The Route: Châtelet-Les Halles to Gare de Lyon in 8 minutes, hitting all the major transfer stations (Châtelet, Gare de Lyon, Bercy).

Why it's better: Fully automated trains every 90 seconds during peak hours. Platform screen doors mean no delays. Air conditioning actually works. Wheelchair accessible at every station.

Key Transfers:

• Châtelet — Connects to lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14 plus RER A, B, D

• Gare de Lyon — RER A, D plus mainline trains to southeast France

• République — Lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11

Tourist hack: Use line 14 as your spine for getting around central Paris quickly, then transfer to other lines for your final destination. Way faster than taking indirect routes on older lines.