectfully disagree with the reply given above by Mandyk01a.
This comment (quoted below) is referring to the Paris Pass NOT the Paris Museum Pass (easily confused except for the price!):
I agree, get the Paris Museum pass which includes metro and buses (option for the Hop on Hop Off bus). Then purchase your metro ticket to Versaille the morning you go out there.
The Paris Pass is very expensive & not recommended, especially if your intention is to travel economically.
However, the Paris Museum Pass is a good idea if you plan to visit a number of museums & monuments, and it covers the Versailles castle, (but it does not cover transportation) & it will allow you to skip most lines.
Here is the official website for the Paris Museum Pass:http://en.parismuseumpass.com
One more thing: If you're traveling with children & they're younger than 18, you do not need to buy a museum pass for them, because they can enter most museums for free (may need to show ID as proof of age).
You may still require to obtain your children's 'free tickets', at a few places.
Have a wonderful trip!
Priscilla
Yes, and the link mandyk01a provided is to the Paris Pass, not the Paris Museum Pass, which Priscilla provided. Paris Pass is not recommended, especially regards to the already discussed subject of the most economical transport strategy.
