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Visiting Paris

Public transportation

Paris has a great network of public transportation, in the city as well as for its surroundings.The same company (RATP) runs the metro and city train (RER), as well as trams and buses.

Navigating in Paris is fairly easy and you should not have any trouble. However, here are some advices:

  • If you buy single trip tickets, there is a different fee for metro and RER (2.5€), and for trams and buses (2€). 'Metro and RER' tickets are valid for 2h (changes between lines are allowed), while 'Trams and buses' tickets are valid for 1h30 (changes between lines are allowed). However, you cannot use the same ticket if your trip requires a change between metro/RER and trams/buses.
  • There is no round trip tickets, you have to use 2 single trip tickets.
  • Special tickets are needed to and from the airports (Charles de Gaulle and Orly). A 'Paris region - Airport' ticket costs 13€.
  • The programme will require you to use the metro 3 to 4 times. This should amount to 15€/20€. Of course, you are free to go visiting the city after class.
  • 10 metro tickets cost 25€. The Navigo Week Pass for all zones cost 31,60€ for 7 days, and allows you to take all transportation modes for the whole week (it is valid from Monday 0:00 to Sunday 23:59 and can be purchased from the Friday of the previous week). All zones means that you will be able to use it to go to the airport.
  • You can upload your tickets or cards on your phone (via the App IDF Mobilités or Bonjour RATP), or on a card you will be able to buy upon arrival at a metro station. You can buy tickets and passes directly in Paris, or online in the app. Do not buy tickets from people that are not affiliated with RATP.

More detailed information is available on the RATP website: https://www.ratp.fr/en

 

Pickpockets and tourists traps

Paris is a wonderful city, and in summer it is filled with tourists.

There is no specific rule here, but let us remind you of some basics:

  • Do not buy counterfeit items (bags, etc) on the streets. You will get arrested after buying, even if you saw the police near the vendor before.
  • Most restaurants that have waiter hailing you are tourist traps.
  • There are pickpockets out in the streets and in public transportation and they are really good at noticing foreigners. Be careful with your personal items.
  • Do not engage with people who try to get your attention to sign something.
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