To get around Paris, the best way was using their RATP (Régie Automome des Transports Parisiens) metro system. My partner, his family and I interacted between the usage of the train and bus with a useful app called Transit. Most of the trains we took were automated (doors opened automatically) but one of the older lines you have to manually unlock the door to get onto the train so be aware of that. Signage is clear & easy to follow. Since our tour package included the metro card for several days, we didn't need to buy one except for some of us on the last day. However, you buy your ticket ahead of time before entering the train area. There are automated machines that accept credit cards and some, not all, that accept paper bills. There are many decorated stations like Louvre-Rivoli on line 1 platform, Concorde on line 12 platform, Arts Et Métiers. The trains came on time and very efficient. Some stations are not so easy to get around, particularly if you have to go up and down many stairs. It is worth remembering that you need to be extra careful when using the metro particularly when it is very busy, but at other times too. Like in all major cities, there are pickpockets everywhere. Thank goodness we didn't have any problem. read more