Is it possible to travel around Paris without a car?

Question

I'm trying to plan a journey to Paris for a week. My family and I are from the UK, and since the French drive on the other side of the road, I am quite worried. Also, i'm the only one who can speak/read/understand french, meaning the driver cannot read the signs. I was just wondering, is it possible to get around Paris, just using trains, buses and trams? I heard that it is possible to buy a carnet de billetes for travelling around Paris, but will it last a week?

Answer 1

i'm going to paris in a month for 3 weeks and everyone i spoke to about it told me that it would be better to travel by buses, metros and trains

btw taxis are apparently really expensive

Answer 2

Believe me the ONLY way to travel around Paris is with public transport. When you get there and see how Parisiennes drive, you will be only too pleased to walk or go on the Metro.

A carnet de billetes are ten (I think) loose tickets at a cheaper price than buying them singly. They are valid for quite a while but I don't know for how long

Answer 3

It's exactly the same as traveling around in London.  I'm from the USA, so I didn't bother with renting a car.  I used buses, the underground and taxis.  No big deal.  I don't speak French at all (well, I learned how to say "I don't speak French"). Every person I came across in France knew English better than I do!

Taxi drivers will understand every word you say.

Answer 4

no way to drive in Paris there all mad drivers you will b mad yourself to drive just use the Metro and walk the Metro is the best way to get around you will see more too and be more relaxed and if you feel like a wee wine or two well no car just chill and enjoy you will be glad you did ?

Answer 5

I've never had a car in Paris, and I drive on the same side of the road. Public transportation is very good and easy to use there (I don't speak French either). The metro, RER,buses and boats are very enough to get you pretty much anywhere you might want to go.

I've used the 5 day Paris Visite and thought it was a good deal when I planned to do a lot of travel on the public transportation. http://www.conciergerie.com/main.htm?O=C... The carnet is 10 tickets. How long it lasts depends on how many individual trips you take. http://europeforvisitors.com/paris/artic...

Answer 6

They have subways to everywhere in Paris.

Understanding the language is a great plus.

Go by subway.  It's faster and cheaper.

See the West Bank.  You'll love it.

If it's still there, have lunch or dinner at La Petit Zing.

I don't know about carnet de billetes.  You may check with your French Embassy in UK.

Driving there is like any big city.  Lots of traffic and narrow streets.

It's been a long time since I was there.  Took a bus from England, before the tunnel.  By ferry.

I stayed at a hotel, La Scribe.  An old nostalgic hotel.  

Journalists used to hang out there, but long years ago. Hence, it's name.

HUGE old bath tubs for 2. (Maybe 3.  :D).  Close to lots of stuff within walking distance.

Ah, well.  I don't even know if it's still there.

Have a great trip.