Paris has several major train stations leading to the regions, but one of the best for sightseeing is the Gare de l’Est (East Station), which we will introduce here.

As the name suggests, the station serves trains heading eastwards.
Surprisingly, the area around the station is not crowded and there are relatively few suspicious people, so first-time visitors can feel at ease.

There are also many cafés and shops in the station, so you will never get bored of sightseeing.

Of course, the historic buildings are another attraction.

Now let me introduce you to some of them.

Gare de l’Est

Location

Gare de l’Est

Address：Place du 11 novembre 1918, 75010 Paris, France

Access

• RER : line E
• Metro : lines 4, 5 and 7
• Bus: lines 31, 32, 35, 38, 39, 46, 54, 56, 91.

Features

The name ‘East Station’ is not because it is located east of Paris, but because it is the departure station for trains heading to the east side of the city.

It is the fifth largest station in Paris, with more than 35 million passengers a year.

The station was built by architect François-Alexandre Duquesney and engineer Pierre Cabanel de Sermet.

History

Opened in 1849 under the name Embarcadère de Strasbourg.

In 1854, the name of the station was changed to the current ‘Gare de l’Est’.

In 1883, the station became the first station for the Oriental Express to Constantinople.

Extensions in 1885 and 1900.

Additional construction in 1926 and 1931.

source：https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Paris-Est

Security

If you use East Station, you may be concerned about security.

Many people are concerned because it is located right next to the less reputable North Station.

However, as far as the East Station premises are concerned, there is no problem.

Unlike North Station, East Station is not served by the RER B line, so trains coming through unsafe areas are not served.

If anything, it is mainly people heading eastwards or coming back, so it is not too crowded.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it is safe, and if you are as attentive as you normally are in Paris, you can avoid trouble.

Pickpockets etc. are of course present, so please be careful with your personal belongings.

Map of East Station premises

Paris Est plan

A map of the East Station premises was surprisingly hard to find, but I was able to locate it on the SNCF website.

Click on the link above to open the PDF file.

Paris Est plan

The main ground floor is very clearly laid out.

Enter through the main entrance and you will see a line of departure platforms from No. 2 to No. 30 on your left, so head for the platform when your destination is displayed on the electronic board.

Paris Est plan

There is a metro entrance on the basement floor.

It is easily accessible via an escalator.

The station offers a wide range of facilities.

There are many shops and restaurants on the ground floor, as well as luggage storage (coin lockers) and toilets on the basement floor, which are clean and well maintained.

Overall, the station is cleaner and easier to understand than other major stations.

Report

The front of the station is tidy, not too crowded and does not have the dubious atmosphere of the northern stations.

Vehicle access is also restricted, making it possible to use the front of the station in peace.

8 May 1945, street side.

East Station, viewed from rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin.

When you enter the station, you are first greeted by an electronic board.

Please check the destination and departure platform when using the service.

The platforms are quite spacious.

The red glow in the middle is the stove.

In the early hours of the morning and during cold weather, everyone is flocking to this stove.

Of course, this is only available in winter, so if you go during the coldest months, try to warm up.

Very long station turnstiles.

There is also a sense of history in the train stops.

TGVs are standing by.

After all, seeing the train raises the anticipation of the journey.

The open ceiling and the staircase on the left hand side are typical of European stations.

Lots of benches are placed.

SNCF information.

If you want to buy tickets on the day, this is the place to come.

Lots of food shops are open from early in the morning, so there is no need to worry about what to eat on the train.

There are many apparel, grocery and cosmetics shops in the station.

It is a bit like a shopping mall.

Restaurant at Gare de l’Est.

KUSMI TEA shop in East Station.

There is a very large Starbucks.

There are also many shops around the escalators leading to the Metro.

Large windows in the doorways let in light.

This is a historical view.

This is the central entrance and exit.

It can be quite crowded at certain times of the day.

Summary

Even if you don’t go anywhere, East Station is a great place to visit and see for sightseeing.

There are many accommodation options in the area and many people stay here.

Please visit if you have time.

Shops at the station also open around 6am-7am, including clothing and general shops as well as bakeries and kiosks.

