TRAVEL TIPS FOR FRANCE 2026
Every week, the Masterworks Newsletter will contain a brief “Tip” about Paris, the French language, words to practice, getting around, money, paying for food, tipping, etc. Many of these ideas are distilled from a series of
YouTube videos by Les Frenchies, a French/American couple. For more detailed information, these videos cover many topics of interest to American travelers in France, especially Paris. They are fun to watch and very informative.
Paris tip No. 12 - Riding the Metro and Bus.
Getting around Paris is not difficult, and you will probably need to ride the Metro or bus at
some point while you are there. What follows are some helpful hints.
- Download the Bonjour RAPT app to your phone before arriving in Paris; log in with your information. The app will allow you to buy tickets, check for remaining tickets, and show you a map of the entire Metro system. You can enter your destination and it will show you detailed routes with specifics of which Metro or bus lines to take and how long to reach your
destination.
- Before your first Metro or bus ride, buy a Navigo Easy card at the attended booth for 2 euros. You can just add tickets directly to your phone and use your phone to validate your ticket at the entry gate, but be aware that there have been issues with using your phone for Metro access especially if you do not have good data. The physical pass is more reliable. You also do not need to have your phone out in the busy subway
station.
- Add Metro tickets and bus tickets to your Navigo Easy pass either at a kiosk in the station or by using the Bonjour RAPT app which is easier and more secure. The Metro ticket is 2.50 euro for unlimited transfers for 2 hours. You can buy 10 tickets for a discounted 16.50 euros. The Bus tickets are 2.05 euros. You can put both on your Navigo easy card. You can use the app to check and see how many tickets you have left on your Navigo easy
card.
- The Metro line entrance will have gates of some kind to go through to enter the walkway to the Metro. Place the Navigo card on the reader and the gates will open. Do NOT enter without validating your ticket even if the gate is open. Do NOT follow someone else through the gate without validating your ticket. There are Metro officials who are in the system checking with some passengers to see if your ticket is validated. If it is not,
the fine can be 50 to 75 euros.
- The app will tell you what line to take and what direction you should be traveling. Take note of the end point of the line and follow the signs in the station that point toward that end point. The app will also tell you how many stations you will pass before you are to exit the Metro.
- When getting on or off the Metro, the doors may not open
automatically. You may need to push a button or lift a handle to open the door.
- To ride the bus, you must flag down the bus at the bus stop. When you get on tap your Navigo Easy card and validate your ticket. Push the button on the bus when you want off. Exit at the rear of the bus.
- The Metro is open from 5:30 am to 11:00 pm or 11:15 pm on Friday and Saturday.
A final hint: Do not put your feet on the Metro seats. You can be given a fine if an officer sees you.
A NOTABLE TRAVEL TIP FROM MICHAEL S.
I have a suggested Paris tip (in case this is not projected to be one of them). It may be one that is too soon to put in the newsletter, but
it's also something that would be useful to know a bit ahead of time.
In case you don't know, June 21st, summer solstice, is always the day for "Fête de la Musique" all over France (and many parts of the world). It's a big thing in France, having experienced it myself a few times in different French cities. There will be A LOT of FREE (many open air and somewhat informal) concerts all over the
place--probably at major plazas, squares, or parks.
This year, June 21st falls on a Sunday, two days before the Tuesday Hagenberg Gala Concert. According to the basic choir trip schedule, it looks like there are rehearsals Sunday morning and evening for the concert, but in between there is "sightseeing" time, though I am not sure if that's on our own or as a group.
I guess my tip would be to be prepared for (more) crowds in the city on that day and not overplan if there is '"on our own time." Especially if one wants to experience the vibe of the music festival all around. Also, there is not usually a single (universal) website that lists every possible event connected to the Fête (there may be several or may appear much later--and currently not all is set), so for me personally, I'd be as flexible as
possible when planning for things to do that day (outside of rehearsals).
I hope this helps.
Michael
