Taxi, Plane, Train, Automobiles, OH MY! 🤩 How I determine which mode of transportation I will use (in Paris and throughout France 🇫🇷!)
IN PARIS:
My primary method of transport is free and requires zero scheduling or effort on my part - mes pieds! My feet! Did you know that Paris is only about 5 miles wide by 7 miles long? And 90% of what you will be visiting the 1st time is centrally located on or near the Seine River.
THE METRO
I choose to take the metro when...
° The weather is bad
° The distance to my destination is greater than a 45-minute walk
° Or I have a RDV (appointment) across town at a familiar location
When I avoid the Metro...
° Strikes or Disturbances
° During rush hour (generally 7:30 to 9:30 AM, Noon to 2 PM, and ESPECIALLY 5 to 7:30 PM)
° If the number of metro stops is less than two (meaning that the distance is not far at all and I can walk it)
👉 Want to learn how to use the Paris metro? See my step-by-step guide on YouTube. Link in bio or search for “This French Life” on YT.
The TAXI
° I only use the company @taxisg7 (see my post about taxi scams)
° To reduce stress for an important RDV or unfamiliar location
° Special occasions
° Train or plane pick up with luggage
° I have to travel long distances with the girls
° During strikes and the metro isn’t running
TIP: Do not use taxis during peak rush hour (bouchon) as you’ll be stuck in traffic and pay more! 😱
TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF PARIS:
CAR - I use my car or rent one when I want to visit small villages or hard-to-reach locations.
TRAIN - I take the train for anything less than 3 or 4 hours away.
👉 I also have a step-by-step tutorial on YouTube for taking the big train lines in France!
PLANE - I choose this if travel is over 5 hours by train. Here’s the calculation: Factor in transport to the airport from center Paris (usually an hour), wait time at the airport, luggage and wait time at the destination airport, and transportation from the destination airport to your lodging.
Bon voyage, darlings!