If you are staying in a place where you can walk to East Station, and you get up early in the morning but can’t think of anywhere to go, why not take a walk and visit?

Note, however, that many shops are closed on Sundays.

Thank you again for reading to the end of this issue.

In this issue, we would like to introduce you to the ‘Tax-free procedures when travelling from Paris to Switzerland’.

As Switzerland is not a member of the EU, duty-free procedures must be completed before entering the country.

This is fine if you are travelling to Switzerland by plane, but if you are travelling to Switzerland by rail, the duty-free procedure becomes more difficult.

Let me quickly introduce you to what procedures you need to follow.

Tax-free procedures in France

Conditions for obtaining tax exemption.

• Non-EU residents
• 16 years of age or older
• Staying in the country for less than 6 months
• Minimum purchase amount of 100€ in one shop

Tax-free formalities

If you are returning from Charles de Gaulle airport, you can use the ‘PABLO’ (duty-free customs clearance system) for easy processing.

If returning via Switzerland

If you are returning from France via Switzerland, the duty-free procedure is a little more complicated.

This is particularly important if you enter Switzerland by rail and fly back to your own country.

When flying from Paris to Switzerland

If you are flying from Paris to Switzerland, both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports have duty-free application desks or Pablo.

Travelling by train from Paris to Switzerland

If you are travelling by train from Paris to Switzerland, you will mainly use the TGV, which arrives and departs in Paris at Gare de l’Est or Gare de Lyon.

Below are the routes to the main train stations in Switzerland.

Only typical routes are introduced here.

Receive confirmation stamps on board the TGV

If you are travelling to Switzerland by rail, you must complete duty-free formalities before entering Switzerland.

If a customs officer is on board the TGV train, he or she will stamp the duty-free documents with a confirmation stamp and drop the documents in a special post box at the arrival station.
You will now receive your detax.

However, it can be difficult to find customs officers on board, so it is advisable to check where they are when the conductor comes to check the tickets.

Please note that if you are unlucky enough to find a customs officer, or if no customs officer is on board, you may not be able to get duty free.

Tax-free formalities at Basel station.

There is a duty-free office at Basel station, which can be used by those who plan to use Basel station.

Points to note when entering Switzerland

If you buy expensive goods while in France and bring them into Switzerland, you will be subject to taxation.

Caution should also be exercised if you are buying alcoholic products such as wine.

The maximum amount that can be brought into Switzerland tax-free is CHF 300.

(Think 300€).

Please note that it does not matter that the journey is within Europe.

Summary

If you travel from Paris to Switzerland by train, the duty-free procedure is very cumbersome.

In the worst case scenario, it should be assumed that the tax exemption procedure is not available.

Note that some French shops may offer cash refunds on the spot.

(although this will be lower than the amount refunded to your credit card).

Even in this case, tax exemption procedures are still required.

Please note that if you do not follow the tax exemption procedure and leave it untouched, your registered credit card will later be charged for the amount of the surcharge added to it.

Last but not least, the best way to get tax exemption is to ‘not return from Switzerland’.

It is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to buy luxury brands or other expensive items in France, to enter Switzerland first and then arrange an itinerary to return home from Paris.

Thank you again for reading to the end of this issue.

When travelling abroad, I always worry about the number of underwear to take with me.

This is fine when the stay is short, but when the stay is long, bringing a change of clothes as per the number of days is a lot of luggage and gets in the way.
However, the problem has always been that if I bring fewer changes of clothes, I would run out halfway through the trip.

Have you ever had such problems?

Laundries are the solution to such problems.

I had never had the opportunity to use a laundromat before, so I was a little apprehensive, but when I actually tried it, it was so convenient that I regretted why I hadn’t used it before.

We would like to introduce you to these convenient laundries.

Laverie Libre Service

There are many laundries in Paris anyway.

In case you are wondering, the French word for laundromat is “Laverie Libre Service”, and although there are slight differences in the words written in each shop, if it says “Laverie”, it is definitely a laundromat.

