I'm back from my trip (had an amazing, wonderful time) and wanted to share some practical tips for obtaining the Navigo pass and then loading it with funds.

I purchased the Navigo pass and holder for 5E from the attendant in the booth at a metro station. I had brought my own photo (I think the dimensions are 2.5 cm x 3.5 cm) to paste onto in the indicated spot. Otherwise, most stations have a photo booth for just this purpose.

Before the fare gates, there are ATM-like machines for loading money onto your Navigo. I don't remember if there was an option to go through the steps in English, but if not, it was simple enough to understand the French, I think. Anyway, you choose the number of zones you want the pass for (for most tourists, zones 1 & 2 are sufficient) and you choose the duration - I think the options are for a week (Monday-Sunday) or more. For the weekly pass it was 16,80E.

You put the pass you purchased up against the machine in the indicated spot. As for payment, this is where I had a bit of a trip up. I tried to pay with a credit card, but it didn't accept them, although there was nothing on the machine to indicate what the accepted payment methods were. I think it only accepts debit cards and cash (bills and coins). Once I figured that out, I paid with cash, the card got loaded and I was on my way. The turnstiles have a spot on them to pass your Navigo over and through you go. On buses, there's a spot as you get on the bus.

Twice while I was there, inspectors were out to check people's tickets. You simply give them your Navigo, they hold it up to a handheld machine to see if it's valid.

Navigo worked out very well for me. I think it pays for itself in like 12 or 13 trips and I used mine well over 30. And the pass and holder are good for 10 years.

Bobette-- I saw signs saying that Carte Orange will no longer be accepted after July 31.