Passing Through Paris

If a visit to Paris is in your plans, look into a pair of passes that can make exploring the French capital a less costly proposition.

The one-, three- or five-day Paris Visite pass is good for unlimited travel on the Metro (subway), as well as major bus routes and the Montmartre Funicular Railway, and for discounts on Seine River outings and some sightseeing attractions.

If you buy it in Paris the approximate cost is $5 for one day, $15 for three days and $22 for five days.

Another option is the La Carte pass, also good for one, three or five days. This card allows you to visit--as often as you like--about 60 museums, monuments and sightseeing attractions in and around Paris. The card, bought in Paris, costs about $10, $20 and $29, respectively, depending on length of time.

Both the Paris Visite and the La Carte pass can be bought in the United States at fixed dollar rates through Marketing Challenges International, 10 East 21st St., New York 10010, (212) 529-8484. The rates for the Paris Visite card are $5, $15 and $22, respectively; for the La Carte card, $10, $20 and $30, respectively.

Meanwhile, the French Government Tourist Office and AT&T; again are sponsoring a “France Fun Book.” The 1990 version is filled with coupons for free gifts and discounted admissions to attractions, hotels and stores throughout the country. Complimentary copies of the booklet will be available, starting in February, through travel agents or the French Government Tourist Office, 9454 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 303, Beverly Hills 90212, (213) 271-6665.