Metro

The Paris metro system is cheap and efficient. The network is comprehensive and the service is very frequent. The service operates from roughly 5:30am–12:30am (until 1:30–2am Fri, Sat and the evening before bank holidays) and exact times for each line are given at stations.

• www.ratp.fr

RER

The RER train system (5am–12:30am; to 1.30am Fri, Sat and the eve before public holidays) has only five lines, but the network goes further into the suburbs. Metro tickets are only valid on RER trains in the central zones (1 and 2). If travelling further, you must buy a separate RER ticket.

Buses

Buses run from approximately 6:30am– 8:30pm, although some services operate through the night (Noctilien Buses). A Grand Plan de Paris available from metro stations shows all bus routes. Metro tickets are valid in Zones 1 and 2, but you cannot switch between bus and metro on the same ticket. Bus stops show the line route.

Taxis

Remember that taxis may not always stop if you hail them on the street. The best method is to head for one of the 470 taxi ranks (look for the taxi icon on a blue background), or ask your hotel or restaurant to call for one. Many drivers will not take more than three people, to avoid front-seat passengers. Fares are not expensive but there may be a charge for extra luggage.

Arrondissements

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts), which radiate out in a clockwise spiral from the centre. The first is abbreviated to 1er (Premier) and follow on as 2e, 3e (Deuxième, Troisième) etc. The postal address for the first district is 75001, and again these follow on – the second district is 75002.

Asking Directions

The Parisians’ reputation for rudeness is unjustified. Most are polite and will try to help even if you do not speak French (many Parisians speak English). Politeness and an effort to speak French are always appreciated, so be sure to begin with “Excusez-moi” (“Excuse me”).

Cycling

Paris is an excellent city for cyclists. You can hire bikes from shops such as Decathlon and GoSport, or try the self-service scheme Vélib’. Bike stands are found every 300 metres (330 yards) and payment is by credit card at the access terminals, which operate in eight different languages.

• www.en.velib.paris.fr

Rollerblading

Parisians are mad about rollerblading and on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons organized balades (outings) often take place, beginning at Montparnasse.

• www.pari-roller.com

Boat

The Batobus runs for roughly 11 months a year and its eight stops link all the major sights on the river. Boats run every 15–30 minutes, from 10am–7pm (until 9pm Jun–Sep; 10:30am–4:30pm winter). One-day, two-day and five-day passes are great value if you plan on making more than one journey.

• 08 25 05 01 01

• www.batobus.com

Walking

Central Paris is fairly compact, and even a walk from the Arc de Triomphe to the Bastille should only take an hour. Be sure to look up to see the beautiful old buildings – and down to avoid the evidence of Parisian dogs.