with partnership of

Paris Visite

1 - Ask for the small Paris-Visite guide

For your convenience, a small multilingual guide (French, English, german, Italian and spanish) entitled Paris-Visite (including buses and metro maps) can be obtained for free upon request by sending an email (including your shipping address) to Dr. J. Dezert (dezert@onera.fr). Most important info of the Paris-Visite guide are given below.

To get nice prices for the visits shown below - thanks to Paris Visite, you must buy the "Paris Visite travel pass" (see the Transportation section of this site).

More links about Paris and France, and plenty of useful information are given in our "Miscellaneous Tips" section.

2 - some of Paris-Visite possibilities
    for zones 1-3

1 - The Eiffel Tower

Infos: 01 44 11 23 23
RER C : Champs-de-Mars-Tour-Eiffel
Metro: Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro
Bus : 22-30-32-42-63-69-80-82-87
http : www.tour-eiffel.fr

2 - The Arc de Triomphe

Infos: 01 43 80 31 31
RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
Metro: Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
Bus : 22-30-31-52-73-92

3 - Paristoric

Infos : 01 42 66 62 06
RER A : Auber
Metro: Opéra
Bus : 21-22-27-29-52-53-66-68-81-95
 

Specials: Ticket reduction with your Paris-Visite pass on the projection show highlighting the history of Paris.

4 – Buses tours

L'Open Tour

Infos: 01 43 30 55 50

Discover Paris with a guided Bus Trip (more than 30 point of view) and three tours (Paris Grand Tour, Ligne Montmartre, Ligne Bercy).
 

Cars Rouges (Red Buses)

Infos: 01 42 30 55 50

5 – Tour Montparnasse

Infos: 01 45 38 52 56
Address: 33, avenue du Maine 75015 Paris
Metro: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe
Bus: 28-48-58-82-91-92-94-95-96
 

With its panoramic view from the 56^th and 59^th floors, the Tour Montparnasse is a classic 20^th century monument 209m high, featuring the fastest lift in Europe which makes it to the top in 38 seconds ! On the 56^th floor there are picture windows, exhibitions, picture series covering the history of Paris and a video room. The best way to see the city's monuments is from the panoramic, open air terrace with 360° views of Paris and the horizon 40 km away.
 

Specials : One free ticket (adult tarif only) with every ticket purchased.

6 – Musée du Louvre

Infos: 01 40 20 50 50
Metro: Palais-Royal-Musée-du-Louvre, Louvre-Rivoli
Bus: 21-24-27-39-48-67-68-69-72-74-76-81-85-95

First a fortress constructed by Philippe Auguste in the 13^th century, then a Renaissance palace under the reign of King François 1, the Louvre was converted into a museum in 1793. It is organized geographically according to its three wings called Denon, Sully and Richelieu, which correspond to the different directions leading off from the Hall Napoleon (the ground floor under the pyramid). Since 1993, the Louvre has been considered the biggest museum in the world and it continually offers visitors new rooms to discover (don't miss famous Mona Lisa painting).

Open at 9am. Closed on tuesdays.

7 - Grande Arche

Infos: 01 49 07 27 57
SNCF:Departure: Gare Saint-Lazare; Direction: Versailles-rive-droite; Arrival: La Défense.
RER A: La Défense-Grande-Arche
Metro: La Défense-Grande-Arche
Bus:73-144-161-262-272-275-360-378
Tramway: T2 La Défense

Open daily from 10am to 7pm (latest entries at 6pm)

Specials: Ticket reductions include children's fares of 25FF (instead of 33FF); adults 33FF (instead of 43FF).

8 - Musée d'Orsay

Infos: 01 40 20 50 50
Metro: Musée d'Orsay
Bus: 24-63-68-69-73-83-84-94

The Orsay Palace burnt down in 1971. A new train station was built on its ruins in 1900. Orsay Station stopped being used in 1939 and was saved from demolition in 1973 to be converted into a museum in 1986. The museum's collections are devoted to the art of the second half of the 19^th century and the first years of the 20^th century.

