Delta's Fastest from the Midwest and other Paris, France Transportation Tips

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: So this is my brief review of Delta's flight paths from Midwestern America into Paris. I'm not the best person on airplanes, so the shortest route is usually the one I recommend.

The most direct route for us was through Des Moines, Iowa (DSM) then on to Cinn., Ohio (CVG) via a ComAir jet, and that direct to Paris, France (CDG.) It was a great few flights. No stress, but Delta is always pretty good with that sort of thing. Don't sweat it if the layover in CVG appears short, the airport is very small and I've never had more than 10 minutes times between my gates even when I had to change terminals.

As for your carry-ons, do NOT tear off the red tags they attach when you initially board at your airport of origin. These will be required to carry the bag onto all the planes for your trip.

As of last month, Delta flights from CVG into France do not have the individual seat-back entertainment centers. This is worth it for us though, as we're vegetarians and the selection of food is always good.

The standard meals are generally curry. For the non-dietary restricted, it's usually pasta or chicken, salad, bread, cheese and crackers, and a brownie. For breakfast it's fruit and breads. Not as great as Air France, but very passable.

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Phone: 800-221-1212
Website: http://www.delta.com/home/index.jsp
Other Contact: 800-831-4488: For hearing or spe

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: Look, I know some people really hate public transportation and I know some people consider the Tube and Metro to be horrid places with strange people who are rude...but this simply isn't true. Not only is Paris' Metro system a fantastic way to get around the city in relative "record time," but it's also really the only practical thing to do. The Metro can even get you out to see Versailles!

So here's what you do: if you can't lay your hands on a Metro map before you leave for your trip then go to the nearest station (anyone can point one out as they're relatively close together in most areas of the city.) Go down the stairs and at the ticket counter simply ask for a map. Most sightseeing locations and travel guides use M or Metro Stop as the identifier for where to get off. Take the map back to a nice cafe, your rented flat, or your hotel and analyze your plan for attack. Find the nearest station to you and the nearest one to where you want to go.

It's quite affordable. As of April 2008 a single ticket (good only one way) was 1.50 Euro. Your best bet, if you'll be traveling more than three stops a day, is to get a Carnet ticket good for ten rides at 11.10 Euro. I can't remember off the top of my head how much an all day pass was, but I'm thinking it was about 8 Euro. (Someone please correct me if they have the most accurate data on this price.) Tickets can be paid for in cash or credit. Now, if you're traveling out of town, to say Versailles, then you want to get a pass for 2 zones. The individual at the ticket counter can help you out if you have any questions. For the central city and many surrounding areas of Paris, you only need the standard ticket for only one zone.

On the maps, lines are different colors. If you need to change lines, no worries, your tickets are good for transfers (you won't need to use more than one ticket if you have to change lines.) Put your ticket into the carousel, grab it on the other side, and then you're on your way. Look for signs showing stops in the direction you're heading and then hop on the line. When you're ready to get off at your stop, simply look for a sign labeled, "Sortie" (meaning exit) and head up to the street. I noticed a few stations where you needed your ticket to get out of the station/stop, hence the importance in grabbing it from the machine after you entered the Metro.

The French are very helpful, so it never hurts to ask if you get confused. Hope this helps! So hop on and ride the Metro - I promise it will remove a ton of transportation stress during your stay.

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Phone: 3 8 92 69 32 46
Website: http://www.ratp.fr
Other Contact: 08 10 64 64 64: For the impaired