Tourist in Paris France?? Use the Metro Like a Parisian!

So easy to get almost anywhere around Paris on the Metro.  BUT - especially if an old fart tourist - watch out for pickpockets on the metro particularly at peak seasons.  They are fast, expert and you will not know a thing.

We speak from experience - as the wife who uses a cane after a mucked up hip operation- can attest too, after being pushed over getting from the platform into the train and having her backpack opened and her purse stolen in an instant on a Saturday morning!  Just picking on the least able to defend themselves!

Just be aware.........and local or tourist, they do not discriminate!

Enough of that.

Lots of advice says buy your metro tickets outside France.  Not necessary - easier to be prepared and buy the tickets at any metro station, and there are several options.

If planning on many trips - buy a 2,3, or 5 day ticket, which can be for just suburban Paris OR to include airports and Versailles etc and provides unlimited use.  The latter may be a good option if arriving by air at CDG, as you can then travel into the central area on the same ticket.

If not sure you can also buy tickets for central areas as a batch of 10 tickets - sometimes okay if only likely to do one or two return rides a day or you need an extra day on top of the first option.

The best option is to buy the tickets you need on the first train trip you take, purchasing at a ticket office as you enter the metro.  And they will take a credit card too.  Just check online for more information on current prices, so you are at least aware of the options and possible costs.

Beats having to organise it beforehand.

The metro in Paris seems complicated initially, but it is not difficult to pick up how to get around........and it does service almost every tourist spot you can think of in Paris.