Getting Oriented

Paris: Getting Oriented

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Paris is one of the most user-friendly cities in the world once you understand the basics. It is divided generally into the Rive Gauche (Left Bank, to the south of the Seine), and Rive Droite (Right Bank, on the river’s north side), and then into 20 smaller segments called arrondissements (districts). When listed as part of a street address, these are designated as 1st for first arrondissement, 13th for the 13th arrondissement (as in “11 Rue St-Paul, 4th”). In a mailing address, the arrondissement number is attached to the département code (75 refers to Paris), so the post code for the 12th arrondissement is 75012. The suburbs are called les Banlieues, and have different département numbers (e.g., 78 for Yvelines or 92 for Hauts de Seine).

It’s not always necessary to have a map to get around the city. Inside every métro (M°) station is a map of the surrounding neighborhood (if the métro has one exit, it’s usually just inside; if there are multiple exits, the map is usually along the platform somewhere to show where each exit surfaces). If you know which métro stop is closest to an address, these maps (with street index) should show you how to get there. Once above ground, there are maps of the neighborhood with a “Vous êtes ici” (You are here) marker on the back of many signs. Each bus stop also has a mapp

showing the immediate area (and shows where all of the surrounding bus stops are located, handy at large intersections).

For those who feel most comfortable with a map on hand at all times, the best one to purchase – the one used by Parisians – is the Paris Classique: Par Arrondissement. This little booklet slips easily into a coat pocket, and has detailed maps of every arrondissement, with métro, RER and bus maps, a street index, and even suburbs and airport maps. It shows traffic directions (one way and pedestrian-only streets), and lists major monuments, museums, churches, rental car agencies, even all-night pharmacies and hospitals.

ATTENTION: Don’t get confused by roads with similar names, such as Rue St-Honoré and Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré; Rue de Belleville and Boulevard de Belleville; or Rue du Temple and Rue Vieille du Temple.

If you get lost, don’t hesitate to ask someone for directions. The most polite way to do this is to say “Excusez moi Monsieur/Madame, où est [insert what you’re looking for here], s’il vous plait?” It may seem easier to leave out the beginning and end of that sentence and simply say “Où est Notre Dame?” but in French that sounds very rude. You’ll probably get a friendlier response from someone on the street rather than asking at newsstand kiosks, since the attendants can get cranky after giving out directions all day long.

THE INSIDE STORY In France, the ground floor (what is called the “first floor” in the US) is called the rez de chaussée (“ray-de-sho-say”) or RDC. The level above that (“second floor” in the US) is called the première étage (first floor), the next is called the deuxième étage (second floor), and so on. The basement level is called the sous-sol, or SS.

IN THIS CHAPTER:
• Guided Tours in English
• Sightseeing Passes
• Paris by Neighborhood
• Suburban Sights