What's the Secret?

La Defense as seen from the top of the Arc De Triomphe

Okay, we know that Paris is ranked above London in the world Economic tables (the French capital has the 5th highest GDP of any conurbation), we also know that Ille De France is the 14th largest economy in the world but that still doesn't explain why the transport system is so utterly brilliant and so bloody cheap - or does it?

Compare London's £4 flat rate tube fare with the Paris 0.80p for a journey that can last as long as you like - you could travel the whole way across Paris by a combination of Metro, RER and bus and it would only cost you less than a quid. To travel by Metro, bus, train or the new tramway through Paris is sheer delight, the system is integrated, clean (mostly), ticket machine instructions are in four languages, two different maps of the system are free and the stations must be up there with Moscow's when it comes to light and cleanliness.

Janis won't travel on the tube in London because she says she doesn't feel safe, in Paris she went off with Nathalie like a couple of veterans, without a second thought.