Founded by the Paris City Council and Paris Chamber of Commerce, the bureau provides numerous visitor services. Representatives speak English, and can assist with accommodations, restaurants and sightseeing options. They can also suggest walking tours and provide information for sights just out of Paris, like Versailles. Six offices are located in Paris, with one at the Gare du Nord, the train station where many visitors exit after a trip from Charles de Gaulle Airport. The bureau also operates (seasonally) the Welcome Ambassadors program, where staff members assist tourists from kiosks throughout the city.
Paris Convention and Visitor's Bureau
25, rue des Pyramides
75001 Paris
011-33-892-68-30-00
parisinfo.com
A subway system (or "metro") as well as buses and trains connect all tourist districts in Paris. RATP, the organization that operates the massive system, provides tourists with easy transport alternatives. RATP offers a pass designed for the tourist---the Visit Paris travel card. It is valid for all services, and may be purchased for one day, or up to five consecutive days. Passes can be purchased at any metro ticket window or Paris Visitor's Bureau. RATP tourist site maps make it easy for the foreign tourist to navigate the system. English language maps are downloadable from the website, and are also available at ticket booths. Special double-deck buses---called "open tour"---with commentary in English circulate amongst tourist sites, and riders may get on and off as they please. A separate fare is required, but is reduced with a Visit Paris travel card.
RATP
54, Quai de la Rapee
75599 Paris Cedex 12
011-33-892-69-32-46
ratp.info
While violent crime is rare, thieves operate in tourist areas, and petty crime is common. A special program serves visitors, and these tourist-oriented police can be found at any one of 100 public reception points in the city. Members who speak English wear British flag pins, and are trained to answer questions and provide safety tips to visitors, as well as provide directions. In the event a tourist is a crime victim, they can also handle the reporting and resolution process in English.
Prefecture de Police
avenue du Parc des Princes
75016 Paris
011-33-47-03-60-00
prefecture-police-paris.interieur.gouv.fr
American Express offices offer English-speaking staff who can assist with commercial transactions, such as money exchange and redemption of traveler's checks. Offices can also provide local tourist information.
American Express
11, rue Scribe
75009 Paris
011-33-153-30-99-00
amextravelresources.com
