From Wikitravel
Europe : France : Île-de-France
Map of Île-de-France
The Île de France [1] is the compact
region immediately surrounding the capital of France, Paris. As such, the region includes the now
far-flung suburbs of the Paris metropolis, together with several
large surrounding towns that form part of the larger conurbanation.
All is not urban sprawl, however: the region is also known for its
natural beauties, in the form of parks, forests and river
lands.
Get around
By bike
There are many cycle lanes on routes into Paris, but be careful
as you also share the road with motorbikes and cars which can be
inconsiderate.
By car
There are several free Autoroutes and 4 lane roads for getting
round Île-de-France, however on weekdays there is a lot of
congestion between the hours 8 - 9:30 AM and 17:30 - 19:30 PM, and
it is really not advisable to travel then. This congestion becomes
a lot less worse the further away from Paris you are.
The speed limit is 110 km/h.
- Le boulevard périphérique: a road ring which
marks the limit of "Paris will intra muros". This is essentially a
motorway as there are no roundabouts or intersections, however it
is famous for its obstructions. Be careful though, as the cars
entering onto the road from the right have priority.
- A13 : (direction Rouen) Western Autoroute
- A6 : (direction Lyon) Southern Autoroute
- A5 : (direction Lyon) South eastern Autoroute
- A86 : Very useful road that nearly
completely circles Paris. The final missing segment is currently
under construction near to Versailles and when completed will
connect the circle.
- A14 : Toll road, fairly expensive.
- N104 : La Francilienne. A half circular
road around the eastern side of Paris. As it is further out than
the A86, there is considerably less congestion.
- N118 : Connect western Paris to A10 and
N104.
Map of central part of RER network
A network of regional trains (RER) takes you in and out of
Paris. The RER has 256 stops in and around Paris, and runs on over
587 km (365 miles) of track. There are 5 lines, (A, B, C, D and E)
that cross Paris, connecting suburbs on opposite sides. The
stations are marked with blue signs with a white RER.
It is usually cheaper to purchase a daily ticket than a return
ticket for most journeys, but check when purchasing.
Trains run from 4.45 AM to 1.30 AM, and smoking is not allowed
whilst in stations or on the trains.
- Le Musée Fragonard (L'Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire), 7, Avenue du Général de
Gaulle (Métro :
line 8 (Balard - Créteil) - Station : Ecole Vétérinaire de
Maisons-Alfort), ☎ 00 33 1 43 96 71
72, [2]. Closed in August Wednesday & Thursday : 2 -
6PM Saturday and Sonday : 1 - 6PM. This is a hidden gem. A veterinary museum that
doubles as natural history museum. A lot of medical oddities,
mostly of animals, but also include real human specimens. Move over
Bodyworlds, this museum holds Fragonard's original human
preservation (wax- not plastic) including the famous "horseman of
the apocalypse." Adults 7 €.
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