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Getting around in Paris , you have different options.; The first one is the Luxury one, calling a taxi, if you are loaded with shopping bags or just tired from a day’s sightseeing then hopping into a taxi can be a much more tempting option than the metro. There are 15,300 taxis in Paris operating day and night, which can be hailed on the street. The number to call , (Fr) 1 45 30 30 30 used for all firms. All taxi cabs in Paris have an illuminated sign ” Taxi Parisien” posted on the roof and a plate fixed to the front-right hand wing bearing the license number. Tiping is not essential so it’s down to you as to wether you feel it’s necessary. For more information, visit http://www.parisinfo.com

The affordable approach , is the metro. The Paris metro system is one of the quickest and easiest way of travelling around the city. If you want an idea of journey time allow two minutes between each station and five minutes for each connection. Lines have their direction named after the last stop making it easy to navigate which direction you are travelling in. Maps are also available free of charge at ticket offices in the stations. Also maps are displayed on the platforms and at the entrance to each station. Le metro operates every day including public holidays. There are also five RER ( Reseau Express Regional) lines, A to D which run across Paris and in and out of the suburbs including Versailles and Disneyland.

Budget approach, is the velib’ . For an eco-conscious and wallet friendly way of exploring Paris, travelling by bicycle is an ideal solution. Paris is very accessible and safe for those who want to get around on two wheels. The Itineraries Paris-Petions-Velos – Rollers are very scenic areas of the city closed to cars on Sundays and holidays are worth keeping in mind when planning your route. The first 30 minutes of every rental is free and can be used an unlimited number of times, so you can hop on and off throughout out the day without paying a penny. For longer journeys a fee will apply, ( from 1 euro and 4 euros) is charged for every subsequent 30 minutes used. Also when I was there two years ago a 150 euros security deposit , pre-authorised from your bank card, is required for all short- term subscriptions. http://www.velib.paris.fr

Tours in Paris.

The Luxury Approach. What could be more glamourous than an helicopter tour around Paris’s peripherique. If you fly with Heli-Paris you will be greeted by a VIP hostess at the Heliport de Paris( in the 15th arrondissement), before taking of for a smooth flight around the city. See the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, Les Invalides and the Montparnasse Tower from a whole different angle. Also before flying out of town over the Palais de Versailles and its beautifully manicured gardens. In 2009  this 45- minute flight cost 209 euros per person. A 30- minute flight cost 139 euros ( Discovery flight) and a 15- minute flight ( Initiation flight) , 79 euros are also available. Take your pick- http://www.helicoptere.com or call (FR) 1 41 31 33 92

The Affordable Approach

Segway. Of course Paris is the ideal city to explore on foot, but why break a sweat when you can do it by Segway, an easy- to- drive, stand- up scooter. It is a new way to tour the city. They go where pedestrians go- down small , cobbled streets and up-close to the city’s famous monnuments. City Segway Tours operates great dayTours as well as night time tours of up to eight people, which last about four hours including a refreshment stop. You will be given a ” Driving lesson” bfore you start using it so that you can master stopping, starting, turning and zooming then you are ready to go and explore Paris. Both day & night time tours cost around 70 Euros per person.http://www.citysegwaytours.com or call ( FR) 1 56 58 10 54

Also The San Francisco based travel company uses the 2CV Tours. There are few things more French than a little 2CV, so what better way to tour the capital city?, 4 Roues ( Wheels) sous 1 parapluie provides you with a Citroen, a driver and some wonderful tour options. http://www.4roues-sous-1parapluie.com or call 0800 800 631

Budget Approach. Paris is a walker’s city, its most beautiful sights hidden away from the road and only approachable a pied. Paris has countless walking tours – Visit http://www.parisinfo.com for a list of what is offered. The tours last about two hours and cost 12 Euros for adults and 10 Euros for students  ( under 21) and around 5 euros ( under five). http://www.paris-walks.com

Boat Tour. Bateaux Mouches ( 10 Euros per adult) might be the traditional way to tour the Seine, but just for 4 euros or a bit more you can buy a two-day pass for the Batobus shuttle. You can hop on and hop off as many times as you like.http://www.batobus.com