Paris Metro - Christmas 2011

Following an enquiry about Christmas operations through their website, RATP have advised me that the Metro will be running - they do not state if it will be a full service or a reduced timetable.

"Merci de votre visite sur le site de la RATP.
Les métros fonctionnent le 25 et 26 décembre 2011, vous pouvez trouver les horaires sur notre site à la page suivante:"

http://www.ratp.fr/horaires/fr/ratp/metro

"The subways run 25 and December 26, 2011, you can find the timetables on our website at the following page:"

http://www.ratp.fr/horaires/fr/ratp/metro

Mobilis Tickets

Details of the current Mobilis ticket offering can be found on the RATP website at:

http://www.ratp.fr/fr/ratp/c_21148/mobilis/

Paris Visite Tickets

Current prices of Paris Visite tickets can be found at  http://booking.parisinfo.com/z6200e2x26827m466g2603_uk-tour-ticket-paris-visit-pass-transport.aspx

Station to Station - Gare du Nord to Gare de l'Est

The major railway stations of Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est are joined by Metro lines 4 and 5, the journey time being 1 minute. You will see from this that the stations are quite close together and with weather and time permitting it possible and preferrable to transfer between them on foot. (For those familiar with London, the distance is comparable to St.Pancras to Euston).

There is a choice of routes one of which avoids a flight of about 50 steps which might prove difficult for anyone with a large amount of luggage of or who finds steps a problem.

1a) From the front of Gare du Nord turn left along the front of the station and carry on in a straight line on Rue de Dunkerque until its junction with Rue d'Alsace where you should turn right and keep going until you reach the flight of steps which will take you down to the left side of the Gare de l'Est. You will be able to see the train shed and platforms of Gare de l'est over a small wall on the left hand side of the road.

1b)  From the front of Gare du Nord turn left along the front of the station and walk along Rue de Dunkerque until turning right (south) onto Rue du Fauberge Saint-Denis and then left onto Rue des deux Gares at the end turn right by the Cafe Au Train de Vie onto Rue d'Alsace and continue as above.

2.) To avoid the steps take route 1b, above, but instead of turning up Rue de deux Gares, continue on Rue du Fauberge Saint-Denis until Rue de 18 Mai 1945 on the left hand side. Turn left and continue on Rue de 18 Mai 1945 until you reach Place du 11 November 1918 where you will see the impressive frontage of the Gare de l'Est on your left.

If you have problems with public transport then speak to the locals

If you are stuck abroad then the easy way to resolve problems is to speak to the locals.

Don't speak the language? Then an easy to follow, fun way to learn French is with "Rocket French" - take a look at their course:

http://52a68gjet1qg3u5ptbuef39v4c.hop.clickbank.net/

They offer a free trial period so learn to speak French with "Rocket French" and experience language learning the way it should be!

Bon chance!

Montparnasse Tower

For a superb view of Paris without the queues of the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse Tower takes some beating. Very fast lifts whisk you up 210 metres to the 56th floor where you can drink in the 360 degree view across the city and enjoy a drink or snack. The city is spread out before you with its famous landmarks all in view. By using the viewpoint indicators provided, you can locate and see each of the districts and their monuments.




The impressive view from the roof looking towards the Eiffel Tower with the office blocks of La Défense beyond. The golden dome of the Eglise Saint Louis des Invalides can be seen centre right.

A few stairs take you to up to the panoramic roof terrace where it is possible to see as far as 25 miles (40 kilometers) in clear weather. For photographers this is preferable as there is no glass to contend with.

As well as a cafe/bar there is the obligatory gift shop for those essential souvenirs of your visit..

It is really easy to get to the Tower: by train to SNCF Gare Montparnasse, take Metro Lines 4, 6, 12 or 13 to Montparnasse Bienvenue or Bus routes 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 and 96. You will need tickets for RATP Zone 1.

Tour Montparnasse is open from 09:30 to 23:30 April to September and 09:30 to 22:30/23:00 during October to March.
Note: the last elevator up is half an hour before closing time.

For prices, tickets and more details call + 33 (0) 1 45 38 52 56 or visit http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/ .

If you are doubtful about visiting then take a look at the website to see just how impressive the view is.