Porte Maillot Paris
A major Parisian transport hub and gateway, known for its connectivity and the charming Promenade Pereire, but also a site of frequent tourist scams.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Porte Maillot Paris
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A major Parisian transport hub and gateway, known for its connectivity and the charming Promenade Pereire, but also a site of frequent tourist scams.
"Beware of ticket scammers; always buy from official machines and never hand over cash to strangers. "
⚠️ Avoid Ticket Scams
Never accept help from strangers at ticket machines. Buy directly from official sources.
🚶♀️ Stroll Promenade Pereire
Enjoy a peaceful walk on this beautiful, historic promenade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Le Relais de Venise
271 Boulevard Pereire
Iconic Parisian steakhouse serving a legendary entrecôte with secret sauce and fries. No reservations needed!
Promenade Pereire
Between Porte Maillot and Pont Cardinet
A charming, tree-lined promenade built on an old railway line, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
L'Ambre Bar
29 Rue Brunel
Chic bar known for its bespoke cocktails, offering a sophisticated evening experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beware of Ticket Scammers
Navigating Public Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Avoid Ticket Scams
Never accept help from strangers at ticket machines. Buy directly from official sources. +2
🚶♀️ Stroll Promenade Pereire
Enjoy a peaceful walk on this beautiful, historic promenade.
🥩 Savor the Entrecôte
Don't miss the famous steak frites at Le Relais de Venise. 
🍸 Sip Custom Cocktails
Experience unique drinks at L'Ambre Bar.
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Avoid Ticket Scams
Never accept help from strangers at ticket machines. Buy directly from official sources. +2
🚶♀️ Stroll Promenade Pereire
Enjoy a peaceful walk on this beautiful, historic promenade.
🥩 Savor the Entrecôte
Don't miss the famous steak frites at Le Relais de Venise.
🍸 Sip Custom Cocktails
Experience unique drinks at L'Ambre Bar.
🏋️♀️ Fitness at WellNess
Check out the high-tech fitness center if you're looking for a workout.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Porte Maillot is a critical transport hub, but visitors frequently report being targeted by ticket scammers, leading to significant distress and financial loss. While the area offers access to attractions and dining, the prevalence of these scams overshadows the positive aspects for many, with a strong call for increased police presence and security measures. +2
"Full of scammers, trying to rob you at the ticket machines. Paris police and the transport system need to stop it. I just walked to my hotel."
Gary Casey
"Absolutely horrendous. Especially, with this place being such a pivotal point for tourists as they get off the bus coming from the airport, they should be high security in this area to protect foreigners as they come in.
My mom and I got scammed of €85 in cash trying to buy a five day ticket that will allow us to transport ourselves throughout the Paris Metro Zone.
They were two Middle Eastern people, a boy, and a girl, both between the ages of 20-30, wearing a cohesive uniform, and a tie on themselves to show that you worked with train system. THESE PPL ARE FAKE. They come off, trying to act very polite to help you, and they will explain everything. They tag themselves into the system, acting like they’re retrieving their own details. They require that you pay by cash because the machine only accepts cash. They also emphasize that you must get a day ticket, it cannot be single ticket to get to your destination. ALL OF THESE ARE FALSE. They gave us a ticket that was worth €1.90 and that stopped working on the way.
They target anybody who looks like a tourist, who’s coming with a bag and suitcase with them. The ironic thing is that everyone that passes there is aware that these people are being scammed AND NO ONE DOES ANYTHING to help them out. When we called the police, they weren’t surprised that we got scammed at this particular place. Therefore, why is it that this is repeating? Why are there no security there to protect foreigners and tourists coming into your city?
This left such a bad experience for my mother and I, so much to the point that we just wanted to take a flight ticket and return back home.
My issue is that, since this tends to repeat itself a lot, why is there no police at the station? Are the police in cahoots with them? Paris police needs to do better."
Zoe Dame
"Had similar experience with the scammers last year at this station, family of 4 with small children, but I made sure to submit an official report at the police station. Police needs to follow up with this once you make an official complaint, unfortunately most people only checks reviews of metro station only when they had bad experience so please make sure to report this to police so this could be taken seriously."
Agnieszka Dudek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is via the RER B train from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY) to Châtelet-Les Halles, then transfer to Metro Line 1 towards La Défense, which stops at Porte Maillot. Alternatively, airport buses like the Roissybus (from CDG) also serve Porte Maillot.
Porte Maillot station on Line 1 is generally considered step-free, making it accessible for travelers with luggage or mobility issues. However, transfers at other stations like Châtelet can be more complex.
Porte Maillot is a major hub for Metro Line 1, offering direct access to attractions like the Louvre and Champs-Élysées. It's also served by RER C and several bus lines, providing extensive connectivity throughout Paris.
