Happy to hear that! I’m thrilled, Lolly. I made this video for people just like you. And I’m so happy you’re feeling more confident now. Be sure to check out my metro playlist for additional tips!
I learned the hard way-don’t put a paper ticket in your RFID items. It can sometimes erase your ticket. My friends went through the ticket gate and I was stuck. Thankfully, the ticket booth attendant helped me and told me about RFID problem! Merci!
I went to Paris 2 weeks ago I took your advice and downloaded the app, it worked great and being a NYC resident I very quickly grasped the system. I also used the RER a few times, just be confident and read the signs I am looking forward to my return trip .
Love the metro so much, but there's definitely a lot to learn to make it feel simple (and we still always get on going the wrong direction at least once per trip lol). This is THE perfect tutorial! 💥
Since you explained this so well, are you able to do a video on taking the buses? I heard that taking the bus is better in order to see the city of Paris. Hopefully you can. I really appreciate this video.
Thanks for the suggestion! However I’ve never ridden the bus in Paris so I’m far from an expert in that, especially to make a video for others! I’ll definitely think about it tho. Walking is always my best recommendation and option!
Thank you so much for this! The information about the app was invaluable The tip about changing the "leave now" to when you want to arrive was great and also explaining what the arrow and station direction under the first station meant, was super helpful. That and the tips about double checking you are headed in the right direction made me feel very confident in taking my first metro ride with a connection today. I was even able to do it in Friday afternoon rush hour traveling solo. I made no mistakes at all on the metro.The info about de-magnatizing a paper ticket was helpful. One of my tickets did not open the entrance panels today so I'm going to find an agent who can refund it, especially since it was a 4 Euro ticket. Glad the Olympics are over soon. I'm still directionally impaired when trying to use google maps to walk but I'm going to look for a youtube on that tonight. Thanks again!
Dear Margaret, thank you for taking the time to return to this video and share your valuable insights and experiences. I am so glad that you found this video guide and tutorial to be so helpful!
Good question! I mentioned in the subtitle that the contactless credit cards are frequently rejected. This experience makes tourists worried and upset as they try to figure out what’s going on. But it’s the machine - not them or their bank card. Knowing that you must use a debit card with a PIN code saves time and angst. And don’t forget to notify your bank that you’re traveling to France!
Hi, thank you so much for this amazingly thorough and detailed video! If you purchase a round trip ticket to Versailles, Disney or the airport, when does the ticket expire? Is it only good for one day? I’m curious if it’s better to buy tickets as needed. How do you know what zone you need to buy the ticket for? I love how the app tells you which carriage or car to sit on to be closest to the exit. Thank you so much!
Thank you for your support and feedback. ☺️ The paper tickets do not have an immediate expiration date or time period. But once validated (you enter the metro turnstiles), you have two hours to finish the “trip.” Regarding zones, it’s not necessary to know what zone you need. You simply follow my instructions in the video, enter the destination, and it will automatically calculate the correct price for you.
Thank you very much! I have a lot of content that I previously published about Paris. And I also have an entire playlist dedicated to the Paris Metro. I think you’ll find both of those things helpful as well as my website. Finally, know that I am in the process of publishing two more metro videos. So depending upon when you are traveling, you’ll want to watch for those as they will help you with your planning as well!
@@ThisFrenchLife I thank you a million times. My French algorithm is giving great content. So glad you were presented to me. You are by FAR one of the most enjoyable tour enthusiasts I've encountered.
Tnx u so much for replied. I did not hope u will replied. Usually did others tnx again. Where do u live , I live London, will try to go November Paris , that why asked questions many. Will stay 4 days but don’t know anything. Which journey cheaper, like to go Eiffel Tower, monalisa museum, Arc India etc. kindly tell me where do u live. I am single mum that’s why ask many things, first time will go. Tnx u so much u help me
Adorable video as always! The only thing I didn't catch was at the end about sometimes needing to validate your ticket. I've only been to Paris once, but I will be back this fall, and was curious about this and when it might happen.
Generally you only need to validate your ticket upon exit in the bigger train stations or after you use the RER. Just always remember to hang onto your paper ticket, if using one, and you’ll be fine. Bon voyage and thanks for watching!
@@ThisFrenchLife Ah, I wondered if that's what you meant. It happened to me at Chatelet. Once it took the fare again and once it didn't - I was just happy to make it to all my trains that I didn't care why. 🙂
@@ThatJessOutWest châtelet can be very confusing and it’s one of the largest metro stations in all of Europe! I always suggest avoiding that stop and adjusting the planning so you don’t transfer at that station. Be sure to check out my FAQ metro video too! I’m sure that will help as well.
