Paris is a city that is known for many things. It's the city of love, the city of lights, and it's also a city that is notorious for its traffic. This is where Paris taxis come into the picture. These taxis are an integral part of the city's transportation system, and they are used by locals and tourists alike.

History of Paris Taxis

Taxis have been a part of the Parisian landscape since the early 1900s. The first taxis were horse-drawn carriages that were later replaced by motorized vehicles. In the early days, taxis were operated by private individuals who would rent out their cars to people who needed a ride.

In 1905, the Compagnie Française des Automobiles de Place was established, and this was the first official taxi company in Paris. The company started with a fleet of 50 cars and quickly grew to become the largest taxi company in the city. Today, several taxi companies are operating in Paris, but the largest and most well-known is G7.

What makes Paris Taxis unique?

Paris taxis are unique in several ways. Firstly, all taxis in Paris are required to have the same color scheme – black and white. This makes them easy to spot and also gives them a distinctive look. Secondly, Paris taxis are required to be equipped with a meter that calculates the fare based on the distance traveled and the time taken.

Another unique feature of Paris taxis is that they are allowed to use bus lanes. This means that they can often avoid the worst of the city's traffic and get their passengers to their destinations faster. However, this privilege also means that they are subject to strict regulations, and they must follow the rules of the road.

Types of Paris Taxis

There are several types of taxis in Paris. The most common is the standard taxis, which are black and white and have a sign on the roof that says "Taxi Parisien." These taxis can be hailed on the street, or they can be booked in advance.

In addition to standard taxis, there are also luxury taxis that are more expensive but offer a higher level of service. These taxis are usually Mercedes or BMWs and are operated by companies like Uber and Chauffeur Privé.

Finally, there are also motorcycle taxis in Paris. These taxis are operated by companies like Citybird and are a popular choice for people who need to get around the city quickly.

Fares and Payment

Paris taxi fares are regulated by the government, and there is a minimum and maximum fare that all taxis must charge. The minimum fare is €7, and this covers the first two kilometers of the journey. After that, the fare increases based on the distance traveled and the time taken.

It's worth noting that taxis in Paris charge more for journeys that begin or end at the airport or train station. This is because there is a surcharge for these journeys, which is added to the regular fare.

Payment for taxis in Paris can be made in several ways. Cash is accepted, but it's also possible to pay by credit card. Some taxis also accept payment through mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Tips are not expected in Paris taxis, but it's common to round up the fare to the nearest euro as a gesture of appreciation for good service.

Using Paris Taxis

Using a taxi in Paris is relatively straightforward.  Paris Taxis can be hailed on the street, but it's also possible to book them in advance. There are several taxi apps available, including the G7 app and the Uber app, that allow users to book a taxi with just a few taps on their smartphones.