lé Open Grand Tour of Paris and other Paris, France Transportation Tips

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: The best way to view Paris is by foot, bus or boat. There are four bus tours and we did three of them. The bus was bright yellow in colour so easy to spot when looking for one :)

A little chilly, it was alot of fun and very informative. We hopped on and off many times, and saw all the 'must see' sites, as well as 'backstreet' ones. Commentary by headphone at each seat provide insight and helpful visitation tips (when the head-sets were working!).

One nice thing is that these tickets last for TWO days, unilke London's which lasts for only one day. Much better value for money! :)

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Phone: 1-800-960-2221
Website: http://www.discoverfrance.com/gotoparis/opentour.html
Other Contact: info@discoverparis.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: After our Open top bus tour of Paris, we decided to try out the Metro services, to explore Paris ourselves. So we bought a Carte Orange weekly travel card and proceeded underground... :)

The Paris metro is huge, and with nearly 300 stations there's always one within walking distance. In comparison to London's metro, there are ALOT more stations in Paris. At first it seems a bit daunting, everything being in French, but it soon becomes easier when you familiarise yourself with the tube map and your surroundings.

The Carte Orange pass at about 13 euros for a weekly two zone ticket is valid from Monday to Sunday, but you'll need a passport photo when you buy it! (We had been forewarned by my French coleague re this)

One thing that peaked our curiousity was the tubes that had tyres. You dont get these in London! :)

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Website: http://www.ratp.fr

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: I would personally never drive in Paris. I would be far too nervous!

The drivers seem too erratic to me, plus the streets are extremely narrow. I feel I have to hold my tummy in even when walking down some streets sometimes ;)

I have watched in horror and amazement how a car would manouver itslef into a teeny tiny weeny parking bay, that is FAR too small for it. To fit itself in, it simply nudges the bumper of the cars in the front and the back, and pushes itself in. Gives new meaning to the term 'bumper to bumper'!

Me have/drive a car here?? No way! lol Imagine the car insurance? Rather buy an orange weekly card and travel on the underground. Many stations and a frequent service.

However, if you are still keen to drive, here are some of the major car rental companies:
Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz and National InterRent

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Phone: 01345222525 (National InterRent)
Website: www.discoverfrance.net

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: Eurostar has the advantage of taking you from the centre of London to the centre of Paris in around 3 hours. Trains leave regularly from Waterloo, with promotional fares available from as little as 59 pounds return. We booked ours way in advance so got a greta price. If we were under 26 we could get cheaper tickets too.

We chose to go on the Eurostar from London to Paris as my husband has always wanted to do so.... we were happy with the service, seats were wide and comfy, train trip was quiet too. The chunnel was far quicker than we thought it would be..

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Phone: 08705 186 186
Website: http://www.eurostar.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: We arrived in Paris on a public holiday. Not much was open and public buses were few and far btwn. So we decided to get our bearings by walking. Which we did.

I think this is actually the best way to see Paris. You are so much closer to the people, the buildings and architecture, and dont miss interesting little things that you would definately miss had you been in a car or bus.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: Once all transport seems to shut down for the night, a special night bus service, the Noctambus, takes over and operates from 1am till 5.50am.

We found this very handy, and felt we could relax on our evening's out more, knowing we could back to our hotel okay!

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'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: The Basilique du Sacre Caeur is a Paris 'must see'. You can read more about it on our tip Basilique du Sacre Caeur :) This train is more a shuttle than anything else... for the young and the old and those just too lazy to walk up the hill to the Basilique du Sacre Caeur! We didnt use it as we are young and fit (lol) and plus it cost 5 euros EACH for a one way trip...so is a bit of a tourist trap we thought!

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Phone: (0)1 42 51 17 02
Website: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/
Other Contact: 30, 54, 80, 85, Montmartrobus

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: As the Park is very large and getting from one section to the other can be quite a walk, there is a welcome train that runs around the circumferance of the Park, that you can hop onto for free (price is included in your entrance ticket), and you can clamber on board at Frontierland Station and climb off at Discoveryland Station!

The train is old fashioned, is made up with the usual exquisite detail found elsewhere in the Park, and is very enjoyable to go on.

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Website: www.disneylandparis.com