@@ThisFrenchLife I definitely avoided it as much as I could based on your recommendation, but once it was the right choice and I like to push my comfort zone a little as well. I appreciate you!
@@ThatJessOutWest bravo!! I admire your conscientious choice to be courageous and brave and try new things. Not a lot of people put themselves purposely in those situations, especially in a foreign country. Well done for you. I admire and respect people like you a lot. Certainly, if you can brave that metro stop, you’re ready for any travel throughout France! 😂🥳🥳
Tysm, so helpful with the Versailles ticket, no TH-cam channel shows this, only showing how to buy metro tickets and have been researching for a video that shows how to buy a rer Versailles ticket at the machine 🙏 want to ask, where is the ticket machine at gare du nord after getting off the Eurostar? Would be extremely helpful as with kids and luggage don't want to get robbed especially if i don't know where im going 🥺. Planning trip in August 😅
No problem! Customer service windows and ticket machines are located everywhere throughout Gare du Nord! There’s a ton to choose from, so just keep an eye out as you make your way through the station and you’ll find one. Many are also located close to exits as well. You’ll have plenty to choose from. Bon voyage!
Really enjoy your videos. If I use my android phone to buy 3 tickets, does the gate opens 3 times with 1 tap of the phone? Or, I need to tap my phone 3 times?
That’s a great question. I haven’t used the Android app but what I do know is that each person needs their own individual ticket. In the case of a security check, which does happen frequently, I’m not sure that the used tickets would register properly, which could be an expensive mistake. I tried to do a search on the French sites and even Bonjour RATP, the official metro site, doesn’t seem to address this. Which makes me even more hesitant to suggest this method. If it were me, I’d have paper tickets or get the Navigo Easy card. But again, I’m an iPhone gal, so there’s that. Thanks for watching and be sure to come back next week for a fun announcement!
But it usually works for foreigners if they use their phones for contactless payment. So either Samsung, Apple, or Google pay should work on the contactless pad of ticket machines.
Hello. I’m not sure I understand the question. But if your round trip journey starts and ends in Paris, but requires use of RER, that will be calculated into the cost but won’t require additional tickets.
Bonjour Belinda. In the tutorial, I included a subtitle that mentions that most of the machines will not accept contactless credit cards. They only accept cards with PIN codes. So, it’s best to avoid this situation by brining a debit card with you.
Little update, for y'all : As of today, the "flip-up handles" tip is no longer necessary as subway line 6 now runs the same trains as seen in subway line 4 beforehand.
@@mickeencrua Not all lines are running during the games and expect many delays and issues. You’ll want to use the app Bonjour RATP for planning, latest news, and also the RATP site for full details of costs and closures.
@@ThisFrenchLife From what I gather, access to some Metro stations will not be possible from road level, but the trains will continue to run underground. Just no accesss or egress at the closed stations. I don't think it's a matter of closing complete lines.
See the subtitle notes in the video or the many times I’ve answered this question in the comments. Currently, some stations are accepting and some people are reporting success with international cards. I haven’t experienced that myself. But it’s ongoing.
Good question! I mentioned in the subtitle that the contactless credit cards are frequently rejected. This experience makes tourists worried and upset as they try to figure out what’s going on. But it’s the machine - not them or their bank card. Knowing that you must use a debit card with a PIN code saves time and angst. And don’t forget to notify your bank that you’re traveling to France!
I answered this question in the video and multiple times in comments- no. The machines generally refuse contactless cards, credit cards without PIN codes, especially international.
@@ThisFrenchLife found this from another thread ‘It is not true that US credit cards don't work in metro machines; they work fine. When it asks for a pin just ignore it and the purchase will proceed for anything less than 75 Euros. I have done this as recently as November of last year. Tickets are good indefinitely so you can buy what you need at the start of the trip -- just be careful not to mix up RER and metro tickets as they look the same. You don't want to spend 11+ Euro on a 2 Euro ride.’
Generally speaking, most credit cards do not have a PIN code. I mentioned in the subtitle that the contactless credit cards are frequently rejected. This experience makes tourists worried and upset as they try to figure out what’s going on. But it’s the machine - not them or their bank card. Knowing that you must use a debit card with a PIN code saves time and angst. And don’t forget to notify your bank that you’re traveling to France!
Merci Shannon! It has been saved for our next adventure in Paris. We have used bus 69 before simply because of the route and being with it above ground to see all the sights along the way. Of course it takes a little longer!
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This is the best Paris Metro example i’ve seen! Thank you! Thus gives me much more confidence!
Happy to hear that! I’m thrilled, Lolly. I made this video for people just like you. And I’m so happy you’re feeling more confident now. Be sure to check out my metro playlist for additional tips!
I learned the hard way-don’t put a paper ticket in your RFID items. It can sometimes erase your ticket. My friends went through the ticket gate and I was stuck. Thankfully, the ticket booth attendant helped me and told me about RFID problem! Merci!
Oh wow! Thanks for sharing that story so others can learn! Merci. I’m so glad you got help!
Good too know 👍🏻
Wow! So don’t put it in your RFID wallet?
WOW! THANK YOU! ❤This is the best video i have found to help getting around.
You’re welcome ☺️
Amazing video!!! I loved the energy, the app details, recommendations and of course... the GLAMOUR!!! 🤩
Thank you so much 🤗
This is the best Paris Metro video that I have seen! Thank you so much for sharing!
Wow, thank you!
I went to Paris 2 weeks ago I took your advice and downloaded the app, it worked great and being a NYC resident I very quickly grasped the system. I also used the RER a few times, just be confident and read the signs I am looking forward to my return trip .
That is awesome!
Amazing video! I'm going to Paris in 2 weeks and now I am confident that I can get through the metro! Thanks a lot!
You can do it!
So helpful! Thank you!
You're so welcome!
you are awesome!
Merci!
Love the metro so much, but there's definitely a lot to learn to make it feel simple (and we still always get on going the wrong direction at least once per trip lol). This is THE perfect tutorial! 💥
Thank you so much for your continued support, for watching, and sharing YOUR beautiful videos and stories of France! 🇫🇷
This is a excellent information for newcomers like my self TFS 💐
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so so much for the comment. ☺️☺️
Since you explained this so well, are you able to do a video on taking the buses? I heard that taking the bus is better in order to see the city of Paris. Hopefully you can. I really appreciate this video.
Thanks for the suggestion! However I’ve never ridden the bus in Paris so I’m far from an expert in that, especially to make a video for others! I’ll definitely think about it tho. Walking is always my best recommendation and option!
Thank you so much for this! The information about the app was invaluable The tip about changing the "leave now" to when you want to arrive was great and also explaining what the arrow and station direction under the first station meant, was super helpful. That and the tips about double checking you are headed in the right direction made me feel very confident in taking my first metro ride with a connection today. I was even able to do it in Friday afternoon rush hour traveling solo. I made no mistakes at all on the metro.The info about de-magnatizing a paper ticket was helpful. One of my tickets did not open the entrance panels today so I'm going to find an agent who can refund it, especially since it was a 4 Euro ticket. Glad the Olympics are over soon. I'm still directionally impaired when trying to use google maps to walk but I'm going to look for a youtube on that tonight. Thanks again!
Dear Margaret, thank you for taking the time to return to this video and share your valuable insights and experiences. I am so glad that you found this video guide and tutorial to be so helpful!
So helpful Shannon, thank you for putting that together. Also I’m interested to know why you don’t use the contactless card option
Good question! I mentioned in the subtitle that the contactless credit cards are frequently rejected. This experience makes tourists worried and upset as they try to figure out what’s going on. But it’s the machine - not them or their bank card. Knowing that you must use a debit card with a PIN code saves time and angst. And don’t forget to notify your bank that you’re traveling to France!
Great video 😃
Thanks! 😀
Absolutely the best video if you want to learn how to move in Paris, i download the application and enjoyed my Paris trip 😊
Omgoodness, thank you SO much for this wonderful feedback. What a gift 💝!! Merci beaucoup!
your Videos helped me last year when i went to Paris thank you :3
That's awesome! Thank you SO much for sharing this testimonial! 🥹☺️🥳
This is so very helpful - thank you Shannon!!
Merci beaucoup!!
Hi, thank you so much for this amazingly thorough and detailed video! If you purchase a round trip ticket to Versailles, Disney or the airport, when does the ticket expire? Is it only good for one day? I’m curious if it’s better to buy tickets as needed. How do you know what zone you need to buy the ticket for? I love how the app tells you which carriage or car to sit on to be closest to the exit. Thank you so much!
Thank you for your support and feedback. ☺️ The paper tickets do not have an immediate expiration date or time period. But once validated (you enter the metro turnstiles), you have two hours to finish the “trip.” Regarding zones, it’s not necessary to know what zone you need. You simply follow my instructions in the video, enter the destination, and it will automatically calculate the correct price for you.