Yes, your Navigo Découverte pass or other valid RATP travel cards will work for metro and RER services at Porte Maillot, covering zones 1-5 depending on your pass.
Porte Maillot is a short walk or one metro stop (Line 1) from the Arc de Triomphe, making it a convenient base for exploring this iconic landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets from the official RATP ticket machines located within the metro station. Be extremely cautious of individuals offering 'help' at these machines, as they are often scammers. +2
Yes, unfortunately, Porte Maillot is known for ticket scams where individuals pose as transport staff to overcharge tourists for tickets. Always buy from official machines and never hand over cash to strangers. +2
A single t+ ticket for the Paris metro costs around €2.10 if bought individually, but cheaper if purchased in a 'carnet' (pack of 10). Prices can vary, so check the official RATP website or machines for current fares.
Yes, you can purchase various multi-day passes, such as the Paris Visite pass or a Navigo Easy card loaded with tickets, from the ticket machines at Porte Maillot.
The Paris Metro generally operates from around 5:30 AM to 1:15 AM on weekdays and until 2:15 AM on weekends. Specific line hours may vary slightly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Le Relais de Venise is a famous spot for its entrecôte steak. For more casual options, explore the surrounding streets for bistros and cafes.
Yes, you can find bakeries (boulangeries) for sandwiches and pastries, as well as cafes offering light meals in the Porte Maillot area.
While traditional French cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants in Paris are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's advisable to check menus online or ask staff.
Dining prices vary greatly. Casual cafes might offer meals from €15-€25, while restaurants like Le Relais de Venise are mid-range, and higher-end establishments will be more expensive.
L'Ambre Bar is noted for its custom cocktails, offering a sophisticated bar experience in the area.
📸 📸 Photography
The Promenade Pereire offers lovely green spaces and charming pathways for photography. The area around the Palais des Congrès can also provide interesting architectural shots.
Yes, the buildings in the 17th arrondissement, including those near Porte Maillot, showcase classic Parisian Haussmannian architecture, offering many picturesque opportunities.
While generally safe, be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like the metro station, to avoid pickpocketing. +1
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the Promenade Pereire is pleasant throughout the day.
The contrast between the modern Palais des Congrès and the historic charm of nearby streets and the Promenade Pereire can create unique photographic compositions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When using the metro, prioritize Metro Line 1 for its step-free access at Porte Maillot, which simplifies navigating with strollers. For dining, while Le Relais de Venise is famous, it might be less ideal for very young children due to its no-reservation policy and potentially busy atmosphere. Look for more casual bistros or cafes in the surrounding streets that offer a more relaxed dining experience. Consider packing snacks and drinks for younger children, especially when navigating the metro system.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider purchasing a Navigo Easy card and loading it with a 'carnet' of 10 tickets for better value than single tickets. This can be done at the ticket machines in the station.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Promenade Pereire for some personal reflection time.
For dining, solo travelers can comfortably enjoy the atmosphere at Le Relais de Venise or find numerous cafes and bistros that cater to individuals. The L'Ambre Bar offers a sophisticated setting for a solo evening drink. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Porte Maillot Metro Station
It's essential to be aware of your surroundings at Porte Maillot, particularly around the ticket machines. This area has been identified as a hotspot for ticket scams targeting tourists. Scammers, often posing as transport officials with fake IDs, will offer 'assistance' to buy tickets, insisting on cash payments and overcharging. Always purchase tickets directly from official RATP machines or counters and never hand over cash to unsolicited helpers.
For a smoother experience, consider using the official RATP app to plan your journeys and check for any service disruptions. Familiarizing yourself with the station layout beforehand can also reduce stress, especially if you have a connecting train or are navigating with heavy bags.
Exploring the Promenade Pereire
Today, the promenade is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, perfect for a leisurely stroll, a jog, or simply enjoying a moment of peace amidst nature. Its verdant setting provides a stark contrast to the surrounding city, making it an ideal location for photography, especially during the spring and summer months when it's in full bloom.
Visitors can access the Promenade Pereire easily from Porte Maillot, making it a convenient addition to any itinerary. It’s a place where you can appreciate Parisian urban planning and enjoy a breath of fresh air, away from the more crowded tourist attractions.
Culinary Delights at Le Relais de Venise
+2The restaurant famously operates on a no-reservations policy, encouraging a lively, walk-in atmosphere. This means you might encounter a queue, especially during peak hours, but many diners find the wait well worth it for the quality of the food and the classic Parisian brasserie ambiance. They are open seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner, and even remain open throughout the summer.
+1Beyond the main dish, the experience includes a simple green salad starter. The focus is on delivering a consistently excellent meal without the fuss of extensive menu choices. It’s a testament to the power of doing one thing exceptionally well, making it a beloved institution for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of traditional French cuisine.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit