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Paris: Nord to Lyon

Hi all. I have a question about Paris transportation and logistics i'm hoping someone can clear up. I will be backpacking through Europe in August. I'm planning on taking the train from Brussels to Paris in the morning on the 16th, then at night on the 16th taking a train from Paris to Florence. The train from Brussels goes into Gare de Nord while the one to Florence leaves from Gare de Lyon. I was wondering how I would get from Nord to Lyon and if there was one major site I could hit along the way.

I realize some people's first thought would be: Don't be a fool, stay in Paris for at least a few days! However, I have more interest in seeing other places and I really just want to use Paris as a quick pit-stop. Any help is very appreciated! Thanks so much.

Posted by
4132 posts

If you are arriving in the morning and leaving in the evening you will not have much trouble meeting your goal of seeing "one major" sight in Paris--your pick. Proximity to one of your train stations is not important. Just hop on the Metro--it's fast and easy.

The only possible complication could be your bag, though many museums have bag checks and there are left-luggage facilities at some train stations (including, I think, Lyon) and at private places such as Blue Marble.

Posted by
8700 posts

First of all, are you aware that there is a direct night train (EN 227) from Paris Bercy to Firenze? If you leave from Gare de Lyon, you'll have to change trains at least once.

Individual Metro/RER/bus tickets cost 1.40 EUR. Each ticket is good for unlimited transfers anywhere the Metro goes and also on the RER in zone 1 so long as you don't exit the system. Each bus ride requires a separate ticket. A one-day Mobilis pass for zones 1-2 will give you unlimited rides on all means of public transport and costs 5.50 EUR.

Go to www.ratp.fr to download and print a Metro/RER map for central Paris.

Posted by
15 posts

Great thanks for your help, I guess for only 5.50euro it makes sense to buy the unlimited pass and just go wherever in Paris for around 8 hours.