(Even if you don’t understand French, most laundries have glass windows so you can see them from the outside…)

Safe/Unsafe

Security is a concern when using laundries.

The laundromat itself is safe.

With regard to security, it is better to consider the security of the place used itself.

Laundries near hotels and other places where most people stay can be used without any problems.

Of course, do not use laundries with broken windows or that are not clean.

How to find the location

Finding a laundromat is not difficult.

You can easily find them by walking around the neighbourhood of the hotel or other places where you are staying.

They can also be found using Google Maps.

Open your place of stay and enter “Laverie Libre Service” or “Laverie” in the search, which will give you a lot of suggestions.

Note that prices may vary slightly from shop to shop, but should not be too much of a concern as there should be no major differences.

How to use the washing machine

Let’s take a quick look at how to use laundries.

Choosing a washing machine

When you first enter the shop, you will see many washing machines.

Washing machines are colour-coded according to capacity.

Basically, the main types are 6 kg and 8 kg, with one or two other larger types of 12 kg and 23 kg installed.

(composition varies from shop to shop).

Each washing machine is also numbered, so remember the number of the machine you use.

First, choose a washing machine according to your laundry capacity.

Colours vary from shop to shop, but this is the 6 kg type in this case.

Open the door and place the laundry inside.

The other is this silver tone type.

The capacity is 8 kg, which was used in this case.

Ensure that the door is securely closed once the laundry has been put in.

Some doors do not close properly if broken or otherwise.

Always check before moving on to the next step.

Selecting a laundry course

Select the washing course.

The content is almost the same in all laundries.

1. High temperature: 90 degrees: 60 minutes
2. Medium temperature: 60 degrees: 55 minutes
3. Low temperature: 40 degrees: 50 minutes
4. Cold temperature: 20 degrees: 45 minutes

Normally, choose number 2 or 3.

Number 1 may cause the laundry to shrink.
Choose with care.

If you are washing items such as knitwear, select number 3 or lower.

The washing machine in this case has a digital display.
Some shops have button-operated washing machines.

Add detergent.

The detergent compartment is divided into four boxes.

• PRE-LAVAGE: pre-wash
• LAVAGE: full wash
• JAVEL: Bleach.
• ADOUCISSANT: fabric softener

There is also a washing machine with three boxes.

This type does not have a box for bleach.

Some also have rubberised lids.

It is usually possible to buy detergent and fabric softener at any laundromat.

(In some shops, only detergents are available).

Several types of detergents and fabric softeners are available in some shops.

On the left is the fabric softener and on the right is the detergent.

Some shops may only sell detergent.

In this case, buy fabric softener from a local supermarket.

There are many different types, but if you look carefully in the shelves, you will find smaller sized fabric softeners.

The softener is sold in sets of three.

It is difficult to cut by hand, so it is better to have scissors.

Payment

Let’s look at payment methods.

Laundromats in France have a single billing machine, which manages all the washing machines.

It looks somewhat difficult when written in French, but it is very easy to operate.

First, enter the number of your washing machine and press # (sharp) at the end.

The fare is displayed and you can insert coins or notes.

Wait until the laundry is finished.

Depending on the course you choose, it will take about 40~50 minutes to finish the laundry.

You can wait until the laundry is done, but as you would indeed be bored, you can go shopping if there is a supermarket or similar in the vicinity.

It is unlikely that clothes will be stolen during laundering.

However, it is important to note that if the laundry is left in place for an extended period of time, it may be taken out of the washing machine.

How to use the dryer

Once the laundry has been washed successfully, the next step is to use the dryer.

You will find these boxes, so put the clothes you have finished washing in these and move the laundry to the dryer.

If you are concerned about hygiene, you can transfer them into your own bag or other container.

動いていない乾燥機の扉を開けます。

At this point, always check that nothing is left inside.

Payment

The payment method is the same as for washing machines.

Press Sharp after the number of the dryer and the charges will be displayed.

Setting the temperature

When ready, select the temperature.

As you can see from the images, there are four temperature levels.

Select the temperature according to the items washed.

Press the Start button

After setting the temperature, press the green button.

This will start the drying process.

