Traveling In Paris

     I've had a few questions about getting around in Paris, mostly How do I get around in Paris? The answer is the Metro/RER system. It is the BEST way to get around Paris quickly and conveniently. There are several other ways to get around Paris. Driving, Taxi, Metro/RER, biking, and walking. Here I thought I would explain the wonderful ways to travel Paris.

     Driving is always the first option in the United States. There are usually lots of areas to park wither you are going to the mall, grocery store, or visiting a friend. In Paris, parking is the biggest challenge for the average Parisian driver. I drove a lot at my home in Utah, but I would NEVER drive in Paris. It's very confusing and I'm betting you will hit at least 5 roundabouts. When you are driving in Paris there is only you and where you are going, so if you need to cut across 3 lanes because you forget that you needed to turn left instead of right... well lets just say that their are a LOT of people who do that. Taxi is better because at least you are not the one who is having to drive, but like any typical taxi service it's expensive and you most likely will get stuck in traffic. I would bike, but the system is so close to driving that I'm nervous about it. Try following the same rules as a car but being less protected... 

    That leave waking and the Metro. I love walking, if I can walk there I will and Paris is very walker friendly. Since I'm usually in a rush to to pick up the kids, I don't walk as much as I like. If I have the time I will usually try to get off three or four stops before so I can walk a little. 

     The Bus is really good in Paris, it's a good way to go if you want to see Paris as you ride. It's not always the fastest and figuring out the map can get quite confusing, but it's not to bad. 

     The Metro is the best way to travel Paris. I have never seen a more efficient means of transportation.

   Basically you can go anywhere in Paris and during the day the trains are usually less than five minutes apart. A NaviGO pass is the best. You can have access for a month to the whole system  (RER-the train, Metro, and the bus), for the price of a tank of gas in the States.

     There are five zones of the Transportation System. Paris is in zone one and Versailles is in zone 4. Usually the NaviGo works for the first two zones, but on weekends they open it up to all zones for free. So a good time to go to Versailles is on the weekend, the only bad thing is that everyone else has the same idea. 

     The RER is the faster train System. There are less stops in between each stations. The RER has a huge history behind it, and it's a great system.  

    I have been very lucky to have both an RER and Metro Station right outside from where I am living. So I a can go anywhere in Paris that I need to go. I have loved living here and getting to explore different parts of Paris. 

     If you ever need it, here is a link to the best website that will help you get around Paris while using the Transportation System that is here: http://www.ratp.fr/fr/