Planes, Trains, and Automobiles..and Métros.

Transportation methods other than a car, for me, is a scary thing. I lose what little control I had over the transporting device, and now leave my life in the hands of some other driver/pilot. Obviously, going to a foreign county without a vehicle at my disposal is going to be a little scary for me. Not to mention that I'll be by myself and lugging around 1 large suitcase, a carry-on, and a very heavy backback in Paris on my way to Limoges.

Fortunately, France is known for its public transportation, and I do have to say that I am happy to announce that I just bought my train ticket to Limoges! Forget Rail Europe and their expensive fees; Voyages-SNCF is the way to go! I got a FIRST CLASS ticket, front facing window seat for about $34 CHEAPER than the 2nd class unknown-seating I was going to be stuck with. And this is just a week from my trip! Imagine the kind of deals I could have gotten when it first became available!

Note: In my observation and research, train tickets are not like plane tickets; they do not fluctuate, but only go up in price the closer to the departure you get. And it goes to show you that you should try checking the country's actual rail network website before using other sites.

Now, figuring out how to get from point A to point B (and C, and D), can feel a little overwhelming, especially with the many options in Paris. Do I take a bus or the métro? RER? Which stop am I supposed to get off and switch? How far away is the hotel from the stop? How far is the train station from the bus/métro stop? Should I pick up a Paris Visite Zone 1-5 pass? Zone 1-3? Buy a carnet of tickets that won't work for the RER and pay extra? If I buy day passes, should I stay for an extra day and look around?

SO MANY QUESTIONS!

And of course, there's the paranoia of being alone..with a bunch of luggage..at night. Pickpocketing becomes more frequent at night because many have to meet a "quota," so I'd rather not take the métro so late with all that stuff.

Guess I need to invest in a hotel room now.

xx

P.S.
Have you traveled through France with their public transportation? Any advice for the rail passes, either train for métro?