Our 1st time to Paris. Arriving via Eurostar on Saturday, June 20 at Gare du Nord. Should we try the Metro rather than wait for a taxi or is it way too complicated? On paper it looks easy - just hop on Metro #4 that ends at Porte d'Orleans and get off at the Cite stop. But will it
be easy to locate which floor Metro #4 is on, etc.? I've heard the taxi line is forever!
Posted by
near NY, NJ, USA
445 posts
The taxi lines ARE enormous. I havae made this connection and it is very easy. Just follow the signs. I took Line 4 to Chatelet and then we walked
up the rue de Rivoli to the Tuileries. Just Follow the signs!
Posted by
Columbus, Ohio, USA
258 posts
The Paris metro is really easy to figure out IMO. I would certainly just take the metro.
Posted by
Baudette, MN, United States
163 posts
I vote for the metro as well. We were a bit nervous our first time using it as well, but I think you'll find that it's much easier than you thought! And in general, people are nice and helpful everywhere, so don't be afraid to ask someone if you need a point in the right direction!
Posted by
Elmwood, IL, USA
368 posts
The Metro is easy and well marked at Gare du Nord. Your right about Metro #4 direction Porte d'Orleans Also there is an elevator at the Cite stop so luggage is not a problem. Just read anything on the Graffiti wall; Tourist Scan Alert for occasional posting about having "someone" help you get tickets from machines. I would take the time to go to the ticket booth to get my tickets. If planning on using the metro get a carnet (10 tickets). I always leave Paris with at least 2 metro tickets for the next time.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Just got back from Paris this week. We were nervous about the Metro, and RER, but once we had used it, it was fantatic. We justed carried our luggage up and down the stairs.
We had some problems, but all types of people always helped us out.
Yup, buy a carnet of ten tickets. Sometimes we had problems using our credit card, so we always carried enough cash to buy more tickets.
Posted by
Texas
518 posts
We used the metro from and to the train station. It's easy. As stated before, you can buy a carnet of 10 tickets. You may have to lift your bag through the turnstile or turn it sideways to fit. One thing, keep your ticket after you put it through the machine. Sometimes, not often, but sometimes, officials will be waiting at the exit with a little machine to check your ticket. If you don't have it, there is an on the spot fine. On the RER, you always have to put your ticket through at the entrance AND exit.