Local Insights
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Myth and reality meet in Paris, where romance lies on every street and the famous landmarks of this city, one of Europe's most picturesque capitals, dominate the skyline rather than crowded ranks of skyscrapers.
Getting there
Aeroports de Paris (www.adp.fr) runs both Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (+33 (0)1 4862 2280) and Orly (+33 (0)1 4975 1515) airports. CDG's three terminals handle international, domestic and charter flights, while Orly Sud caters to international and Orly Ouest domestic flights. A high-speed rail network (www.sncf.com) links Paris to many major European cities, as does a well developed system of motorways.
Weather
Paris is at its hottest (25oC) in July and August, while winter - between December and February - may bring snow. Sudden showers, sometimes with hail, are notorious in March. April and May are two of the most pleasant spring months.
Important Numbers
| Ambulance | 15 |
| Fire | 18 |
| Police | 17 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | +33 (0) 1 4952 5354 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Car Hire |
Bus |
Métro | |
| Hotlines | Taxi ranks are equipped with telephones, or cabs may be hailed on the street. Alpha Taxis |
Few parking spaces, frequent traffic jams and generally aggressive driving make car hire in Paris an option for only a courageous few. ADA 0825 169 169 www.ada.fr |
An integrated transport system – Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) – links bus, rail and metro services. Both buses and the routes they ply are prominently numbered. 0892 68 4114/7714 www.ratp.fr |
The Metro's (underground railway) 14 lines are colour coded and designated by numbers. 0892 68 4114/7714 www.ratp.fr |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Minimum €5.50. Rates rise on Sundays, holidays and in the suburbs. |
From €59 per day. |
Single ticket €1.40. Ten ticket "Carnet" €10.70. One day pass (Carte Mobilis) €5. |
Single ticket €1.40. Ten ticket "Carnet" €10.70. One day pass (Carte Mobilis) €5. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
24 hours |
24 hours, but with reduced services after midnight |
5.30 am - 2.30 am |
| Rail |
Boat |
Bike | ||
| Hotlines | The RER (Reseau Express Regional) suburban express network has five lines (A-E) and connects with both the Metro and SNCF national rail system. 0892 68 4114/7714 www.ratp.fr |
Batobus runs along the river Seine between the Eiffel Tower and Jardin des Plantes. 0825 050 101 www.batobus.com |
Some 200 kilometres of bike lanes in Paris make cycle hire a highly viable alternative transport. Paris a Velo C'est Sympa! 33 1 4887 6001 www.parisvelosympa.com |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
Single ticket €1.40. Ten ticket "Carnet" €10.70. One day pass (Carte Mobilis) €5. |
€11 for a one-day pass. |
€13 per day |
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| Operating hours | 5.00 am - 1.10 am |
10.00 am - 9.00 pm depending on the season |
24 hours |
* Remarks: The Euro “€” is local currency
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| Good morning/day | Bonjour |
| Goodbye | Au revoir |
| Thank you | Merci |
| How are you? | Comment ca va? |
| Fine | Bien |
| What is your name? | Comment vous appelez-vous? |
| My name is | Je m'appelle... |
| Nice to meet you | Enchante |
| I'm sorry | Pardonnez moi |
| Excuse me | Excusez moi |
| You're welcome | Je vous en prie |
| Yes | Oui |
| No | Non |
| Do you speak English? | Parlez vous anglais? |
| I can't speak French | Je ne parle pas francais |
| Help me please | Aidez moi s'il vous plait |
| I don't understand | Je ne comprends pas |
| Where is the toilet? | Ou sont les toilettes? |
| How much is this? | Ca coute combien? |
| Expensive | Cher |
| Cheap | Bon marche |
Business and Finance
Paris is not just the cultural heart of France, but its business centre as well. Parisians tend to be formal in the office, in terms of both dress and address, so wearing ultra smart suits and saying "Monsieur" or "Madame" are de rigueur. Offices usually empty fairly early on Friday afternoons, and August is a traditional time for holidays.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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