Travelling in Paris without a guide?

Question

Hello! me and my boyfriend want to go to Paris on our own, no agency or guides. For those of you who have been there, is it hard to find the main attractions without a guide, using the metro ? or would we get lost? Thank you!

Answer 1

You won't find it difficult to find your way around.  Just get a good guide book, like Michelin, and it will tell you the places to go and how to get there.  Much of Paris can be done by walking; just plan your days doing area by area so that you're not running around aimlessly.

Bear in mind that the Metro is easy once you know to look for the station that is at the end of the line.  (In London, you look for "Eastbound", etc.)

I've done Paris many times, but spent a little time planning.

It's a wonderful city; have a lovely time.

Answer 2

No.  Lots of people do it.  Get a map, tourist style, and figure out how far it is from one place to the next.  Many places you can just walk to or between.  others are very simple by metro.  You probably have no real need for a taxi, but the bus can help get around as well.  I did everything reasonable on foot, and the rest by Metro.  It's quick and clean and simple.

Do all your research online.  book the room if you choose, that way, and Bon Voyage!

Answer 3

Finding your way around Paris is a piece of cake. When I was there, I just bought a good map (they sell great ones at newsstands), circled the things that I wanted to see, and started walking. I never even used the Metro or buses except to get to the airport, because I didn't want to miss anything.

Good luck!

Answer 4

The subway system (Metro) is very easy to learn and use and you can walk to a lot of the main tourist attractions.

Been there twice, don't speak much French except for a few key phrases, and had a great time. would love to go back again.

You really don't need a guide-jusst one or two good maps.

Bon Voyage-i'm jealous!!!

Answer 5

Make sure you know a few key phrases before  you go. Anyone there will help if you ask. It helps to have destinations written down so you can show them.  Use this site to research getting around.

Answer 6

Paris is a wonderful city. Even if you get lost, you wil find interesting things to see, but it is easy enough to find your way around. There are excellent tourist maps that make it even easier. And the Metro is very easy to use. You will find Paris expensive, but hey! Its worth it.

One word of advice. The French want to be French, not Americans. If you can learn at least a little spoken French, and try to use that without immediately reverting to English, you will find a MUCH better reception among the people there.

Answer 7

It's child's play to get around. many Parisians speak sufficient English to assist you and will do so and there are plenty of maps and guide book. If you want a more detailed guide in English, it'll be cheaper to buy it in the States and take it with you when you go. The Lonley Planet guide has many good tips.

Bon voyage!

Answer 8

It is very easy to find most of the attractions in Paris. A lot of guidebooks have pull-out maps and detailed information about all of the attractions.  I would strongly recommend that you pick one up at your local bookstore.  If you don't want to buy a guidebook, sometimes local libraries have them to loan, just don't damage the book!  You can also ask the front desk clerk at your hotel.

The metro is easy to navigate:  simply look for the name of the station at the end of the line.  You can get a map of the system from www.ratp.fr.  The site is available in English as well as French.  Stations near attractions often have the name of the attraction in the name of the station.  For example:  Champ du Mars Tour Eiffel, Luxembourg, or Palais Royal Musee du Louvre.  (You have to be a little careful with this, though, because there might be two places with similar names.  For example:  St. Michel-Notre Dame will take you to the beautiful, famous cathedral of Notre Dame with its flying buttresses and gorgeous stained glass windows, while Notre-Dame des Champs is a different place.)  An added bonus is that as you come out of the station, there's often a sign pointing you in the direction of the attraction you're trying to find.  

To me, part of the fun of exploring a city is letting myself get lost and enjoying what I find that might not be in the guidebook.

Answer 9

All of these are good answers and good information.  But all of the main attractions are within 3 miles along the river Seine.  You need a map of this area and one for the metro and you'll be fine.  Bon voyage et bonne chance!