Security Measures

We all know security measures, but sometimes we forget about few things that I will light up for you. Although, Statistics show that Paris is one of the safest major metropolitan areas in Europe (criminality is ranked low). Yet, some crimes including pick pocketing are fairly high (which is common in major cities around the world). To ensure a safe visit and to avoid danger; here are some few tips that you should know before coming here: 

1^st: pick pocketing:  which targets tourists mainly. You should always keep your valuables and personal affairs out of sight especially in crowded areas such as metro station, trains and even touristic areas. So my advice to you is to avoid having cash in your pocket and use your smart card - “empty your pocket and wear your bag correctly”. In addition, never leave your bag or valuables unsupervised.

Beware of ATM and cash point Scams: ATM is the favorite spot for scammers. Stay extremely focused when withdrawing cash, and never let anyone engage into conversation with you while you are entering your PIN code. In other terms, once you put your PIN code, if a scammer distracts you, you might not notice that he or another scammer clicked on any amount to withdraw cash from behind you. So when your smart card is released from the machine you might think that u didn’t ask the ATM for money and leave. Unfortunately, it ends up by the scammer taking your money without you noticing while you were distracted by the other person.  Thus, be aware of distraction, because pick pockets sometimes work in groups.

2^nd: Places to avoid when you are alone at night: large train stations in the suburbs and even inside Paris: Metro stations in France are secured with monitoring cameras, security patrols and any suspicious action is announced to alert travelers. Despite all these security measures some suburbs north of Paris and Parisian big train stations are not welcoming late at night. For Instance it’s better to be accompanied in les Halles, Chatelet, Gare du Nord, and Stalingrad if you’re returning late. (More details in French by the French Police crime observatory reports at http://www.prefecturedepolice.interieur.gouv.fr/Espace-Presse/Espace-public/Communiques-de-presse/Statistiques-de-la-delinquance)

3^rd: When asking for a Taxi: make sure to verify the minimum price of the taxi ride before getting in the taxi (usually if you order a taxi inside Paris and day schedule; the minimum pricing should be 2 Euros only not more). Also giving the taxi driver a suggested route with the aid of Google map, would be a good idea to avoid over charging.

In addition travel insurance is a must; you can usually buy it along with your ticket; which offers you health coverage.

Finally, be assured that Paris is a very welcoming and very safe city in general, but moreover precaution is a guarantee of a happy ending to your visit.

Mostly used Paris Emergency Numbers are:

        - Police: “17"

        - Medical Emergencies: “15”

        - Fire Brigade: “18”

- -Embassy number and Contact details refer to the following website: http://goparis.about.com/od/planningyourtrip/ss/Paris_Embassies.htm

Transportation in Paris

Now together we will discover an inexpensive mode of transportation because I am sure that none of us would like to spend a fortune only to go from one place to another. So; once you arrive to Paris you should buy a “Pass Navigo” (magnetic card) from any RER or Metro Station which gives you an unlimited use of Metros (connects Paris streets) , RER (which connects major cities), Bus, and Tramway. Don’t forget to select a Pass matching the length of your stay and the places you want to visit.

•     Zone 1 to 3: Includes Paris center only.

•   Zone 1 to 5: Includes Paris center and suburbs.

This pass allows you to reach almost any monument such as the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame de Paris, La Defense and St. Denis Basilique, Le Bourget. RER trains within this zone are available as well as the lift at Sacre Coeur.

-  CDG airport to Paris center

-  Versailles

-  Disneyland Paris

This pass Navigo can be bought either for one week, one month or one year and the prices differs depending on zones you choose. (for more info about the Pass Navigo Price check this link: http://parisbytrain.com/tag/navigo-paris/)

 

Yet, how shall I reach this place? Am I at the right metro station? Which exit shall I take?

These are questions that have a simple answer; you only need to download RATP application on your Smartphone. RATP is an easy to use application, in one simple click on “Journey” you can define the address you want to reach, and RATP will give you detailed information how to get to this place (and for sure google map application will do the rest). 

P.S: Check out the interactive Metro Map of Paris (click on "Plan Ile de France" on the top right of the page to display the different zones) courtesy of RATP all rights reserved

OK, now for those; who never used the Metro or train before; i will simplify things for you. you will find below Subway Map of Paris

let's suppose you want to go to the Louvre Museum; and you are currently at Chatlet Les Halles stop; which you can see in the middle of the map. Notice that you can take from this subway station several Metro Lines. your Destination: "Palais Royal Musee du Louvre" can be reached via Metro line 1.

Again You only have to follow signs.

Each line has of course 2 directions as you can see in this pictures below; Line 1 has Direction " La Defense" and "Ch.de Vincennes". Since you took the line 1 from Chatlet les Halles Stop your Line 1 direction should be "La Defense"; while if you were at Charles de Gaulle Stop; you will Take line 1 direction "Ch. De Vincennes".

 mmm.... now i want you to guess something;

Suppose that you are waiting the Train (RER A) to go to disney land Parc; do you take the coming train in the below picture or not?

The Answer: of course not; because as you can see; Marne la Valley Disney is not lit so this Train doesn't take you to EuroDisney; but It serves different stations direction "Boissy st Leger".

and finally, don't forget to check which exist you must take, by checking the exist map in each station.

Hopefully this was helpful, looking forward for your feedback ;) Good day and enjoy the trip

Somewhere in Europe ...:)

Hi everyone, I am Mrs. R. so i decided to start a blog, because I've heard too many times someone saying that i should have one, because i am good in guiding.

I am a Lebanese Girl who fell in love with a Frenchman and moved to Paris. Yes... But this is not what i wanted to talk about. I would like to welcome you in my life and share you all things that I loved and didn't love in Paris.

When I first came to Paris, I spent most of my time LOST in it.

so i would like to share with you my experience, to tell you what should be done from A to Z either you were a tourist or moving permanently to live here.

so I think this blog will be about transportation, security, restaurants, monuments, nightclubs and of course activities you can do in Paris in order to enjoy your stay. i would like also to talk about life here, how to get a job, what to do to get your green card ...etc.

Thus, i wish i will be able to download something in here soon. This will be exciting to see how I manage to deliver all my treasures here on this blog.

That's all for now, and let's see when i can get this started for real...