By now, it’s become a new stereotype that the French people exercise their right to go on strike more strongly than most do in other countries. While it’s proof of a healthy and functioning democracy, it is also very disruptive of daily life. Hopefully, you’re keeping updated with the latest Paris transport strike information but if this is the first you’re hearing of these strikes, make sure to read the brief explanation below.
Basically, the French government is receiving massive backlash from many people working in different industries for their proposed Pension Reform. Among the biggest groups to fight against this proposed Pension Reform are those working in the public transport sector. RATP, Paris’ public transport service operator, has announced in the past week that they will be going on a transport strike without any specified end date. This means the strike can take 2 more days or it can even last an entire month as it once did in 1995.
So how does the RATP strike affect you as a traveller?
- A lot of train lines are only operating on very restricted hours or not operating at all
- Public transport to the CDG and Orly airports are affected
- The RER A train that takes people to Disneyland is also affected
- Out of Paris’ 14 metro lines, only 2 are operating at their normal capacity: Line 1 and Line 14
This article introduces you to the ever reliant Metro Lines 1 and 14 which are all you’ll need to not only survive these strikes but to also have a great holiday experience in Paris! These are the only 2 metro lines in Paris that are completely automated therefore they’re never affected by any transport strikes. You’ll discover below that you can enjoy quality sightseeing of Paris’ most iconic sights like the Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre, and Opera Garnier. And what’s a trip to Paris without some shopping? Line 1 and Line 14 also take you to the best shops in the city!
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Sightseeing on Metro Line 1
1. Avenue des Champs-Elysees
Metro stop: Georges V
A trip to Paris isn’t complete without a walk along the famous Champs-Elysees. Here, you’ll find large flagships of France’s best leather crafters like Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, and Guerlain. The Ladurée tea café is a must-visit, too!
2. Arc de Triomphe
Metro Stop: Champs-Elysees Clemenceau
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most iconic attractions in Paris. You can take the reliable Metro Line 1 or you can walk from the Georges V metro stop and enjoy Champs-Elysees at the same time.
3. La Magie de Noël – Christmas Market at the Tuileries
Metro Stop: Tuileries
A European Christmas experience isn’t complete without a visit to one of Paris’ Christmas markets! Here, you’ll find lots of shops by artisans, exciting rides, and different kinds of French comfort foods in winter!
Find more Christmas markets in Paris in our online map!
4. The Louvre Museum
Metro stop: Palais Royal—Musée du Louvre
That’s right! The Louvre Museum is also on the trust-worthy Line 1! Nothing can stop you from visiting the world’s most famous museum! Well, unless it’s closed (every Tuesday).
5. Jardin du Palais Royal
Metro stop: Palais Royal—Musée du Louvre
We just adore Palais Royal. One, it’s on Line 1. Two, it’s walking distance from the Louvre. Three, it has amazing secret gems which you can read about here: The Secret Gems of Palais Royal
6. Place des Vosges
Metro stop: Saint-Paul
Le Marais is one of the Parisian neighborhoods you absolutely cannot miss. The entire area itself is an attraction but Place des Vosges in particular stands out.
Shopping on Metro Line 1
1. Marionnaud on Champs-Elysées
Metro stop: George V
Their flagship store on Champs-Elysées avenue can really be your 1-stop shop for all cosmetics: fragrance, skincare, and makeup! Use this INSIDR voucher to get a sweet discount of up to 27%!
Address:
2. Longchamp flagships on Champs-Elysées and on rue Saint-Honoré
Metro stop: George V and Concorde
Did you know that you can enjoy a free VIP shopping experience at either of the Longchamp flagship stores? And best part of all, getting there is really easy by taking Line 1! You can enjoy champagne and macarons while shopping stress-free!
Saint-Honoré address: 404 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001
Champs-Elysées address: 77 Ave. des Champs-Elysées, 75008
3. BY TERRY in Galerie Véro-Dodat
Metro stop: Palais Royal—Musée du Louvre
If high-quality bespoke makeup and skincare is what you’re looking for, take Line 1 and get off at Palais Royal—Musée du Louvre and walk to BY TERRY’s chic boutique inside Galerie Véro-Dodat. You can enjoy a free make-up session on December 24 and 31 and with this INSIDR voucher, get free BY TERRY travel-size products!
