Paris Metro System

Judy,

Actually, the Paris Metro is quite easy to use once you figure it out (as are the Subways in London and Rome).

If you could indicate where you're travelling to and from in Paris, I'm sure someone here will be able to tell you exactly which Metro line to take.

Cheers!

I find the Paris Metro very easy to use, don't try to figure out each line and where it goes, just try to figure out how it works. Learn the end stops and carry the little maps around everywhere. And don't worry about looking like a tourist as many people there are tourists, and some French people read the maps and even Parisians on a new route will read them. Most people I have met, even during commuting time have been friendly and helpful.

For a long time I was a devotee of the Metro system. Until I discovered the bus system. I have seen the light, literally. While the metro is faster, it is also darker and less interesting (excpet for the people). Would your rather do your walking in tunnels or on the streets. On the bus you get to see so much.

Learn a few local bus routes near where you are staying and going. Look at the stops. The bus stops give you information to make it very easy, and laid out very clearly, and again most bus drivers I met were friendly. Most on the tourist routes either run East/West or North/South. Get the tickets that are called billet+ they will allow for transfers but not r/t.

I should add that some of the metro lines are actually above ground... but mostly in places you probably wouldn't want to see.

As previous posters have mentioned, the metro is really quite easy to use, but you are also absolutely correct in your assessment of Bus #69 - it really runs through the heart of many things you will want to see - and depending on where you are going, the busses can be more direct (or the metro can be more direct, it just depends).

There are a couple of other busses that are quite convenient to many of the prime attractions, so the combo of bus and metro is ideal - and cheap.

Just buy the carnet and you can use your tickets for bus or metro (but not to transfer between bus and metro, but can transfer from metro line to metro line).

My first impression of the rail system in Paris was WOW. It looked/felt like a labyrinth. Take your time, ask questions both here and there and do as much research as you can. In the end you'll appreciate Paris all the more. Have fun.

other replies above are right; the metro is faster; you can get caught in some wicked traffic jams on the bus, especially along the Seine

Could someone please tell me when the Metro shuts down for the night? Is it the same time all over Paris?

Also, do car rental agencies out of CDG close at a certain hour, or do they stay open?

http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/tomsguidetoparis.htm

Judy,
... the above is Tom's Guide to Paris. There's a good section on "Transportation" (just click on it) and it also notes the closing times of the Metro.
You could ask questions of Tom [Just click on 'Contact Me' and send an email]...
... bon voyage... P

Judy, As everyone has said, the Metro is really easy to use once you know the rules. Each line is printed in a different color (pink, green, etc.) and you just have to know the endpoint of the direction you want to head. There are large maps of Paris, with the lines and stops noted, on the wall as you enter each Metro station and also where you wait for the train. There's also a tiny personal Metro map that you can get from the ticket seller. And do buy a carnet (10 tickets) which is less than purchasing them separately. I happen to love my laminated, foldable Streetwise Map of Paris which not only has all the stops super-imposed on the city, but also has separate maps of the Metro alone, the RER (train) and buses. But since lots of folks recommended the bus, I'll try that on my next trip in June. Whatever you do for transport, have fun in Paris!

I think the Paris subway system is one of the largest in Europe, if not the largest. However I found it very easy to use, easier than the one NYC.

Just spend a bit looking the map over once you get there. I am easily intimidated when traveling regarding getting around. I found the metro easy to learn and use.

In high school my French teacher had a game that was really cool.
It was basically a map of the Paris Metro system-- just exactly like what you see in a guidebook or on a Paris map- same line colors and everything.
There were little cards that were dealt out with destinations, such as the Eiffel Tower or Pere Lachaise , and you had to figure out which lines to take, etc.
When I got to Paris a couple years later I was like "Wow, this is just like the game" and to me it really had helped me figure it all out- without really trying.
I wish I could remember what the game was called, maybe your family would like it and it would be a fun way to prepare before you go. I'm sure if you went to a search engine and typed in "Paris Metro board game" you could probably find it.
(http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/169739?size=large)found it!

(ran out of character space! :) )

In my experience, people are always willing to help you find your way!
One cool feature, which I remember seeing in a few Metro stations, was a large map with buttons below. If you knew your destination you could push the button and it would illuminate on the map the lines you need to take. Look for one of these (fun to play with even if you know where you are going, hehe)
Have a great trip!