Hi all, My friend and I will be traveling from our hotel to the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel tower. Our hotel is near the Villiers or the Rome metro stations on line 2. We would like to travel on line 2 to the Charles de Gaulle Etolle station, transfer to line 6, and take it to the Bir-Hakeim station, then walk along the Seine to the Eiffel tower. The problem is, all of this would take place on a Thursday evening at about 6 pm. So, to those of you with experience on the Paris metro, what do you think the conditions might be related to crowding? Should we try it or take a taxi from the hotel or perhaps from the taxi stand at Villiers metro station? Thanks everyone!
Gary
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
At that time of day you may well have to stand elbow to elbow, but with no luggage to haul you'll be fine. Keep your valuables in a money belt.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32382 posts
Gary, Even though it might be busy at that time of day, I wouldn't hesitate to use the Metro. I suspect the street traffic may also be busy, so that would increase the cost of a Taxi. The Metro route that you've planned sounds like the quickest route.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Yep - that Metro route will be fast, and yes, it may be crowded - but a taxi at that time might get bogged down and you will be sitting there, agonizing, as the meter ticks over.... and over.... and over.... and over.... Be prepared to stand and be crowded, and get there cheaply and fast. :D
Posted by
Mesa, AZ, USA
92 posts
totally agree! Metro is much easier
Posted by
OP
Kailua, Hi, USA
54 posts
Thanks very much for all your help. Gary
Posted by
Mentor on the Lake, OH, USA
251 posts
I vote for the taxi. We went to the Jules Verne last year, wondeful restaurant. Our taxi ride was a little scary, weaving in and out of traffic, but we arrived in plenty of time. Your hotel and call the taxi for you. We choose the taxi because the shoes I wore that night were inappropriate for walking long distances. Hope you a very special evening.
Posted by
Redlands, Ca, USA
358 posts
No matter the time of day I use the Paris metro. If the metro train is to crowded I wait for the next one which is only minutes behind. To me the busiest line is #1.
Posted by
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
I loved the Paris Metro. Very easy and I never found it crowded (though I am used to nyc subway at rush hour). I find a taxi at rush hour is unpredictable and pricey.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10705 posts
Once stuck in traffic on the way to the Gare de Lyon, the taxi driver said I would be better off getting out and walking. So I did.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec
17 posts
Metro: anytime. Or you could walk to the Seine and then along the Seine until the tower.
A nice walk under an hour "
Posted by
Washington, DC
893 posts
Another vote for the metro. It will be crowded, but definitely doable.
Posted by
Elmwood, IL, USA
368 posts
Metro, route as mentioned
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
On a side note,,if you use a taxi,, and have the hotel call it for you, the meter will be running when it arrives. You are charged from the moment the taxi receives your call, so when its busy,, which it could be at that time, you will be paying even extra. If you decide to get a taxi its cheapest to go to a taxi stand, but, at that time you may wait a bit for a free one. Metro is definately fastest and cheapest.
Posted by
OP
Kailua, Hi, USA
54 posts
Thanks again to everyone for all the great advice!
Gary