Paris metro pass

When it comes to decide what means of transportation you're going to use while on vacation in Paris France, then the answer is quite simple: just use the metro! You can't be wrong, it's cheap and you're always just 20 to 30 minutes away from any Paris attractions or must see.

I visited Paris maybe a dozen times and each time I bought a ready to use Paris metro pass to be delivered to my hotel. Now, let me explain the purpose and advantage of this pass for the Paris traveler.

Presentation

It's official name is "Paris Visite" but "Paris metro pass" is the commonly used term. This is a travel card pass enabling you to use for free all the public transport services with no photo required. It provides unlimited free travel on the transport system of Paris region including the Metro, RER, bus, tramway, suburban SNCF trains, Montmartre funicular, Montmartrobus, Noctambus, and Optile bus system. It consists of a travelcard and a ticket to insert in turntiles.

Paris Visite comes in four versions, valid for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days, starting any day of the week. It is valid starting on the day you first use it, not from the date of purchase or delivery, for the specified number of consecutive days. You must select a pass matching the length of your stay and the places you want to visit:

• For Zones 1 to 3: includes Paris and the nearby suburbs (La Défense, Saint-Denis Basilique, Le Bourget)
• For Zones 1 to 6: includes Paris and the surrounding area (Popular destinations like Versailles Castle, Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports, Disneyland® Resort Paris at Marne la Vallee - Chessy RER station)

How to use it

Once you get your pass, immediately fill in your name on the black card. Write down the card serial number on the ticket and write the date of first usage. Card and ticket must be held together at all times. RATP staff are entitled to verify your pass at any time.

Paris Visite pass includes discounts and savings at selected places, restaurants, museums, theme parks.

If you ever encounter problems using your pass, it may comes from a damaged magnetic stripe. In such cases, try to explain the problem at a metro station clerk whom should be able to trace the problem and replace it with a new one. To avoid such problems, make sure to store your ticket in its plastic folder and do not fold it in any ways.

How about Combined Pass

A new offer is now available in Paris. You have now the ability to buy a combined pass that includes a metro pass along with a museum pass. Both are distinct and separated passes but just bought together in a package. I've tested two providers within the last 12 months:

- Paris Pass: (April 2008). Well, all I can say is that this pass was quite expensive and very confusing because you don't know what is included or not! What really turned me on is that this pass was presented as the official Paris Pass but this is simply not true. How can it be possible? Isn't there some official Paris organisations monitoring the web? I was also expecting to get a hop on/off tour included as advertised on their website but nicht! nada! I had to pay for it while there. I don't think I will buy from them anymore and the reason comes next. 

- Paris ComboPass: (October 2008). I don't know if it comes from the fact that I was so disppointed with my previous experience but I must say that I really loved this combined pass. It was delivered to my hotel, and could use them right away. No need to sort out what's included or not, their website is extremely clear as well as documentation received along with the pass. I strongly recommend it, you can buy it only online. From what I read on Combopass.net, Conciergerie.com are their worldwide exclusive dealer for this Paris pass. 

I'll update this hub each time needed.