Transportation: Public and Private Options
Public Transportation
Urban Systems
Paris (RATP/SNCF) - Metro: 14 lines, runs 5:30 AM-1:15 AM - RER: Regional express trains - Bus: Extensive network - Tram: Periphery connections - Navigo pass: €75.20/month all zones
Other Major Cities - Lyon: Metro, tram, bus (TCL) - Marseille: Metro, tram, bus (RTM) - Toulouse: Metro, tram, bus (Tisséo) - Lille: Metro, tram, bus (Ilévia) - Monthly passes: €40-65
Navigation Tips - Citymapper app for major cities - Google Maps reliable - Official apps have real-time info - Keep ticket until exit - Validate paper tickets always - Controllers check regularly
National Transportation
SNCF Trains - TGV: High-speed between major cities - Intercités: Regional connections - TER: Local/regional trains - Book early for best prices - Age-based discount cards available
Discount Cards - Carte Jeune (12-27 years): 30-50% off - Carte Senior (60+): Similar discounts - Carte Famille: Group family travel - Annual cards: €49-79
Bus Travel - FlixBus, BlaBlaBus: Budget intercity - Often 70% cheaper than trains - Longer journey times - Decent comfort levels
Private Transportation
Driving in France
License Requirements - EU licenses valid immediately - Non-EU valid 1 year - Exchange process varies by country - Theory/practical tests may be required
Car Ownership - Registration (carte grise) required - Annual inspection (contrôle technique) - Insurance mandatory - Parking residents permits available
Driving Culture - Priority from right (priorité à droite) - Roundabouts everywhere - Speed cameras common - Tolls on highways - Diesel still common
Alternative Options
Car Sharing - Autolib' (discontinued but similar services exist) - Zipcar in major cities - Communauto, Citiz networks - Free-floating options limited
Bike Systems - Vélib' (Paris): €3.10/day - Vélo'v (Lyon), VéloCité (Nice) - Most cities have systems - Electric options available
Scooter/Motorcycle - Popular in cities - Special parking areas - License requirements vary - Helmet mandatory