In an emergency
- Emergency112
- Police17
- Ambulance15
- ComplaintsTaxi complaints: Préfecture de Police online form, or SignalConso for pricing problems
Fire brigade 18; violence against women 3919; deaf or hard of hearing: text 114. Through the SAVE scheme, foreign visitors can report a crime in their own language. A dedicated tourist-police number was not confirmed, so it is left out.
Fair prices
What locals pay. If you are asked for much more, you are probably being overcharged.
| Metro, RER or train ticket (single)Covers metro, RER and trains in zones 1-5, with 2 hours of transfers, but not to or from the airports. Paper tickets are gone: load it on a Navigo Easy pass or your phone. | 2.55 EUR |
|---|---|
| Bus or tram ticket (single)Separate from the metro ticket; bus-to-bus and bus-to-tram changes allowed for 1 hour 30 minutes. | 2.05 EUR |
| Paris region airports ticketThe ticket you need for rail trips to or from CDG and Orly; a normal metro ticket is not valid. | 14.00 EUR |
| Navigo Easy pass (card only)A rechargeable card to load single tickets onto, since paper tickets are no longer sold. | 2.00 EUR |
| Navigo day pass / weekly pass (all zones)Unlimited travel in zones 1-5. Monthly pass: EUR 90.80. | 12.30 / 32.40 EUR |
| Paris Visite pass, adult, 1 dayCompare with the EUR 12.30 Navigo day pass (zones 1-5) before you buy. | 30.60 EUR |
| Taxi, CDG airport to ParisFixed maximum fares for 2026. No luggage charge is allowed in Paris. | 56 right bank / 65 left bank EUR |
| Taxi, Orly airport to ParisFixed maximum fares for 2026. | 45 right bank / 36 left bank EUR |
| Taxi minimum fareSet by the 24 December 2025 fares order, in force from 1 February 2026. Cards must be accepted for any fare. | 8.00 EUR |
| Baguette traditionParis average, June 2026 (France EUR 1.25). Prices range from about EUR 1.21 to 1.38 depending on the arrondissement. | 1.32 EUR |
Tickets
Official prices and the only places to buy. Anyone else selling on the street is a reseller.
- Louvre Museum
Non-EEA visitors EUR 32; EEA residents/citizens EUR 22; under 18 free; EEA under 26 free
Buy at: https://ticket.louvre.fr/en
The Louvre warns of a rise in mirror sites. Don't buy 'skip the line' tickets or anything from street vendors.
- Palace of Versailles
Apr-Oct: non-EEA EUR 35, EEA EUR 32. Nov-Mar: non-EEA EUR 25, EEA EUR 22. Trianon only: EUR 15 / EUR 12
Buy at: https://billetterie.chateauversailles.fr
- Eiffel Tower
Adult: summit by lift EUR 36.70, 2nd floor by lift EUR 23.50, 2nd floor by stairs EUR 14.80. Ages 12-24: EUR 18.40 / 11.80 / 7.40
Buy at: https://ticket.toureiffel.paris
- Musée d'Orsay
EUR 16 online, EUR 14 at the museum; reduced EUR 11 (on site only); evening rate EUR 12 online / EUR 10 on site; under 18 free
Buy at: https://billetterie.musee-orsay.fr/
- Sainte-Chapelle
Non-EEA EUR 22, EEA EUR 16; with the Conciergerie EUR 30 / EUR 23
Buy at: Official Centre des monuments nationaux ticketing, linked from https://www.sainte-chapelle.fr
- Arc de Triomphe
EUR 22 (high season rate, 2026)
Buy at: Official Centre des monuments nationaux ticketing (monuments-nationaux.fr)
- Panthéon
EUR 16 (high season rate, 2026)
Buy at: Official Centre des monuments nationaux ticketing (monuments-nationaux.fr)
- Catacombs of Paris
Full EUR 31; reduced EUR 25; ages 8-17 EUR 15; under 8 free
Buy at: https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en
If the official site is sold out, use only the resellers the Catacombs list as authorised.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
Free
Buy at: https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/
Entry is free, so anyone selling a basic cathedral ticket is not the cathedral.
Traps
- Watch outPetition clipboards
Young people ask you to sign a petition, sometimes pretending to be deaf, then ask for a donation. Paris police say it's a scam and to ignore them. The clipboard can also cover a pickpocket.
Source: thelocal.fr, parisjetaime.com - Watch outPetition hotspots
Watch for petitioners around Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and Gare du Nord.
Source: thelocal.fr - Watch outThe shell game (bonneteau)
The tourist office warns that street shell games are used to distract you while your belongings are taken. Walk past.
Source: parisjetaime.com - Watch outString bracelets at Sacré-Cœur
Men on the steps up to Sacré-Cœur grab your wrist, tie on a string bracelet and demand money. Keep your hands close, say 'Non, merci' firmly and walk on.
