Paris Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from the airport(s) to the city?
The best option, and most convenient is to book a car service through our site. The driver will be waiting at the airport with a sign with your name on it. Car Service prices and information.
Taxis are also available at the airports, and each has designated spots to pick up passengers. The price, depending on traffic, will cost around €40-€50.
There is also the Roissy Bus, which services Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport, and the center or Paris. Buses run every fifteen minutes. Bus lines 350 and 351 also service Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport, but do not run at night.
The RER B metro line is also quite efficient, and perhaps the most economical in terms of time and money. The train leaves from the center of Paris, and services terminals 1 and 2 at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport, and takes approximately 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at any metro station.
Orly airport is accessible by the ORLYVAL (automatic metro). ORLYVAL is the train service between Orly airport and the RER/metro station ‘Antony’, which takes you directly to the heart of Paris. The ORLYVAL leaves every 10 minutes and the journey takes approximately 8 minutes. ORLYVAL has stations in each Orly terminal (Orly Sud and Orly Ouest).
We’ve heard that the lines can be long at museums. Are we able to skip this line on the tour?
At the D’Orsay and Louvre we are able to make advance reservations and ticket purchases. There might be a minimal wait for security purposes. But we bypass the main lines.
Does it make sense to buy a museum pass?
If you are the serious art lover and plan on visiting many museums during your stay, then most definitely it would be to your benefit to purchase a museum pass. Also, having tickets in advance will allow you to bypass any lines. However, keep in mind that you need to be visiting at least two museums each day for it to work out economically.
Museum Passesare available through us; all prices and information can be found by clicking on the link.
Is the Métro dangerous?
No, the Métro is not dangerous. It is, in fact, one of the most efficient and reliable transportation systems in the world. We strongly urge you to try it out in order to get a taste of the true Paris of Parisians. Pickpockets can be an issue, especially for tourists. Pay close attention to your bags, wallets, and purses on the platforms and in crowded Métro cars
Is Paris a walking city?
Absolutely. In our opinion this is the best way to experience the city. Although Paris is the second largest city in Europe, it is definitely navigable on foot.
Where is the “Rive Gauche” (Left Bank)?
The left bank is located on the south side of the Seine river. It is referred to as the left bank, because when floating downstream this is the part of Paris that is to your left.
Is Paris a safe city?
Overall crime rates are very low, and violent crimes are rare, especially when compared to rates in American cities of similar size. Just be careful of such petty crime as pickpockets who tend to target tourists.
Where do I purchase Métro tickets?
Tickets are available at automated machines located in the majority of all station. These do not accept foreign credit cards (i.e. only bearers of a ‘carte bleu’), so having change is necessary. There are new machines in some of the Metro stations that accept bills. However, most stations have a ‘guichet’ or ticket window, where you may use your credit card or bills to purchase tickets. A convenient method is to buy a ‘carnet’ or packet of ten tickets.
How do I hail a taxi in Paris?
Very rarely will a taxi pull over when you try to flag one down. Not entirely impossible, but difficult. Instead, you need to find your way to one of the city’s taxi stands (square blue signs, with ‘taxi’ in white letters), where taxis line up, waiting to take people to their desired locations. If your French is up to the task you can also call one of the taxi call centers, such as Taxi Bleues (08 91 70 10 10) and they will send one to you.
What time does the Métro stop running?
The busier stations stop running service between 12:45 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. Less frequently used stations will stop service closer to 12:30 a.m. On Saturday nights, stations stay open later, closing around 2:00 a.m. However, don’t fret if you decide to stay out late, and don’t have enough money to take a taxi. There are late night buses, that go throughout the city.
Do I need to make reservations to fancy restaurants in advance?
Yes, most upscale restaurants do require a reservation, and depending on the restaurant, may require weeks, even months in advance. We can make restaurant reservations for you, for a charge of €10.
How do I get to Versailles?
Using public transportation, the RER C train goes directly to Versailles, and takes approximately 45 minutes. You want to descend at Versailles Rive Gauche. From the train station, you are able to walk directly to the chateau and the gardens. You are able to purchase the chateau tickets directly at the train station. During our Versailles walk, we help facilitate the transaction, as well as take you on a walk around the gardens. We then leave you to enter the chateau, as they do not allow our docents to give commentary there.
How do I get to Giverny?
Giverny is approximately 50 minutes from Paris, and is accessible by train. SNCFoffers transport from Paris to Vernon, which is on the main line ‘Paris-Rouen-Le Havre Railway’ line.
From Vernon, you may take a taxi, which are usually waiting at the train station, and will cost around €12.
During the spring and through autumn, “TVS” has buses servicing the train station in Vernon to the bus station in Giverny. Round trip fare will cost €4.
What is the weather like
During the spring and summer months, Paris can quite enjoyable, while basking in the Parisian sun in one of the many parks. But keep in mind that rain is quite prevalent, and the weather can change rather quickly, so be prepared, and carry an umbrella. During the fall and winter, the temperature can drop drastically, and there can be strong winds. So it is advisable to have gloves/mittens, and a hat or something else to cover your ears.