Thanks
Welcome!
This video tutorial made me subscribe as I am preparing for my first trip to France.
Thank you very much! I have a lot of content that I previously published about Paris. And I also have an entire playlist dedicated to the Paris Metro. I think you’ll find both of those things helpful as well as my website. Finally, know that I am in the process of publishing two more metro videos. So depending upon when you are traveling, you’ll want to watch for those as they will help you with your planning as well!
@@ThisFrenchLife I thank you a million times. My French algorithm is giving great content. So glad you were presented to me. You are by FAR one of the most enjoyable tour enthusiasts I've encountered.
@@ladonnasims1756 awwwww this is HUGE! What a gift 💝 this message is!!! Thank you SO much ☺️
Great information, Shannon!
Thanks for watching!
Very nice , how do get map online I will print
Please visit the RATP website.
Tnx u so much for replied. I did not hope u will replied. Usually did others tnx again.
Where do u live , I live London, will try to go November Paris , that why asked questions many.
Will stay 4 days but don’t know anything. Which journey cheaper, like to go Eiffel Tower, monalisa museum, Arc India etc.
kindly tell me where do u live. I am single mum that’s why ask many things, first time will go.
Tnx u so much u help me
Adorable video as always! The only thing I didn't catch was at the end about sometimes needing to validate your ticket. I've only been to Paris once, but I will be back this fall, and was curious about this and when it might happen.
Generally you only need to validate your ticket upon exit in the bigger train stations or after you use the RER. Just always remember to hang onto your paper ticket, if using one, and you’ll be fine. Bon voyage and thanks for watching!
@@ThisFrenchLife Ah, I wondered if that's what you meant. It happened to me at Chatelet. Once it took the fare again and once it didn't - I was just happy to make it to all my trains that I didn't care why. 🙂
@@ThatJessOutWest châtelet can be very confusing and it’s one of the largest metro stations in all of Europe! I always suggest avoiding that stop and adjusting the planning so you don’t transfer at that station. Be sure to check out my FAQ metro video too! I’m sure that will help as well.
@@ThisFrenchLife I definitely avoided it as much as I could based on your recommendation, but once it was the right choice and I like to push my comfort zone a little as well. I appreciate you!
@@ThatJessOutWest bravo!! I admire your conscientious choice to be courageous and brave and try new things. Not a lot of people put themselves purposely in those situations, especially in a foreign country. Well done for you. I admire and respect people like you a lot. Certainly, if you can brave that metro stop, you’re ready for any travel throughout France! 😂🥳🥳
Tysm, so helpful with the Versailles ticket, no TH-cam channel shows this, only showing how to buy metro tickets and have been researching for a video that shows how to buy a rer Versailles ticket at the machine 🙏 want to ask, where is the ticket machine at gare du nord after getting off the Eurostar? Would be extremely helpful as with kids and luggage don't want to get robbed especially if i don't know where im going 🥺. Planning trip in August 😅
No problem! Customer service windows and ticket machines are located everywhere throughout Gare du Nord! There’s a ton to choose from, so just keep an eye out as you make your way through the station and you’ll find one. Many are also located close to exits as well. You’ll have plenty to choose from. Bon voyage!
@@ThisFrenchLife❤
Really enjoy your videos. If I use my android phone to buy 3 tickets, does the gate opens 3 times with 1 tap of the phone? Or, I need to tap my phone 3 times?
That’s a great question. I haven’t used the Android app but what I do know is that each person needs their own individual ticket. In the case of a security check, which does happen frequently, I’m not sure that the used tickets would register properly, which could be an expensive mistake. I tried to do a search on the French sites and even Bonjour RATP, the official metro site, doesn’t seem to address this. Which makes me even more hesitant to suggest this method. If it were me, I’d have paper tickets or get the Navigo Easy card. But again, I’m an iPhone gal, so there’s that. Thanks for watching and be sure to come back next week for a fun announcement!
Thanks for the prompt reply. Another TH-camr said each person will need to have his/her own phone.
@@hubertling5827 that’s what I figured! Good to know.
Question...Why did you say not to use the contactless payment?
I explain in the video that 99.9% of the machines currently reject it, especially foreign cards. They require a PIN code.
But it usually works for foreigners if they use their phones for contactless payment.
So either Samsung, Apple, or Google pay should work on the contactless pad of ticket machines.
Hi, does it need two tickets to transfer from Rer to metro ? Thanks
Hello. I’m not sure I understand the question. But if your round trip journey starts and ends in Paris, but requires use of RER, that will be calculated into the cost but won’t require additional tickets.
