Paris is the city of love, the city of lights, the city of every romantic’s dreams, but it is also a very, very big and mixed city.
When you go to Paris, there are lots of things to take note of, as you would in any large metropolitan city.
Transportation:
- Paris taxis: There are three major taxi companies in the city. Taxis work a little differently in Paris than say, New York. You usually can’t just wave your hands like a maniac to for a taxi to stop. Taxis in Paris usually only stop at Taxi Stands which are basically a blue sign with the word “taxi” on it with a bunch of taxis lined up near it. If you want a taxi to pick you up at a specific location, you can always call the company to order one to your specific address. I personally take G7 the most.
- Alpha 01.45.85.85.85, www.alphataxis.fr
G7 01.47.39.47.39, www.taxisg7.com
Taxis Bleus 08.91.70.10.10, www.taxis-bleus.com
- Alpha 01.45.85.85.85, www.alphataxis.fr
- Paris Metro: Traveling by the Paris Metro is probably the cheapest mode of transportation and the best way to get to your locations. If you are staying in Paris for a few days, you should probably get a Paris Visite Pass which can be used on the bus, Metro, and RER. You can read more about the passes here: ☆
- You can also buy a “carnet” of ten tickets
- RER: So Paris also has this train called the RER which is sort of like the Metro but goes to further locations.
- Getting from the Charles de Gaulle to Central Paris: take RER B (which is blue); from there you can get off at stations like Gare du Nord, Châtelet les Halles, St Michel/Nôtre Dame, Luxembourg, Port Royal, Denfert-Rochereau, Cité Universitaire to transfer to buses or Metro lines to get to your final destination.
- Tickets: 10€ (adult fare) / 7€ (children 4 – 9) / free for children under 4
- Going to Versailles from Paris: take RER C (yellow) which is found at the St. Michel-Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Invalides, and Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel stations to name a few. Make sure the train is going towards Versailles Château-Rive Gauche.
- Tickets: 7€ round trip. You’ll be getting two tickets,one for each trip.
- Site: ☆
- Getting from the Charles de Gaulle to Central Paris: take RER B (which is blue); from there you can get off at stations like Gare du Nord, Châtelet les Halles, St Michel/Nôtre Dame, Luxembourg, Port Royal, Denfert-Rochereau, Cité Universitaire to transfer to buses or Metro lines to get to your final destination.
Safety:
- Try to bring a bag or purse with zippers when you go to Paris. There are a lot of pick pockets there, especially near tourist locations. Its always good to take precautions; that way you can have a fun and carefree time and avoid less trouble.
- Besides at bars and clubs, there are little people on the streets at night in Paris, so if its late at night, make sure to have your phone with you or a friend.
- Don’t look lost or scared. It’ll make you an easier target.
- Look up everything you need, including directions , before you leave your dwelling so you can save time and find the best routes to get to where you need to go.
Other:
- If you are short on time or staying for only a few days, I suggest looking up more options for attractions so you can visit as many places as possible. For example, if you’re only staying for two days or doing a little round trip from London, you can always visit other museums or attractions that are within walking distance from each other rather than going out to Versailles. Who knows, you might find the little things even more precious!
