In the past we've purchased "orange cards" for metro travel around Paris (and learned you better be darn sure you stick your photo in the right place! not speaking French helped us get out of a hefty fine when the gendarme finally gave up in exasperation at trying to make us understand her; she wrote "aviso" and the date where the photo should have been and we were able to rectify it once we got back to our room). The card allowed us great freedom for hoping on and off without regard to how many rides we had left in our carnet, although we do find we are very willing to walk huge distances because there is just so much to see above ground. We arrive at CDG on a Sunday, so card wouldn't kick in until Monday, then leave the following Saturday. We are thinking to just do the carnets this time -- I did the math carnet vs. current card info in Rick's book, and it looks like a draw. What have others found? Thank you for your input.
Posted by
OP
San Pedro, CA, USA
186 posts
Also, if one carnet is 12 euros, and two 23.40, does anyone know what 5 or 10 carnets would run? We are two couples travelling. Thank you! Fath
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
t+ tickets from carnets are also good on buses and on the Montmartre funiculaire. They provide bus transfers for up to 90 minutes after boarding the first bus.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Since you like to walk and probably won't be taking lots of rides each day, buying carnets as needed and sharing the tickets sounds like a good plan. I assume you realize that the "orange card" has been replaced by the Navigo semaine which is a re-loadable plastic card and is good for five years. The card itself costs €5.00. It also requires a photo. I'm curious. Where did you read that there is a discount for buying two carnets?
Posted by
OP
San Pedro, CA, USA
186 posts
Rick's 2011 book mentioned that there was a slight discount when buying two carnets. That's what made me wonder if there was a discount on 5 or 10 at one time.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Buy the carnets. Be done with it. Other pass options just seem like a pain and not worth the time and complication.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Been to Paris a zillion times and always used carnets BUT last summer we got the Navigo card and loved it. Will always get the Navigo from now on. It's good for buses too.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4415 posts
Just an FYI - a 'carnet' is simply 10 individual t-tickets; it's not a 'book' of tickets, etc. You simply get a price break. I suggest the carnet...since you like to walk. And - the t-tickets have no time limit; take your left-overs back to Paris with you (store them with your leftover Euro &/or in your moneybelt. Very Important: It can be VERY difficult to tell validated metro tickets from unused ones; Everyone needs to come up with some plan, such as keeping validated (currently being used) tickets in your right pocket, and unused ones in your left. You MUST keep the validated ticket you are currently using until you have exited the metro station - sometimes, metro officers will be outside the exits at street level demanding to see your validated ticket! Not producing your ticket will result in a significant fine. After a block or so you can stick them in your daybag or a garbage can - anywhere you won't be able to use them again.