A New Parisian

Stop the Presses! Paris Metro/Bus routes are now interactive!

I’m not one to go gaga for flash and animated JavaScript driven web sites. The SNCF/TGV sites have been driving me crazy for an hour or so. But then my friend pointed me to the new interactive Paris Metro and Paris Bus maps and let me say they are AWESOME!!!!!

Locals and tourists are going to find these very helpful. I just found out that I could take a bus from my apartment to the Eiffel Tower. These maps give you traffic warnings, time estimates, connections, and much more.

It’s only in French, but easy enough to use for non-french speakers. You can also see what the metro stations look like with my interactive metro photograph map.

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Riding the metro is a fact of life in Paris. Everyone takes the metro, it is safe, fast, and convenient.

I wont drive a car in Paris… no, no, no

Owning a car in Paris is a liability more than a benefit. Drivers  have to find parking, fuel is expensive, and traffic jams make commuting a slow arduous process. Bertrand Delanoë, the mayor of Paris, has made alternate transportation a priority to reduce congestion and the effects of pollution. The tiny smart car and motorcycles are common alternatives for personal transportation.

Life with the Paris metro

The nearest metro station is a reference point for business and personal addresses. You may find yourself looking for a hotel or apartment located near your favorite metro line. The various metro lines criss-cross the city, touching just about every neighborhood within the city limits.

you’ll rarely have to walk more than a quarter mile to reach a station.

The dynamic duo – metro and bus

Paris has a world-class bus system as well as the metro. Your metro ticket is valid for both. Use the metros for faster commuting and the buses for shorter trips, sightseeing, or when you’d rather enjoy the view. Buses are also more popular with the elderly and those who want to avoid the many steps inside metro stations. You can also grab shuttle boats on the Seine during summer.