Open at 10am. Closed on Mondays.

9 – The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

Infos: 01 40 05 80 00
Web:http://www.cite-sciences.fr
Metro: Porte-de-la-Villette
Bus: 75-PC

Situated in the Parc de la Villette, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie ia a unique museum unlik any other, offering sensational and educational voyages of discovery, introducing scientific and technological advances for the 21^st century. Guaranteed favourites include spectacular, interactive shows and exhibitions, a planetarium, a genuine fighting submarine in th emiddle of Paris, the Cité des enfants for children 3 years and up, and the Géode with its whirling images and giant 100m2 screen.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6 pm.

Specials : One audio guide with every adult ticket purchased..

10 – The Georges Pompidou Center (Beaubourg)

Infos: 01 44 78 12 33
RER A-B-D: Châtelet-les-halles
Metro: Hôtel-de-Ville, Rambuteau, Châtelet
Bus: 29-38-47-75

An avant-garde building with gigantic parallel tubes, displaying its steel framework, its glass walls and vivid colors, the Pompidou Center is a disciplinary Cultural Centre, with multi permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, and a very rich reference library.

Open at 12 noon (10am on Saturdays and Sundays). Closed on Tuesdays.

11 – Canauxrama

Infos: 01 42 39 15 00
Metro: station Jaurès, Stalingrad, Bastille
Bus: 20-26-29-65-76-86-87-91

The canal Saint-Martin, built between 1822 and 1825, was originally a commercial thoroughfare. Running from La Villette to the Port de l'Arsenal, the waterway is lined with industrial vestiges including locks, moving bridges and a magnificent vaulted tunnel under the Bastille Canal St Martin. Tours leave at ç :45am from the Bassin de la Villette 13, quai de la Loire (19^th arrondissement), and from the Port de l'Arsenal, opposite 50, bd de la Bastille (12^th arrondissement).

Specials: Two-for-one adult tickets (except weekend afternoons and public holidays)

12 - The Père Lachaise Cemetery

Infos: 01 43 70 70 33
Address: Bld de Ménilmontant 75020 Paris
Metro: Père Lachaise, Philippe-Auguste, Gambetta
Bus: 26-60-61-69-102

Since its opening in 1804, the Père-Lachaise Cemetery has been the burial site for the most renowed native or adopted Parisians. Strolling along its many wooded lanes, a very pleasant walk also takes on the form of an historic pilgrimage. Just a reminder of some of the countless famous tombs to be found here : Molière, Balzac, Proust, Colette or Jim Morisson.

Open at 8am.

13 – Galeries Lafayette

RER A: Auber
Metro: Chaussée d'Antin-Lafayette, Havre-Caumartin
Bus: 20-21-26-29-32-43-49-53-66-68-81-95

Galeries Lafayette is now the living symbol of parisian creation all over the world. Under the famous coupola, come and discover an incomparable selection of the most renowned names in fashion, cosmetics, accessories and home decoration.

Open Monday through Saturday from 9:30am until 6:45pm. Late night opening every Thursday until 9pm.

Specials : -10% + exclusive gift ! Receive an exceptional 10%* discount card and an elegant shopping bag** at our Welcom desk (* not applicable on food, services, books, records and articles marked with a red dot. ** Minimum 200 FF purchase, one gift per person).

14 – Jardin d'Acclimatation

Infos: 01 40 67 77 02 or 01 40 67 90 82
Address: Bois de Boulogne, 75016 Paris
Metro: Les sablons, Porte-Maillot
Bus: 73-244-PC

A breath of fresh air and fun for the whole family ! All sorts of open-air activities to enjoy and stimulate the mind; merry-go-rounds, model farms, sports facilities, shows, and nearby museums to pop into.

Open daily from 10am to 6pm daily and until 7pm in July and August. Playschools open from 10am to 4pm.

Specials : A promenade along the Enchanted river (return trip) in the petit Train leaving from the Porte Maillot. One free ticket with every adult ticket purchased.