Address: 36 Galerie Véro-Dodat, 75001
4. Pyramid at Carrousel du Louvre
Metro stop: Louvre-Rivoli
Pyramid is a pop-up store (open till 31 December 2019) in the iconic Carrousel du Louvre that features up and coming online French brands. You’ll find everything from clothing to accessories and decors! If you’ve missed the Pyramid pop-up store, don’t worry – there is a lot more French shopping to enjoy at this must-visit spot. Don’t shop at Carrousel du Louvre without your INSIDR voucher!
Address: 99 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
5. LE BHV MARAIS
Metro stop: Hôtel de Ville
Apart from the trend-setting products and brands you can find at LE BHV MARAIS, you can also enjoy their festive Alsacian Christmas market! And while you’re there, enjoy a free coffee with this INSIDR voucher!
Address: 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004
6. Arty Dandy concept store
Metro stop: Saint-Paul
We’re so happy that Line 1 stays open all the time because it makes visiting Arty Dandy possible! Right in the heart of the trendy Le Marais, this is where you should definitely get unique and chic souvenirs! Use this voucher when you shop there to get a personalized touch!
Address: 46 Rue de Turenne, 75003
Sightseeing and shopping on Line 14
1. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Metro stop: Saint-Lazare
Don’t worry! Your hopes and dreams of shopping at the iconic Galeries Lafayette Haussmann are not gonna be crushed by these strikes. It’s only a few minutes by walk from the Saint-Lazare station.
Address: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009
2. Opéra Garnier
Metro stop: Saint-Lazare
The Opéra Garnier is one of the most opulent historic sites in Paris. Make sure to book your visit tickets online in advance!
Address: Place de l’Opéra, 75009
3. The Christmas market at Forum Des Halles
Metro stop: Châtelet
If you’re wanting to see a huge Christmas tree, there’s one right in the center of Paris at Forum Des Halles. This is also a pretty huge shopping mall that’s open daily!
Address: 101 Porte, Rue Berger, 75001
4. Bercy Christmas Village
Metro stop: Bercy
The Bercy Village is one of the most underrated attractions in Paris and we can no longer keep it a secret! It’s also conveniently located along Line 14 and so make sure to visit it if you’re looking for something new to see in the city!
Address: 28 Rue François Truffaut, 75012
INSIDR Tips
1 – CityMapper
This transport app is by far, the most efficient one! It’s even more updated than GoogleMaps and RATP itself. We love this app especially during times of transport strikes and mass protests because it tells you exactly which lines are closed and which roads are no longer accessible. You can download the CityMapper app for free.
2 – Electric scooters and bikes
Electric scooters and bicycles are everywhere in Paris! One of the most popular brands now is called Jump by Uber. If you already have the Uber app, you don’t need to download it again. You’ll be able to see all of the scooters and bikes that are within walking distance from where you are. Renting an electric scooter or bike starts at 1€ to unlock and then costs 0.15€ every minute. Just remember to be very careful and try to avoid big roads!
3 – Traffic jam
During this time of strikes, a lot of locals have no other choice but to take their cars and drive to work. This makes Paris even more congested than usual. Sometimes, streets are completely blocked which is why we don’t recommend getting in a car if you’re planning to travel from point A to point B within Paris.
4 – Airport access
Unfortunately, the RER B train which goes from Paris city center to the CDG airport has very limited services and getting on the trains are really difficult. A great alternative option would be to take the RoissyBus which departs from Opera or Le Bus Direct which departs from Porte Maillot. Porte Maillot is accessible by Line 1 and Opera is accessible by Line 14.
As for Orly Airport, one of the best ways to get there would be by taking Le Bus Direct. Le Bus Direct has pick-ups on Champs-Elysées and you can access Champs-Elysées by taking Line 1!