Few people are waiting for the washing to finish, but rather many are waiting for the drying to finish.

It is better to be at the laundromat shortly before the dryers stop, as dry clothes can be stolen.

Summary

Once you learn the procedure, it is very easy to use.

You will also be able to significantly reduce the amount of clothing you bring with you during your stay, so please try using it on your next trip to Paris.

Thank you again for reading to the end of this issue.

The Roissy bus is an easy way to get around Paris, even for first-time visitors.

Once you depart from Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can travel directly to Paris city without stopping along the way.

The Roissy bus is also safe, and you can sit in the seat, so you don’t have to worry about suitcases or other heavy luggage.

This is a good thing, but of course it has its disadvantages as well as its advantages.

So let me quickly introduce you to Roissy Bus.

Take a Roissy bus from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris City

Practical information

Roissy Bus

RATP

Please note that the prices are different if you buy the tickets in advance from the ticket machine or directly from the driver.

How to get from Terminal 2E to Roissy Bus Terminal

In this article, I will use Terminal 2E as an example.

JAL (Japan Airlines) and Air France arrive at this Terminal 2E.

The image above is a floor plan of Terminal 2E, near the exit.

When you exit the Arrival in the middle, go straight.

The sign above has Bus on it.

It’s a little confusing, but go straight ahead.

There are a lot of illegal cab drivers around here, so be careful.

If you are considering taking a cab to the city of Paris, be sure to take it from the cab stand.

On the way to the bus stop, there is a British supermarket, Marks and Spencer.

If you need something to drink, don’t forget to buy it, as this is the last place you can buy anything.

There is also a cafe and restrooms on the right.

This is also the last place to use the restroom on the way to Paris City, so don’t forget to use it.

The Roissy bus will take you to Paris city in about an hour.

However, depending on traffic congestion, it may take up to an hour and a half.

Also, when you arrive at the opera, be sure to stop by the hotel if it is a distance away.

Further down the corridor, you will come to a less popular passage.

The photo was taken from the opposite side.
If you walk from Arrival, you will feel like you are coming from the back of the picture.

You will see the exit for the Roissy bus stop on your left, go out here.

When you get outside, the first stop will be the Roissy bus stop.

If the Roissy bus hasn’t just left, you’ll recognize it because people are lined up as you can see in the picture.

How to purchase a bus ticket

To use the Roissy bus, you need a ticket, of course.

From the Roissy bus exit, go straight further down the corridor to find a ticket vending machine.

There are two vending machines at the end of the corridor, so please use them to purchase tickets.

The screen operation can be displayed in English, so it is not so difficult.

Cash is accepted, but credit cards are recommended for purchases.

The process is smooth, and cash is better used while sightseeing in Paris.

It is also possible to buy directly from the bus driver, but please note that the fare may be different.

How to take the bus

The Roissy bus has two cars, and you board through the front door.

There will be a ticket check, so please have your tickets ready in advance.

When you board the bus, there is a box like this, so be sure to put your ticket through here.

If you forget to pass your ticket through here, you may be fined a large amount of money even if you have a ticket when the ticket check comes, so please do not forget to do so even in crowded.

Inside the bus, the seats are arranged in various directions like this.

Also, suitcases can be placed on a special shelf.

(There are no stops along the way, so you don’t have to worry about theft.)

As you can see in the picture, the Roissy Bus has a sign for Free Wifi, but you can’t use it.

It may vary depending on the bus you use, but I think it’s best to think of yourself as lucky if you can use it.

Opera stop

The Opera stop on the Roissy bus will be here.

It is located at the corner of rue Scribe and rue Auber.

If you are arriving from Charles de Gaulle airport, you will be a little further back, on the Lafayette side.

How to get from Opéra to Charles de Gaulle Airport

When you take the Roissy bus from the Opera to Charles de Gaulle Airport, there is no problem because the departure and arrival points are at the same place where you arrived, so you can just go to the same place.

Stopped buses will depart in order, starting with the first one.

Tickets can be purchased from ticket vending machines or from the bus driver.

In some situations, such as when the bus driver is getting off the bus, you may have to purchase a ticket from a ticket machine.