15 – Montmartrain

Infos: 06 08 26 38 38
Fax: 01 42 46 27 22
Metro: Pigalle
Bus: 30-54-67-Montmartrobus

Discover the Butte Montmartre on board this charming train with commentaries explaining to the visitor the history of this exceptionally picturesque quartier. Departure from the Place Pigalle and the parvis du Sacré Cœur every 30 minutes. Adults 30FF (return trip) and 20 FF (one way) ; children 20FF (return trip) and 10FF (one way).

Specials: One child and one adult ticket free with every adult ticket purchased.

16 – Wine Museum

Infos: 01 45 25 63 26
Address: Rue des Eaux, Square Charles-Dickens 75016 Paris
Metro: Passy
Bus: 32-72

The history of the noble grape and its cultivation can be explored in the old Passy quarries, with after every visit a free oenological sample. In the cellars of nearby Passy Abbey house a wine bar and restaurant.

Open 10am to 6pm. Closed Mondays.

Specials : One free entry offered with every adult ticket purchased, plus a free glass of Saint Emilion Grand Cru for customers who dine in the restaurant.

17 – Etoile du Rex

Infos: 08 36 68 05 96 (warning : this call-number is costly)
Metro: Bonne Nouvelle, Grands-Boulevards
Bus: 20-39-48-67-74-85

The Grand Rex, a temple for Parisian cinema, invites you to discover the Stars of the Rex. Unique in Europe, this interactive show lasts 50 minutes and brings to life the legends, behind-the-scenes drama an the stars of the most famous cinema in Europe. Special effects, filming techniques, sound effects and sets are recreated to immerse visitors in the magic world of the silver screen.

Specials: One free ticket for every adult ticket purchased.

18 – Paradis Latin

Infos: 01 43 25 28 28
Address: 28, Rue Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris
Metro: Cardinal-Lemoine
Bus: 47-63-86-87-89

The Paradis latin was built for the world Exposition of 1889 and the structure has been attributed to Gustave Eiffel. Today, the traditions of true Parisian Cabaret are blended into a spectacular show to evoke the magnificent nighttime atmosphere of the city of light, drwing visitors from around the world. Within a friendly environment ‘à la française', stage shows and splendid decor.

Open all year round, cloised Tuesday. Dinner at 8pm, show at 9.30pm.

Specials: 150FF reduction for two dinner/show combinations.

19 – Petit Robinson

Infos: 01 48 89 04 39
RER A: Joinville-le-Pont
Bus: 101

Open all year, daily except tuesdays. Lunch from noon to 7pm. Dinner from 8pm to 3am.

The oldest of the ‘Dames Guinguette' in the region's history, located on the marne river at Joinville-le-Pont. Lunches accompanied by dancing, afternoon dances or dinner-dances, meetings, fashion shows, cocktail parties and receptions, buffets, lunches or wedding breakfasts are all possible.

20 – Bois de Vincennes

Infos: 01 48 89 04 39
RER A: Vincennes
Metro: Château-de-Vincennes, Porte-Dorée
Bus: 46-56-112-114-115-118-124-210-318-325
 
The fort at the gates to Paris.

21 – Parc André-Citroën

Infos: 01 45 57 13 35
RER C: Boulevard-Victor, Javel
Metro: Balard, Javel
Bus: 42-62-PC

Created in 1992 on an old automobile plant site, the André Ciroên park is the most sophisticated of parisian parks. It is composed of a White garden open for playing games and strolling about, a Black Garden planted with dense dark-colored vegetation and a large central park descending progressively to the banks of the Seine.

Open at 7:30 am.

Specials : One free entry offered with every adult ticket purchased, plus a free glass of Saint Emilion Grand Cru for customers who dine in the restaurant.

