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Metro tickets can be bought in batches of 10 (un carnet ), which offer considerable savings on the price of a single ticket. Each ticket is valid for one journey, no matter how many changes of route are made. They must be stamped when you enter the metro and retained until you leave (see Transport Fines). If staying in Paris for a few days, consider buying a Carte Orange , a pass offering savings on all city transport (see Public Transport).

One type of ticket serves all bus and metro routes and Zones 1 and 2 of the RER network. As with the metro, time-stamp your ticket when boarding the bus and keep it until the end of the journey in case of inspection. This is infrequent, but will result in an automatic fine if you are not found in possession of a valid ticket.

Using the purple metro and bus tickets on the central Zones 1 and 2 of the RER service makes for a convenient way of getting around. See the station maps for the extent of these zones.

Tickets issued by the RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) are not valid on the mainline SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer) services, France’s national rail network. To find out about services to suburban stations, including Versailles, ring the General Information and reservations line.

These can be bought in the usual ways: at the box office of the theatre in question, by telephone or at ticket agencies. Some theatres offer reduced-price tickets for students or stand-by seats 15 minutes before the performance. There is also a half-price ticket kiosk (see Cheap Seats).

Prices are average for a European city, but ask about discounts that may be available for students, over-60s and families. Note that admission prices on Wednesdays are also reduced. Larger cinemas will take credit card reservations over the telephone.

Admission prices are high at all Paris clubs and are often increased at weekends or after midnight, but women can sometimes get in at a reduced rate. Although the admission charge may include a first drink, subsequent drinks will almost always be very pricey.

Some concessionary and discount tickets are available (see Cheap Seats). The Museum Pass saves queueing if you are planning to visit many of the major museums, but otherwise there is no facility for booking tickets for historical attractions in advance. Turning up early is the best option.

Like elsewhere, Paris has its ticket touts, and the usual rules apply. It may get you tickets for an in-demand event, but be wary of forgeries and exorbitantly increased prices. Some Parisians carry a sign saying “cherche une place ” (“I’m looking for a seat”) which might find a ticket at face-value from someone with one to spare.

Tickets for concerts and theatre shows are sold at the main tourist information centre on the Champs-Elysées and at ticket agencies around the city, including at several branches of the FNAC chain of CD/book/video stores, and at the Virgin Megastore. There is a booking fee for using agencies.