(It’s often not working due to malfunction.)

Depending on the time of day, it may be crowded as shown in the picture, so try to get there early.

Once the bus departs, the next stop is Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Check the terminal your airline uses well in advance to make sure you get off at the right one.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Close to the terminal exit to the boarding area
• Non-stop from the airport to the opera
• Definitely a sit-down ride
• Low fares
• Safe on the bus
• The bus stops in front of the terminal when you go to the airport, so you don’t have to move around the airport

Disadvantages

• You have to go around all the terminals.
• You can get stuck in traffic jams
• If you have a lot of luggage, it can be difficult to get it onto the bus
• Difficult to get around afterwards unless you are staying in a hotel in the Opera area
• If you’re at the airport at the wrong time, you’ll have to wait for a bus

Summary

The safest and easiest way to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris city is by Roissy bus.

There is a bus stop right outside the terminal, so you can get around without getting lost.

Also, the way to purchase a ticket is not complicated, so even beginners will have little trouble.

One of the most important aspects of using the Roissy bus is that it arrives at the Opera.

As I mentioned above, if you have a hotel or other place far from the Opera, you will have to travel again, which may reduce the attraction by half.

Please consider how you will get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris city with this in mind.

Thank you again for reading to the end of this article.

When visiting Paris as an independent traveler, the first thing you need to think about is how to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris city.

There are various ways to get there, such as buses, trains, and taxies, but each has its own differences in cost and travel time, and it can be quite confusing to know which one to choose.

In this article, I would like to introduce such an annoying problem, comparing the characteristics of each means of transportation and which means should be used.

How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris City

To Paris City

There are several ways to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris city.

• Roissy Bus
• Le Bus Direct
• RER B 　LINE B
• taxi
• Travel agency transportation

There are several other ways to do this, but if you are a regular traveler, you will have to choose one of these.

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so please choose the one that best suits your travel plans.

Roissy Bus

Practical information

Roissy Bus　

Operating Segment: CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport) ⇔ Opera

Operating hours: 06:00~24:00

Running interval: 20 minutes before and after

Time required: 60 minutes

Fare: €13.7

It is the most popular means of transportation for independent travelers.

The bus stop is close to any terminal, so you can use it without getting lost.

It is also a safe mode of transportation as it arrives non-stop to the destination opera after leaving the airport.

Roissy Bus

Le Bus Direct

Practical information

Le Bus Direct

Ligne 2: CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport) ⇔ Porte Maillot ⇔ Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees ⇔ Trocadéro ⇔ Eiffel Tower

Ligne 4: CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport) ⇔ Gare de Lyon ⇔ Gare Montparnasse

Operating hours: 05:00~24:00

Interval: around 30 minutes

Time required: 60 to 80 minutes

Fare: €18 (€31 round trip)

Originally called Les Cars Air France and operated by Air France, it is now called Le Bus Direct and is the official bus service of the airport.

The arrival point is different from the Roissy bus, so please choose the one that best suits your hotel or other destination.

Le Bus Direct

RER LINE B

Practical information

RER Line B

Route: CDG (Charles de Gaulle Airport) ⇔ Gard Nord ⇔ Chatelet-Les Halles ⇔ Saint-Michel Notre-Dame ⇔ Luxembourg ⇔ Port-Royal ⇔ Denfert-Rochereau ⇔

Operating hours: 04:50~23:50 (issued by CDG)

Running interval: 15 minutes before and after

Time required: 30~40 minutes

Fee: 10.3 euros

The RER Line B is the fastest way to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris City.

Although you have to walk a bit from the terminal exit, the total travel time is the shortest since there are many services.

If you take a train that stops at every station, you will pass through unsafe stations along the way, so be careful.

RER B

Taxi

Practical information

Taxi

Operating section: None

Operating hours: 24 hours

Service interval: None

Time required: 30~40 minutes

Boarding location: Designated terminal location

Fare: Paris Right Bank 50 Euros Paris Left Bank 55 Euros (outside of Paris city limits is the usual metered rate)

Additional fees may apply depending on the situation.

