Page 383 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Paris

GE T TING AROUND P ARIS  381

Travelling by Car With the exception of flat rates
applying to and from the airport,
Although driving and parking can be difficult in central Paris, rates vary according to the city
a hire car might be useful for visiting outlying areas. Taxis are area and the time of day. Expect
a more expensive way of getting around than trains or buses, to pay more at night (7pm–7pm),
but can be an advantage late at night when the Metro has on Sundays and public holidays,
and to travel outside the city
stopped running. There are about 800 taxi ranks (stations de centre. Taxis charge for each piece
taxis) throughout Paris. of luggage, and for a fourth
passenger. Drivers expect fares to
Driving ticket so that it is clearly visible be “rounded up”.
To hire a car, a valid driving through the windscreen. Parking While the bane of taxi drivers
licence, passport and proof of meters operate from 9am until citywide, Uber is very popular in
insurance are required (most 7pm Monday to Saturday. Paris. Uber drivers are registered
firms also require one major Unless otherwise indicated, and prices rival those of taxis.
credit card). International driving parking is free on Sunday and
licences are not needed for public holidays. DIRECTORY
short-term visitors (up to 90
days) from the EU, North America, Car Hire Agencies
Australia and New Zealand. Here is a list of major firms with
Cars drive on the right-hand agencies at Charles de Gaulle
side and must yield to traffic and Orly airports, main railway
merging from the right, even stations and city-centre locations.
on thoroughfares, unless Avis
marked by a priorité sign, Tel 0821 230 760.
which indicates right of way. ∑ avis.co.uk or avis.fr
Cars on a roundabout usually Illuminated sign on a taxi
have right of way, though the Taxis Budget
Arc de Triomphe is a hair-raising Tel 0825 003 564. ∑ budget.com
exception as cars give way to There are over 15,000 taxis Enterprise
traffic on the right. operating in central Paris, yet Tel 01 49 75 36 38 (Orly), 01 48 62
there never seem to be enough 65 81 (CDG). ∑ enterprise.fr
to meet demand, particularly Europcar
Parking
during rush hours and on Friday Tel 0825 358 358. ∑ europcar.
Parking in Paris is difficult and and Saturday nights. co.uk or europcar.fr
expensive. Never park where Taxis can be hailed in the street, Hertz
there are Parking (Stationnement) but not within 50 m (55 yards) of Tel 08 25 88 92 55 (Orly), 08 25 88
Interdit signs or yellow painted a taxi rank. Since ranks always 97 55 (CDG). ∑ hertz.com
lines on the road or curb. Park take priority over street stops, the
only in areas with a large “P” or a easiest way to get a cab is to find Sixt
Payant sign on the pavement or a rank and join the queue. Ranks Tel 0820 007 498 (France), 01 44
road, and pay at the horodateur are located at many busy cross- 38 35 55 (from abroad). ∑ sixt.fr
(parking meter). Buy a carte de roads, at main Metro and RER Taxis and Car Services
stationnement or “Paris Carte” (€15 stations, hospitals, train stations
or €40 from a tabac) to use in the and airports. An illuminated light Citybird
meter, and place the parking on the taxi roof shows that it is Tel 0826 100 100. Motorbike
available. A small light lit below taxis and chauffeur-driven cars.
means that the taxi is occupied. If ∑ city-bird.com (bookings
the white light is covered the taxi can be made online).
is off duty. Taxis on their last run Les Taxis Bleus
can refuse to take passengers. Tel 3609. ∑ taxis-bleus.com
The meter should have a (bookings can be made online).
No entry sign specified initial amount showing Taxis G7
at the rank, or when it is hailed. Tel 01 41 27 66 99, 01 47 39 00 91
Parking Interdit If you order a taxi, the meter will (special needs). ∑ taxisg7.com
(no parking) show the charge from where (bookings can be made online).
the driver started his journey to
collect you. Initial charges for Uber
radio taxis vary widely, depending ∑ uber.com
on the distance the taxi covers Urban Driver
to arrive at the pick-up point. Tel 0825 625 100. Motorcycle taxi
Payment by cheque is not service. ∑ urban-driver.com
Tow-away Speed limit sign accepted but many vehicles (bookings can be made online).
zone in km take credit cards.

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