' *GER* du nord !
Does the paper airport ticket (5 zone) valid for use to transfer within Paris city center (1 zone) ?? Thank you .
Yes. You can change metro stations during that ride.
@@ThisFrenchLife thank you . I really like your videos. Very informative and yet casual vibe. I’m glad I found you here .
@@jennym3966 I am so glad you are here too! I have a lot more videos coming up this year. I hope you enjoy my 2024 series!
Why do you not want to use the contract less?
Bonjour Belinda. In the tutorial, I included a subtitle that mentions that most of the machines will not accept contactless credit cards. They only accept cards with PIN codes. So, it’s best to avoid this situation by brining a debit card with you.
Little update, for y'all :
As of today, the "flip-up handles" tip is no longer necessary as subway line 6 now runs the same trains as seen in subway line 4 beforehand.
Thanks for sharing, Steph! But know those old cars still run on other lines so it’s good for everyone to know how to use them. 😉😉
True, @@ThisFrenchLife : I forgot : lines 3,3bis, 10 and 12 to be exhaustive.
If I buy a Navigo Pass now(July 17th.) on my phone, and load it with ten trips, can I begin using it at the end of August when I visit Pasris?
Navigo passes are good for ten years. ☺️
@@ThisFrenchLife Many thanks for that info. I was just worried about their validity during the time of the Games. 👍
@@mickeencrua Not all lines are running during the games and expect many delays and issues. You’ll want to use the app Bonjour RATP for planning, latest news, and also the RATP site for full details of costs and closures.
@@ThisFrenchLife From what I gather, access to some Metro stations will not be possible from road level, but the trains will continue to run underground. Just no accesss or egress at the closed stations. I don't think it's a matter of closing complete lines.
Why not use contactless while buying tickets?
See the subtitle notes in the video or the many times I’ve answered this question in the comments. Currently, some stations are accepting and some people are reporting success with international cards. I haven’t experienced that myself. But it’s ongoing.
Why do you suggest not using the contactless method for payment?
Good question! I mentioned in the subtitle that the contactless credit cards are frequently rejected. This experience makes tourists worried and upset as they try to figure out what’s going on. But it’s the machine - not them or their bank card. Knowing that you must use a debit card with a PIN code saves time and angst. And don’t forget to notify your bank that you’re traveling to France!
@@ThisFrenchLife Can we use a credit card or does it have to be a debit with a pin number?
@@gleepo1110 a debit card with a pin.
Can you use credit cards? Why not contactless?
I answered this question in the video and multiple times in comments- no. The machines generally refuse contactless cards, credit cards without PIN codes, especially international.
@@ThisFrenchLife found this from another thread ‘It is not true that US credit cards don't work in metro machines; they work fine. When it asks for a pin just ignore it and the purchase will proceed for anything less than 75 Euros. I have done this as recently as November of last year. Tickets are good indefinitely so you can buy what you need at the start of the trip -- just be careful not to mix up RER and metro tickets as they look the same. You don't want to spend 11+ Euro on a 2 Euro ride.’
@@od2437 thanks for sharing! That hadn’t been my experience but it is definitely worth a try if you have the time and patience!
@@ThisFrenchLife I’m in Paris right now and I just tried it with credit cards. They work just fine!
Comment éviter les pickpockets dans le métro ?
Veuillez voir ma vidéo sur ce sujet, que j'ai également en langue française.
In the video you said debit card, can we pay with credit card ?
Generally speaking, most credit cards do not have a PIN code. I mentioned in the subtitle that the contactless credit cards are frequently rejected. This experience makes tourists worried and upset as they try to figure out what’s going on. But it’s the machine - not them or their bank card. Knowing that you must use a debit card with a PIN code saves time and angst. And don’t forget to notify your bank that you’re traveling to France!
Merci Shannon! It has been saved for our next adventure in Paris. We have used bus 69 before simply because of the route and being with it above ground to see all the sights along the way. Of course it takes a little longer!
@@margaretanngendreau197 buses are a great way to see the city! And they’re a fantastic and affordable option for mobility impaired travelers too.
And there is any restriction as the pin having 6 or 4 digits?
@@abcrph not that I’m aware of.
mais, il faut prononcer les mots français correctement.
Why not pay with Contactless?
I explain in the video - the terminals reject them 9.99 times out of 10.
Though it usually works for foreigners if using the contactless payment feature of their smartphones.
That's what I used before having yearly Navigo.