Get out of the Underground!

Most people who come to Paris assume that they are going to get around by catching the metro- and why not? It’s fast, cheap, and, once you have a map easy to understand. The only draw back (aside from the heat in summer) is that taking the metro means that you spend a large proportion of your visit to Paris- the most decorated city in the world- underground. Having the opportunity to use overland transport can really allow you to see areas and aspects of Paris you would otherwise miss out on.

The bus services that run through Paris are great- they are frequent, reliable, and safe. The only problem is the bus map, which shows all the routes, but neglects to mention exactly what roads the buses run on. Once you know, the bus stops are close and easy to find; they normally can be found on the busiest roads, the existence or lack of a bus lane being a dead givaway. The other thing to keep in mind is the one way system- if you can only find the bus going north, the bus going south is probably one block over. Some of the most useful buses are as follows:

The number 38: Runs south from Gare du Nord straight through the centre of Paris, stopping at the Pompidou centre, Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame and Jardin Luxembourg. The bus runs down Rue Saint Martin until the Porte Saint Martin, then down rue Baubourg. On the left bank the 38 can be found on Boulevard Saint Michel. This bus is great, as you get a full vista of the river.

The number 24: Starting at Gare Saint Lazare, this bus stops outside the Musee D’Orsay, then all along the edge of the left bank, allowing you to see all of the river front, until it crosses at Gare d’Australitz, where you can disembark to go to Jardin des Plantes.

The number 73: Running on the opposite side of the river, (Rive Droite) from the Musee D’Orsay straight to the Arc de Triomphe.

it is good to know that in any of the bus stops there is a detailed map of where the buses run and stop, and you can always get off at the next stop if you miss out, they are never far apart! Metro tickets can be used on the bus, and are valid for an hour, so you can transfer.

The second fantastic form of overland transport is, of course Velib. Riding around Paris is the best way to see it; you can get places quickly, you can stop whenever you want, and your feet won’t be sore before you even arrive at the museum! There are Velib stands every 200meters all over central Paris, normally off the main roads (but just around the corner). The bikes are sturdy and very easy to ride, with the added bonuses of bells to let people know you are coming, and baskets, to put all your goodies in. To rent a Velib, all you need is a credit card with a chip, and a balance of at least 150euros, which is frozen in your account as security for the duration of your rental. A bike for a day costs 1euro, and for the week costs 5. The aim, of course, is that you only use the bike for less than ½ an hour; if you keep the same bike for longer than that, you are charged 1euro for ½ an hour.

Some useful tips; if you get to a Velib stand that is full, do not just ride off in search of another (especially if you are almost at your ½ hour limit). If you enter the code on your Velib rental card, you will get an automatic 15 minute extension, allowing you to find another stand. A map will also appear, telling you the nearest stops and how many free spaces can be found at each.

Make sure, before selecting your bike, that it is in good condition- check the breaks, the tires and the gears. There is an unspoken Velib code in the city- if the seat is facing the wrong way, there is something not quite right with the bike.

It is far less complicated if you have a week Navigo pass for the metro (and buses). You can load your Velib subscription onto it, and then getting a bike is only a matter of swiping it over the purple sensor at the bikes attachment point.

So consider getting out of the metro while you are in Paris; buses are reliable and relaxing, and Velib’s fun and easy (not to mention safe thanks to all the bike lanes). Cruising the streets of Paris and seeing where the journey is taking you will help you have a far more complete and filling image of the beautiful city!