|
TRANSPORTATION WITHIN PARIS
LE METRO
- Paris has a very efficient subway system, known as le métro and operated by the RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens), which includes the métro, RER, buses, trams. For specific information, see the RATP website: http://www.ratp.fr/
- It runs between approximately 5:30 AM and 1:00 AM. On Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of certain holidays, it leaves its original station between 1:45 – 2:00 AM. For specific times, see the RATP website and click on “horaires”. Click on tous les premiers et derniers departs sur une ligne to obtain the line-by-line and station-by-station times.
- The RER is the commuter train that runs through Paris and its suburbs. There are five different RER lines (A, B, C, D, E). Within zones 1 & 2, the RER is the same price as a metro ticket. Outside of these zones, prices vary by destination. You can buy RER tickets at any attended metro stop. If you have a ticket, be sure to hold onto to it because you will have to slip it through a turnstile to exit the RER station. For information on other commuter trains to different parts of “Ile-de-France”, see http://www.transilien.com/web/site.
- Public transportation maps can be found in the guide, “Le Petit Parisien”, provided at orientation. They are also available in all attended metro stations and on the RATP website.
TICKETS AND PASSES
Tickets
They are quite expensive and should only be bought in case of emergency. It is best to get a weekly or monthly pass. If you are using a ticket, be sure to keep it on you when you enter the metro, bus, tram, or RER. You can be stopped by a contrôleur at any time. If you cannot produce your ticket you will be fined on the spot.
- 1 ticket at subway station 1,60
- 1 ticket sold on a bus 1,70
- « Carnet with 10 tickets » 11,60
Note: For visitors, check out the pass, Paris visite, http://www.optile.com/guide/paris-visite.html, or mobilis http://www.optile.com/guide/mobilis.html
Passes
- The “Passe Navigo découverte” or the “Passe Navigo” entitle you to unlimited travel by bus, métro, and RER throughout the “Ile-de-France”, either for a week or for a month. If you travel within Paris, charge it for zones 1-2. If you live in the “banlieue”, ask which zones you need. See the following websites for complete information: http://www.optile.com/guide/passe-navigo-orange.html ;
• For immediate use and for non-residents, obtain a Passe Navigo découverte (cost 5€), see ticket counter in subway and train stations. All you need is a photo (format 25x30mm), In case of loss or theft, buy a new one.
• For long-term residents and those willing to wait three weeks, obtain a Passe Navigo (free). Apply by filling out the form obtainable at attended subway stations or at this link: http://www.comutitres.fr/documents/Formulaire_et_CGU_Orange.pdf (photo: format 25x30mm) Send to: Agence Carte Orange, Autorisation 81006, 95059 Cergy Pontoise cedex. You’ll receive it within 3 weeks time. 8€ to replace in case of loss or theft.
To charge your Navigo découverte or Navigo with a weekly (hebdomadaire) or monthly (mensuel) pass, go to
• any ticket counter or automatic machine in a subway or train station.
• Certain banks, like the CIC, and certain stores
• Cost: 17, 20€/week and 56,60€/month (zone 1-2).
• A recharge mensuelle is valid from the first day of the month until the last. A recharge hebdomadaire is valid from Monday at 0hr, until Sunday at midnight.
• You pay with either of the following:
• A bank card (CB, Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard)
• A check (with proper ID)
• Cash
The Carte Imagine’R is for students under 26 who are in Paris for the year (worth it even for 9 or 10 months). Unlimited rides in bus, tram, metro, RER, certain trains (except Orlyval and Allobus CDG). The cost depends on the number of zones in which you want to travel. Unless you need to travel regularly to the suburbs, get a ticket for zones 1 and 2: the cost for the year is 287,80€ + 8€ fee = 295,80€. Whatever zones you select, you will have free access to all zones on weekends, holidays, and official school vacations. You also benefit from other deals – Bons plans. For more details, see the following websites: http://www.optile.com/guide/imagine-r-etudiant-scolaire.html or http://www.imagine-r.com/gestion/html/imagine_R_cest/modalites3.htm#
Five dates on which you can begin your subscription: sept 1, october 1, november 1, december 1, january 1. The card is valid for one year. It costs 23€ to replace in case of loss or theft.
For an application form, see Christine Babef or go to an attended subway station. You’ll need a photo, a certificat de scolarité (obtainable in our offices), a bank account from which automatic monthly debits can be done, or a check for full payment. Expect a 3-week delay for processing.
BICYCLES: Vélib
For a very small fee, you can bicycle throughout Paris using the service provided by Vélib. Basically, you take a bike from a stand and return it to a similar stand in another part of Paris. There is a stand in front of Reid Hall. To benefit from this service, check the stands (without subscribing to a year pass, you can rent a bike on an occasional basis with a major credit card) and see the website: http://www.velib.paris.fr/abonnements_tarifs
TAXIS
- Taxis Bleus: 0891 70 10 10. http://www.taxis-bleus.com/
- Taxis G7: 01 47 39 47 39. http://www.taxisg7.fr/
- Alpha Taxi: 01 45 85 85 85. http://www.alphataxis.fr/
- FYI: when you call a taxi in France you are charged for the amount of time it takes for the taxi to reach you, usually this is about 5€ but it can be more.
- You can also find a taxi stands (clearly marked “TAXI”), which are usually at intersections of busy streets. It is tough to flag down a taxi in the same way you would in, for example, New York city. Usually, a taxi will only pick you up on “call” or at a “stand”.
TRAIN TRAVEL IN AND OUSTIDE OF FRANCE
- Where to purchase tickets :
- If you plan on traveling often, or traveling after the program, it might be worthwhile to purchase a “carte 12-25 ans”. This discount pass is for those between 12 and 25 years of age. It costs 49.00€ and entitles you to travel at rates discounted up to 50 %. See: http://www.12-25-sncf.com/accueil/
- Be sure to validate (composter) your tickets at the orange machines on the train platform. If you do not validate your tickets, you run the risk of being fined. For the same reason, keep your tickets with you the entire length of the journey. Contrôleurs will check all passengers’ tickets.
- If you change your reservation, you may have to pay a small surcharge.
- Be sure to arrive early for your train. If you miss your train, you will not be reimbursed.
- Students who plan to travel after or during the program should be sure that their families and the director in Paris know where they are at all times. If possible, please provide us with an itinerary of your travels. If you plan to travel, you may wish to mail some of your belongings home ahead of you.
- If you think you will be traveling around Europe during or after the program, it might be worthwhile to purchase a Eurail pass: http://www.eurail.com/ or an inter Rail global pass http://francais.interrailnet.com/enfr/
|
