le métro lö me-TRO
the metro
The Paris metro is run by the RATP and has 16 numbered lines. You spot an entrance from afar by the big yellow “M”. You say “je prends le métro” (I take the metro); the iconic Art Nouveau entrances are called “les bouches de métro”.
le ticket lö ti-KE
the ticket
The classic paper “ticket t+” is being phased out: it's no longer sold singly in many stations. You now buy a “Navigo Easy” (a reloadable card) or load tickets onto your phone. “Un carnet” = a pack of 10 tickets, cheaper per ride.
valider va-li-DE
to validate
You must “valider” (validate) your ticket at the gates (“les portillons”) on the way in — even when there's no visible check. Without validation you risk a fine from “les contrôleurs”. With a Navigo you just tap the card on the purple reader.
la ligne la LIGN
the line
Lines have numbers (“la ligne 1”, “la ligne 4”) and each has its own colour on the map. On the platform you follow “direction” + the name of the end station (terminus), e.g. “direction Château de Vincennes”, to go the right way.
la correspondance la ko-res-pon-DANS
the connection
“La correspondance” = where you change from one line to another, without exiting and without a new ticket. You follow the orange “CORRESPONDANCE” signs with the line number. Châtelet–Les Halles is the biggest interchange hub in Paris.
ScenaLingua