Source: europeforvisitors.com - Watch outMirror sites for the Louvre
The Louvre warns of more and more lookalike ticket sites. Buy only on ticket.louvre.fr.
Source: louvre.fr - Watch outStreet-sold 'skip the line' tickets
The Louvre says never to buy tickets from street vendors or tickets that claim to skip the queue.
Source: louvre.fr - Watch outAirport taxi overcharging
Airport taxis have fixed maximum fares: CDG EUR 56 (right bank) or 65 (left bank), Orly EUR 45 or 36. A luggage fee is not allowed in Paris.
Source: economie.gouv.fr - Watch outCatacomb ticket resellers
If official Catacombs tickets are sold out, buy only from the resellers the Catacombs list as authorised.
Source: catacombes.paris.fr - Watch outPaying for a free cathedral
Notre-Dame is free to enter; don't pay anyone for a basic entry ticket.
Source: notredamedeparis.fr
Money
- TipService is included
Restaurant bills already include service. Rounding up or leaving a few euros for great service is appreciated, not required.
Source: guide.michelin.com - TipTap water is free
Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' and you get tap water at no charge.
Source: guide.michelin.com - RuleTaxis must take cards
Paris taxis must accept bank cards for any fare. From EUR 25 you must be given a printed receipt.
Source: economie.gouv.fr - RuleOnly three taxi extras
The only allowed supplements are booking (EUR 4 now, EUR 7 in advance) and EUR 5.50 per passenger from the 5th. Luggage charges are banned.
Source: economie.gouv.fr - RuleEEA or non-EEA prices
The Louvre, Versailles and Sainte-Chapelle charge visitors from outside the EEA more: e.g. Louvre EUR 32 vs EUR 22.
Source: louvre.fr, en.chateauversailles.fr, sainte-chapelle.fr - TipCarry less cash
The tourist office suggests paying by bank card or phone and not carrying much cash.
Source: parisjetaime.com
Transport
- RuleNo more paper tickets
Since 5 November 2025, stations and buses no longer sell paper tickets. Load tickets onto a EUR 2 Navigo Easy pass or into the Bonjour RATP app on your phone.
Source: bonjour-ratp.fr - RuleAirport trips need the airport ticket
A standard EUR 2.55 metro/RER ticket is not valid to or from CDG and Orly; the airport ticket is EUR 14.
Source: bonjour-ratp.fr, iledefrance-mobilites.fr - RuleMetro and bus tickets are different
Metro/RER/train tickets (EUR 2.55) and bus/tram tickets (EUR 2.05) are separate products.
Source: bonjour-ratp.fr - RuleKeep your ticket until you exit
Hold on to your validated ticket until you have left the station; inspectors fine people without one. Children over 4 need a ticket.
Source: travel.state.gov - TipWeekly pass for longer stays
Navigo weekly (EUR 32.40) or day passes (EUR 12.30) cover all zones 1-5.
Source: iledefrance-mobilites.fr
Etiquette
- TipSay bonjour first
Make eye contact and say 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening) when you walk into a restaurant or shop.
Source: guide.michelin.com - TipWait to be seated
Never seat yourself in a restaurant, and don't take a table that hasn't been cleared.
Source: guide.michelin.com - TipMonsieur, madame
Call staff 'monsieur' or 'madame'; never snap your fingers or wave.
Source: guide.michelin.com - TipNapkin off the plate
Don't put your napkin on your plate at any point in the meal.
Source: guide.michelin.com - RuleNo smoking in parks
Since 1 July 2025 smoking is banned in public parks, beaches, bus shelters and near schools, with fines.
Source: travel.state.gov - RuleNo drones
Flying drones or filming over towns, airports or crowds is illegal; fines go up to EUR 75,000.
Source: travel.state.gov
Food
- TipBread, no butter
Bread comes with the meal, but butter usually doesn't.
Source: guide.michelin.com - TipSteak comes medium rare
If the waiter doesn't ask how you want red meat, it will arrive medium rare.
Source: guide.michelin.com - TipBuy a tradition
A baguette tradition costs about EUR 1.32 in Paris; prices are lowest in the 12th and highest in the 3rd.
Source: lebaguetteindex.fr - TipThe best baguette in Paris
Each year the city picks the best baguette; the winner supplies the Élysée Palace for a year.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - TipDrinks are strong
Drinks in French bars are often stronger than in the UK.
Source: gov.uk
Safety
- Watch outPickpockets on the metro and RER
Thieves work the metro, RER and main stations. Keep your passport, cards and valuables in separate pockets and carry bags across your body.
Source: gov.uk, travel.state.gov - Watch outTake care on RER B and D
RER B (CDG and Orly airports, Gare du Nord) and RER D (Stade de France) have had serious assaults.
Source: gov.uk - Watch outWatch your drink
Date-rape drugs are used in France. Don't leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
Source: gov.uk, travel.state.gov - TipEmergency numbers
112 for any emergency, 17 police, 15 ambulance, 18 fire.
