How to Get Around Paris: Q&AReader Questions Answered

REVISE  Choosing where to stay in Paris can be challenging simply because you have so many wonderful options.  Each neighborhood offers its own vibe, attractions, things to do, places to shop, and of course, appealing cafes, bistros, and restaurants.  So naturally, you may have lots of questions.

In the Sunday edition of my free Paris Discoveries Newsletter, I answer reader questions about Paris travel.  Not surprisingly, where to stay and which hotel to book are among the most frequent inquiries. 

This article is part of the Paris Discoveries Q&A Archive and brings together my answers about neighborhoods, arrondissements, and choosing the right area and hotel for your stay.

Some questions focus on the best neighborhood for your first visit, the feel of different areas, and choosing the right hotel when online reviews vary.  I've lightly edited, expanded, and updated my original answers, and added photos to make this a more complete Paris travel resource. 

What's the Best Way to Find Our Way Around Paris?

Jessica's question:

My husband and I are visiting Paris for a week in mid-April. General tips for finding our way around as first time Paris visitors (from Los Angeles) would be very appreciated. We have booked a lot of tours and plan to walk or use uber for other activities.

Susan's Answer: 

Booking several city or neighborhood tours is one of the best ways to get familiar with parts of Paris - plus the guides are usually very knowledgeable so you'll learn a lot of things that you'd likely not even know about otherwise.

Another good way to get around is to use a navigational app. I just use Google Maps on my phone because it will show you where you are (little blue blob-like icon) and you can enter where you want to go in the search bar.

For that to work well, though, you'll need a data for France to give you internet access. On my current trip, I've been using a Saily eSIM, which is cheap, fast, and easy - just download it from the Apple or Android store. If you're here for just a week, the 5GB plan should be sufficient.

Previously, I've used Orange - also works well but slightly pricier; if your phone has a physical SIM, I believe they also support that (Saily, as far as I know, does not). Holafly is another good one. Any of them are probably cheaper than whatever your U.S. plan offers.

Is a Photo Required on a Navigo Weekly (or Monthly) Pass for Getting Around Paris?

Jennifer's question:

We're visiting Paris in late October and staying Wednesday-Monday. We'll be using the Metro/Public Transport the whole trip. Coming to and from airport and a day trip to Disney.

My question is the Navigo Card has an unlimited option, do you have to put a picture on a physical card or is there an easier option?

Susan's Answer: 

Yes, for the weekly Navigo pass that gives you unlimited travel on the RER, metro, local trains, bus, tram, etc, including the RER to the airports. But the photo is easy to attach. It needs to be a head shot, about 1" by 1", and in color. It's easier to bring one with you but most metro stations also have photo booths, although they're occasionally out of order. You must also sign the card.

The Navigo card goes in a plastic holder which costs €5. You can get the card and holder at the information counter in any metro station (be sure to say "bonjour" when you walk up if you want to get the best service), and the person at the counter will usually have tape to attach your photo to the card, which you'll also sign and put into the plastic holder. You can then go over to the ticket machines to load your fares onto your pass. You'll need a pass for each person.

You can also use the RATP app to load tickets onto your phone, but I don't recommend that as the app can be glitchy, resulting in situations where you risk being fined, even though the glitchiness is well known.

Also, because the Navigo pass runs Monday through Sunday, you'll need to to get a Navigo Easy card (no photo required) for €2 to use on Monday, and load your airport fare of €14 plus any metro or other tickets that you need for the day onto it. You'll also need one of these for each person.

Another option is to buy a 5-day Visite pass (Sightseeing pass) for €78 (half price for children). It's more expensive but includes the airport fare and everything else, so you're basically paying for the convenience. And you don't need to deal with a photo - all you do is sign and date the card. You can buy these directly at the airport - you'll see staffed kiosks near the baggage carousels.

You can find additional details about tickets and getting to Disney on the train in this article. Wishing you a wonderful time in Paris and at Disney!

 

See Questions & Answers on Similar Topics

Should You Split Your Paris Stay between 2 or More Neighborhoods & Hotels? - Find out when and why to consider doing this, plus practical tips

Paris Discoveries Q&A Archive - See Q&As on all topics

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