Riding the Paris Métro

Getting around on the Paris Métro requires knowing where you are and where you want to go.  For this it is helpful to have a detailed map of Paris.  Michelin map books can be purchased at most book stores; they come in various sizes, are organized by arrondissement and are well indexed. 

• Find your present location on the map.
• If you don’t know where you are, look at a street sign to determine the name of the street you on and then find a numbered address from a building near you. 
• Consult the map book index to locate on the map the street where you are. 
• Find the Métro station closest to your location.  
• These are noted on Michelin maps with small red circles containing the letter “M” and the name of the station also in red. 
• Using your map book, make your way to the Métro station.  Paris Métro stations are identifiable by signs having a red background and the word “Metro” in white, or often simply by a large yellow “M”.  Usually, the name of the station and the number of the Métro line is displayed at the station entrance.
• Locate the Métro station nearest to your destination.
• Again consult your map book if necessary.
• Consult a Métro map to determine if your destination station is on the same numbered line as your departure station.
• If your distination is on the same line as a line served by your departure station, determine the "direction" that you want to travel on that line.
• The "direction" that you want to travel is determined by the name of the last or terminus station on the line.
• For example, if you are at the Bastille station and want to travel to the Concorde station, you will see that the Bastille station is served by Métro lines 1, 5 and 8.  Your destination station is also served the the number 1 line.  You could take the number 1 line either in the "direction" of La Défense (the western terminus station) or Château de Vincennes (the eastern terminus station.)  Since Concorde is between Bastille and La Défense, you want to take the number 1 line in the direction of La Défense.
• If your destination station is not on the same line as your departure station, you will have to switch lines.
• Locate a station that is on the same line as your departure station and your destination station; and determine the "direction" you have to travel from your departure station to that common station.
• Determine your direction of travel from that common station to your destination station.
• For example, if you are at the Bastille station and want to travel to the Rue du Bac station, you will see that the Bastille station is served by Métro lines 1, 5 and 8.  The Concorde station is also served by the number 1 line, as well as the number 12 line, which serves the Rue du Bac station.  Therefore, from Bastille you will take the number 1 line to Concorde, and at Concorde switch to the number 12 line in the "direction" of Marie d'Issy (the southern terminus of the number 12 line.)
• Enter the station and walk up to the turnstile.
• If you are using a single use cardboard ticket, insert the ticket into the slot.  Walk through the turnstile and take your ticket with you when it comes out of the slot on top of the ticket machine.  You will need the ticket if you are stopped by an inspector.
• If you are using a Carte Navigo, swipe the card in front of the electronic reader in front of the ticket machine and walk through the turnstile.
• Follow the signs to the platform for the line and direction in which you want to travel.
• As you descend the stair to the platform, check the wall sign that shows all of the stops the train will make to be certain that you are proceeding to the correct platform.
• When the train arrives, flip the metal door lever or press the door button if the doors don't open automatically.
• After reaching your destination follow the the signs to Sortie if you want to exit to the street, or to Correspondance, if you need to connect to another Métro line to reach your destination station.