22 – Bicycle rides (Roue Libre)

Infos: 01 53 46 43 77
RER A-B-C: Châtelet-Les-Halles
Metro: Les Halles

Roue Libre is an RATP service in operation for over 17 years, allowing you to discover Paris and her surroundings in a unique way. With Roue Libre, cyclists can pedal along in complete freedom and security with the help of guides. Bicycle rentals for children or adults and guided tours of the centre of Paris and other areas are available. Prices from 20 FF per hour to 75FF per day (insurance included). Guided tours from 100FF. Free Roue Libre information guides are available free from RATP ticket booths.

Specials : 15% reduction on rentals ; 1 1/2 hours of free rental offered with th epurchase of a guided tour.

23 – Stade de France

Infos: 01 55 93 00 00
RER B: La Plaine-Stade-de-France
RER D: Stade-de-France-Saint-Denis
Metro: Saint-Denis-porte-de-paris-Stade-de-France
Bus: 139-153-154-168-170-173-177-253-254-255-256-268-302

 

Discover the pitch where some of the greatest football teams have played. Visits to this futuristic monument whicjh is as large as the Place de la Concorde are now possible. The Stade de France is one of the biggest stadia in the world. See the museographic exhibition explaining the stadium's history, and take the behind-the-scenes tour including the changing rooms and other secret areas.

 

Open 7 days per week except for events, from 10am to 6pm.

 

Specials: A free gift (e.g. Stade de France key ring) with every ticket purchased.

3 - some of Paris-Visite possibilities
    for zones 3-5

1 – Disneyland Paris

RER A: Chessy-Marne-la-Vallée (35mn)
http : http://www.ifrance.com/Disney/

Disneyland Paris recreates the magical kingdom of Walt Disney. Five imaginary lands (Main Street USA, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland) offer all sorts of entertainment and attractions. Characters from children's books (peter Pan, Captain Nemo) and American legends and disney cartoon character mix with the public in a universe of fantasy.

Open at 10am.

Disneyland Paris Tickets are available in principal metro, RER AB and RATP stations.

2 – France miniature

Infos: 01 30 16 16 30
Fax: 01 30 16 16 31
SNCF : Departure: Gare Montparnasse or La Défense; Arrival: La Verrière + bus 411

France miniature: a park quite unlike the others. At France Miniature, travel several miles in a few short steps and through time to distant centuries. Visit an unprecedented 150 French locations set out in 1/30 me surrounded by miniature trees with miniature trains, boats and planes going about their daily business.

Specials: One entry free per paying adult (Offer cannot be used in conjunction with another) and the visit'guide as welcome gift.

3 – Parc Asterix

Infos: 01 30 16 16 30
Fax: 01 30 16 16 31

RER B : Departure : Gare du Nord ; Arrival : Charles de Gaulle + bus
http : http://www.parcasterix.fr

Cast yourself back from 20^th century Gaul to the middle Ages and live the adventures, excitement and fun of the famous cartoon characters with family or friends. Experience the Oxygenarium, an original ride on whirling bubbles, and the Asterix Village which comes to life in one unending celebration of the good old days, with a hotel on hand in the fort to prolong the adventure. At the Parc Asterix, laugh your way back in time!

4 – Château de Versailles

Infos: 01 30 84 76 18
SNCF: Departure : Gare Saint-Lazare; Arrival Versailles-Rive-Droite or Departure: Gare Montparnasse; Arrival: Versailles-Chantiers
RER C: Versailles-Rive-Gauche-Château
Bus: 171 Departure: Pont-de-Sèvres ; Arrival: Château

Built between 1661 and 1710 by Le Vau and decorated by Le Brun, Versailles is a powerful embodiment of classical architectural principles with the buildings set out in perfect symmetry about a central courtyard.

Open at 9am. Closed on Mondays.

5 – Poissy Toys Museum

Infos: 01 30 74 60 65
RER A: Poissy
SNCF: Departure : Gare Saint-Lazare ; Direction : Mantes-la-Jolie, les Mureaux ; Arrival : Poissy

Thousands of toys dating from 1850 to 1950.

Last Updated: February 7, 2000
Web site by: dezert@onera.fr (content), gaultier@onera.fr (form)
copyright © ISIF 2000