Taxies are a quick and easy way to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris with very little waiting time.

If you take a bus or train, it is difficult to get from the stop to your hotel, but a taxi will take you right to your hotel, no matter where it is.

Of course, the fare is higher, and depending on the number of people and the amount of luggage, you may not be able to get through.

In addition, fares are now fixed, so it is much easier to use taxies with peace of mind than before.

However, if you are staying outside of Paris, you will be charged the normal rate, so be sure to confirm the address of your accommodation beforehand.

Also, be aware that there are many illegal taxies that will call out to you as soon as you exit the customs checkpoint at the terminal.

Be sure to take a taxi from the designated taxi stand at the terminal.

taxi

Summary

To choose by fare: RER > ROISSY BUS > Le Bus Direct > Taxi

To choose by time: Taxi > RER >ROISSY BUS = Le Bus Direct

For safety: Taxi > Le Bus Direct = ROISSY BUS > RER

The order may change slightly depending on where you stay, but I think the relationship will be something like this.

Every transportation method has its good and bad sides, so choose the one that best suits your travel plans.

Thank you again for reading to the end of this article.

This time, I would like to introduce Navigo, an unlimited ride ticket for ile-de-france.

This is a great ticket for those who are visiting Paris for the second time or plan to stay for more than a week.

The attraction of this is that you can ride the metro and buses as much as you want for a predetermined period of time by paying a fee.

In addition, it is an excellent card that can be used on the Roissy bus and RER B lines that connect Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris city.

In this article, I would like to introduce this Navigo in detail so that you can use it correctly and safely.

La carte Navigo Découverte

Practical information

La carte Navigo Découverte

Target audience: Non-residents of Paris (sightseeing tourists)

Card issuance price: 5 Euros

Fee: Varies depending on the period of use (see below)

Expiration date: 10 years from the last use of the card itself. To use the card, you need to charge it for the period of use.

Required documents: None, but you will need a photo (25mm x 30mm) to start using the service.

Where to buy: Metro and RER stations, also available at Charles de Gaulle Airport (station, manned counter)

Charging location: Same as above

Available area: ile-de-france

How to buy

Where to buy

If you want to purchase a Navigo, you can do so at manned counters at any Metro or RER station.

If you don’t have a transfer to your hotel, your best bet is to buy one at the manned counter at Charles de Gaulle Airport, RER B line.

How to buy

Whether you are buying at the airport or at a train station in the city, just say

Navigo Découverte s’il vous plaît. 

If you want to buy more than one, such as two or three, just add the numbers you need.

(２＝deux 、3＝trois)

You don’t have to say anything in particular, but if they ask you something, just say semaine and they will charge you for a week.

For the counter at the nearest station, it seems to be a case by case basis.

If you are only charged 5 euros, it is only for the unit, so you can recharge it and use it in the way I will show you later.

You may be asked to buy a ticket for the Navigo itself at the ticket machine, which costs 5 euros.

The photo shows the manned ticket office at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

There will probably be someone in line, so get in line and wait your turn.

Many people may think that it is nerve-wracking to speak to someone in French when buying a Navigo.
However, in France these days, especially in Paris, most people are willing to talk to you in English, so I don’t think you need to worry too much about the language.

Also, when making a purchase, as long as you can say Navigo, the other person will understand your intentions.

There is also a card for French residents called Navigo personnalisée, but if you don’t speak French well, you don’t need to worry about it because they won’t recommend this card.

Charge Fee

You cannot use Navigo just by purchasing it.

To make it available, you have to charge it.

The following is the usage period and charge fee.

(As of 2021)

(For more information on zones, see below)

Travelers use the top line, which is in red.

This means unlimited access to the entire ile-de-france area, which includes zones 1~5.

The range used to be a bit more detailed, but since central Paris is now in Zone 1, travelers are basically left with no other area to choose from.

I think most people will buy Navigo Semaine, as they are unlikely to stay for a month during a normal trip.

Available Area

Below is a map for all the zones, although it is a bit confusing.

Network maps

The white area in the center is Paris City, Zone 1.

Each color change toward the outside is a zone 2 to zone 5.

If you have a Navigo, you can take all the trains and buses in the area, so you can see how much you can save.

The main tourist attractions are listed below.

• Paris Disneyland
• Palace of Versailles
• Charles de Gaulle Airport
• Fontainebleau Castle
• Provins
• Saint-Germain-en-Laye
• Giverny

There are so many things to see and do that it would be impossible to visit them all in one trip.

If you were to buy a regular ticket for every single place you visit, it would quickly exceed 100 Euros, so you can see how much of a bargain 22.8 Euros is.

Period of validity and timing of purchase

When you hear Navigo Semaine, a ticket that is valid for one week, most people think that the ticket is valid for one week from the day it is processed.

If it says one week, of course you will think this way.

However, a week in the sense of Navigo Semaine is considered to be a week of seven days, Monday through Sunday.

(It’s easier to understand if you think of it as tickets that are valid from Monday to Sunday.)

In other words, if you charge on Monday, the weekly rate is until Sunday.

If you charge on a Thursday, the weekly rate will be the same until Sunday.

One is 7 days and the other is 4 days, so it seems quite unfair, but it is the French quality that is inflexible.

Let’s just give up on the idea that this is how it works.

And there’s one more big problem.

That is, you can only make charges that are valid for that week until Thursday.

For example, this means that you cannot arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport on a Friday, charge your Navigo on the spot, and use it right away.

(You can recharge at the machine, but it will only start on the following Monday, so be careful not to make a mistake.)

It is a great advantage to use Navigo for transportation from Charles de Gaulle airport, but if your arrival day is Friday to Sunday, you cannot use Navigo at all during that time.

It depends on your travel schedule, but if you are traveling for 4 to 5 nights and arrive on a Friday, there is little point in using Navigo, so be careful when deciding your itinerary.

Charging Method

Now let’s see how to charge Navigo.

In this article, I will show you how to recharge your card at a Metro station using a machine.

The basic procedure is the same no matter which machine you use.

Also, if you are not good with machines, they will probably process you at a manned counter, but be aware that some people may ask you to use a machine.

The ticket machines in the Paris Metro are lined up like this.

You can charge at any ticket machine as long as it says “Navigo” on it, but for the first time, I recommend using the one on the left side of the picture, the one with the purple round stand.

First, choose a language.

I don’t think you will have any problem choosing French, but just in case, choose English.

First, place the Navigo unit on the circular purple platform.

The orientation is not particularly relevant.

First, choose the time period you want to use.

• Monthly　
• Weekly　　
• One day　　

Buy the Weekly one in the middle, but make sure you don’t make a mistake because it has a small expiration date on it.

Next, choose a zone.

First, choose one.

Then choose 5.

The price will be displayed on the right side of the screen, so if you see 22.8 Euro, you are good to go.

Next comes the payment.

There is a place beside the ticket machine where you can insert your credit card, IC chip side up.

When all is said and done, take away the cards.

At this point, you need to be careful.

“Pick up your Navigo pass “

Do not take the card away until you see this sign.

If you take it away in the middle of the process, it may not be charged properly, so be careful.

Utilization Method

Precautions before use

If you have successfully recharged your Navigo, you can use Navigo as soon as possible.

However, there is one more important thing to do before that.

It is to put a picture of your face on it.

写真、右側の下の部分に顔写真を貼る場所がありますので、こちらに必ず写真を貼りましょう。

The size of the photo should be 25mm x 30mm.

It is better to prepare them in advance.

And don’t forget to sign your name in the white space next to your portrait.

If you forget these two items and use the system without them, you will be charged an exorbitant fine if you are checked by the ticket checker, so please do not forget them.

In the unlikely event that you are caught at a ticket checkpoint using a Navigo without a photo or signature, you will be fined around 100 Euros. (It can be much higher.)
The police will never let you off the hook even if you say you are a tourist or didn’t know about it, so be careful.
The French police are not very flexible, so if you find yourself in such a situation, just give up.

How to use it in practice

Using Navigo is easy.

Touch the Navigo symbol to use it.

The three ticket gates from the left are for Navigo only.