Source: travel.state.gov, parisjetaime.com - TipReport in your own language
Through the SAVE scheme, visitors can file a police report in their own language and get a copy for their embassy.
Source: parisjetaime.com - TipKeep copies of your ID
Email yourself scans of your documents; if they're stolen, report it to police and contact your consulate.
Source: parisjetaime.com
Free
- TipCity museums are free
The permanent collections of Paris's municipal museums are free every day, including Carnavalet, the Petit Palais, Cernuschi, Cognacq-Jay, Bourdelle, Zadkine, Victor Hugo's house and the Musée de la Vie romantique.
Source: parisjetaime.com - TipFirst Sunday of the month
Orsay, the Picasso museum, the Orangerie and Arts et Métiers are free on the first Sunday; some still need an online booking.
Source: parisjetaime.com - TipWinter first Sundays
From November to March the Panthéon and Sainte-Chapelle are free on the first Sunday too.
Source: parisjetaime.com, sainte-chapelle.fr - TipLouvre free on Friday nights
Free after 18:00 on the first Friday of the month, except in July and August.
Source: louvre.fr - TipFree churches
Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur are free to enter.
Source: notredamedeparis.fr, parisjetaime.com - TipDeyrolle for free
The 1831 taxidermy and natural-history shop on rue du Bac is free to browse.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Fun
- FunParis's own Statue of Liberty
An 11.5 m replica stands at the end of the Île aux Cygnes. It was given by Parisians living in America in 1889 and since 1937 has faced New York.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunA Roman arena in the Latin Quarter
The Arènes de Lutèce, from the 1st century AD, once seated 15,000. Victor Hugo helped save it from a tramway company.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunThe first park on an old railway
The Coulée verte opened in 1993 on the old Vincennes line, the first elevated railway turned into a park, years before New York's High Line.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunShops inside a viaduct
Below the Coulée verte, the Viaduc des Arts has workshops and shops in its arches.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunWalk the old ring railway
The Petite Ceinture carried passengers around Paris until 1934; eight stretches, including in the 15th, are now open as walks.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunRide antique fairground rides
The Musée des Arts forains in the Pavillons de Bercy lets you ride old carousels. Visits are by booking only.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunDeyrolle's zoo
Deyrolle, founded in 1831, is full of mounted animals and insects. A 2008 fire destroyed much of it; the first rooms reopened within months.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunSwim in the Seine
In summer three free, supervised swimming spots open on the Seine: Bercy, Louis-Philippe and Bras de Grenelle near the Statue of Liberty.
Source: parisjetaime.com - FunThe president's baguette
The Best Baguette of Paris winner gets EUR 4,000 and supplies the Élysée Palace for a year. Entries must be 55-65 cm long and weigh 250-300 g.
Source: en.wikipedia.org - FunMontmartre's wine harvest
The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre is a harvest festival each October; in 2026 it runs 7-11 October.
Source: parisjetaime.com - FunCarnavalet turns 160
The Paris history museum marks its 160th anniversary on 3-4 October 2026.
Source: parisjetaime.com
When to go
- TipFête de la Musique, 21 June
The city's music festival, held every year on 21 June.
Source: parisjetaime.com - TipNuit Blanche, early June
An all-night festival of light, sound and art installations across Paris and its suburbs; in 2026 it was Saturday 6 June.
Source: paris.fr - TipParis Plages, July-August
Free beaches with deckchairs and activities on the Seine banks, at Bassin de la Villette and on the Canal Saint-Martin; 4 July-30 August in 2026.
Source: parisjetaime.com - TipBastille Day, 13-14 July
Free concert and fireworks on the evening of the 13th, and the military parade on the Champs-Élysées at 10:00 on the 14th.
Source: parisjetaime.com - TipVersailles costs more in summer
The Passport ticket is EUR 35 (non-EEA) from April to October and EUR 25 from November to March.
Source: en.chateauversailles.fr - TipSainte-Chapelle winter hours
From 1 October to 31 March it closes at 17:00 instead of 19:00.
Source: sainte-chapelle.fr - TipParis Pride in October 2026
The 2026 Pride parade was moved from June to 3 October.
Source: parisjetaime.com
Words
- TipBonjour / Bonsoir
Hello / Good evening: say it first when you walk into a shop or restaurant.
Source: guide.michelin.com - TipBonne journée / Bonne soirée
Have a good day / evening: the usual goodbye.
Source: guide.michelin.com - TipUne carafe d'eau
A jug of tap water, free in restaurants.
Source: guide.michelin.com - TipNon, merci
No, thank you: the firm answer to bracelet sellers and petitioners.
Source: europeforvisitors.com - TipRive droite / Rive gauche
Right bank / Left bank of the Seine, used for fixed airport taxi fares.
Source: economie.gouv.fr - TipMonsieur / Madame
The polite way to get a waiter's attention.
Source: guide.michelin.com
Checked September 2026. Every item links to where it came from.