Signs and Words to Watch for in the Paris Metro
Sortie: ExitCorrespondance/s: connection (as in connecting line, transfer line)
Passage Interdit: Forbidden passageway/Do not enter (usually at the head of a tunnel not reserved for metro passengers)
Billets: Tickets
Un carnet: Pack of ten metro tickets
Plan du Quartier: Neighborhood map (most stations have these near the exits, allowing you to get a sense of where you need to go even if you don't have a Paris map with you.)
Attention Danger de Mort: Caution: danger of death (usually seen near the head of the platform, around high-voltage electrical equipment beyond the usual boundary of the platform
En Travaux: Under construction/repair
La correspondance n'est pas assurée: Line transfer not available due to refurbishment or temporary shutdown (eg in emergencies)
"En cas d'affluence, ne pas utiliser les strapontins!": In case of crowded conditions, please do not use the fold-down seats (inside metro cars)
Places prioritaires: Reserved seats (designated for the elderly, pregnant women, passengers with young children or disabled passengers. This sign is most often seen in Paris buses.)
Contrôle des billets: Ticket verification (by Metro officials)
Buying Paris Metro Tickets and Asking Advice
Most metro/RER personnel speak adequate English to sell tickets and answer your questions. But just in case, here are some helpful phrases and common questions.One ticket, please: Un billet, s'il vous plaît. (Uhn bee-ay, seel voo pleh)
A pack of metro tickets, please: Un carnet, s'il vous plaît. (Uhn kar-nay, seel voo pleh)
How do I get to X station?: Comment aller à la station X, s'il vous plaît? (Koh-mahn ah-llay ah lah stah-sih-ohn X, seel voo pleh?)
Where's the exit, please?: Où est la sortie, s'il vous plaît? (Oo ey la sohr-tee, seel voo pleh?)
Is this the right direction to go to X...? Est-ce le bon sens pour aller à X? (Ess leh bohn sahns pourh ah-llay ah...?)
More Paris Language Tips:
