>>>Could you please explain this? This is the first time that I've seen that the CO says queuing up<<<

When you purcahse the'..DÉCOUVERTE..' device and load it with the weekly CARTE ORANGE transportation pass fare, you queue up once to purcahse the CO pass and then just 'tap 'n go' through Metro and RER turnstiles/gates and ticket validators aboard buses (within the Transportation Zones of valitity) for the rest of the week. You don't need to queue up to purcahse any other tickets at kiosks or vending machines.

That makes sense KDKSAIL.

If you get the carnet of tickets, you'd only have to line up to buy the 10 tickets, not each time you use one, correct?

Sorry - I realise that I sound argumentative, I'm just trying to get a better idea of everything, which I thought I understood.

Is the 5 Euro hit a one time charge or every time you buy a CO?

Judie

One-time charge for the card, but payable again in something like 10 years (I think that's what KDKS said back there somewhere)...

<<The extra 5€ is a small price to pay for the convenience and time NOT-spent standing in queues.>> What I meant by that is that there are at least twice as many kiosks for recharging the CO as there are ticket windows. There are even kiosks in places where there are no ticket windows.

Is it possible to use one carnet of tickets for two people where as a couple could purchase one carnet and each would have five tickets?

Pedee the answer is yes but you'll burn through that carnet pretty quickly. A carnet is 10 individual tickets . If you consider a round trip for 2 people to anywhere in Paris burns 4 tickets, that leaves only one more round trip for two people before you're back at the ticket window.

Seems like a lot of Metro experts here - just what I need.

We are going to Paris next week and I don't know if we will use the metro at all. However if we do, can you tell me if two people can share the 10 ticket carnet?

What is the english translation of Carnet?

For me, it is simply a matter of where I stay. Two years ago in Montmartre, a CO was an absolute must, and the 5€ extra one time charge will be of little concern to me for the convenience and cost-saving benefits of having one if I ever stay up there again. On the other hand, last fall I stayed in the second, just north of Les Halles, and in 10 days only got on the Metro maybe 5 times. I have tickets to use this year when I go back.

Pedee, my partner and I have often bought 3 carnets and split these in the past. - but also used the CO at times. I agree with some posters that one size does not fit all. And you need to think about the length of your visit, your itinery and your arrival and departure airport and/or train station. That said, we will be using the new COD on our trip this summer now that it is available. My reasons in order are: (1) can be topped up for next trip (there always is a next trip to Paris - tape the COD on your fridge when you get back and see what I mean :- (2) convenience as we can take any mode of transport spontaneously with freedom and buses are also a great way to ride around and see Paris above ground (3) importantly it encourages us to travel to other parts of Paris (besides walking around the 1-8er) (4) no wasted time at a metro ticket office (my vacation time is irreplaceable) (5) economy. On this last point some visitors buying the COD will find a savings while others may have pay a few Euros extra. But really – I think I covered the reasons that offset this in 1,2,3,4 above.