Metro and RER trains usually have gates like this.

Please note that regular tickets cannot be used.

For buses, there is a machine like this at the boarding gate.

If you hear a sound, it’s OK.

Points to note when using

Navigo allows unlimited rides up to zone 5 for the duration of your purchase, but be sure to go through the ticket gates when taking the train or metro, and touch the machine when taking the bus.

In rare cases, you can get on a bus without touching it, or if you are in a hurry or in a crowded situation, you can get on a bus without touching it.

This is especially true for buses, so be sure to touch it after the bus has departed.

If you run into a checkpoint or other checkpoint, you may be fined a large amount of money if you do not have a record of your entry, so please make sure to touch in under all circumstances.

Common Problems

A common problem when using Navigo is that sometimes you touch it, but can’t get through.

In fact, to prevent fraudulent use of Navigo, once you have passed Navigo, you cannot touch it again immediately to use it.

Of course, that doesn’t happen very often when you are using the system normally, but when it is crowded, on rare occasions, the system reacts to what the person in front of you went through as if it was your Navigo.

Also, the door and the rotating bar are heavy, so if you don’t push it well, the machine may decide that you have already gone through.

Furthermore, if you go through the ticket gate once, but come out immediately and try to enter again from the same place, you may not be able to use it.

It can happen for a variety of reasons, so it’s best not to worry too much about the reasons.

If you suddenly find yourself in this situation, it can be quite frustrating, but the solution is actually quite simple.

Wait for five minutes.

This is the solution.

If you wait for a while, I don’t know if it will be unlocked, but you will be able to use it again, so don’t panic and take some time to go through it again.

I think I can get through without any problems.

Please do not expect a good response if you talk to someone at a manned counter in this situation.

It will be passable after some time, and I think most people will not do anything about it.

Points to note when purchasing at Charles de Gaulle Airport　

Points to note when purchasing at Terminal 2

Navigos can be purchased at Charles de Gaulle airport.

However, there is a slight problem if you try to purchase at Terminal 2, which is used by Air France.

That’s because the purchase window is located far away from Terminal 2E, the exit.

The center of the diagram is the exit, but to get to the Navigo purchase window, go out the exit and walk to the left.

(On screen is the right side.)

Continue to the end of the hall and take the escalator or elevator to the first floor.

Go straight ahead. (Go beyond the diagram.)

After crossing the moving walkway, you will arrive at the SNCF RER B terminal, take the escalator down to Level 0.

The counter is located here, so it would take about 10 minutes to actually walk there.

If you are taking the RER B line to Paris city, you can go down to the underground platform without any problem, but if you are taking the Roissy bus to Paris city, you will have to go back the way you came.

As you can see from the first map, the Roissy bus stop is a straight walk from the exit.

Considering the time it takes to get to the purchase counter and back, and the crowd at the counter, it may take more than 30 minutes to board the Roissy bus, or even an hour if it is crowded.

If you are thinking about how to use Roissy buses to get around Paris, please allow plenty of time.

If you already have a Navigo, you can recharge it at the bus stop, so please head straight to the bus stop.

Summary

How was it?

If you want to see Paris efficiently, you need to use Navigo.

It is also very convenient because once you have purchased it, you can use it again within 10 years when you visit again.

However, as I explained, it is not a good deal and convenient for everyone.

If any of the following apply to you, you may want to consider using this service for your travel schedule.

• If you are not traveling from the airport by Roissy bus or RER B line.
• If you are not going to Versailles, or you are taking a tour.
• Those who will be touring the city.
• Those who do not go out of the city.
• People who like to walk
• Those arriving on a Friday
• Those who are staying in Paris for a short time
• Those who do not plan to come to Paris in the future

If you are considering a trip to Paris with the above schedule, there is no need to force yourself to use Navigo in most cases.

The first time you use Navigo, it will cost you 27.8 Euros (5 Euros per unit), so please consider your itinerary carefully before using it.

If you have a schedule that works for you, please take advantage of Navigo to expand your range of activities and enjoy Paris to the fullest.

Thank you again for reading to the end of this article.