France Train Travel
Travelling by train in France is one of the best ways to see the country. SNCF or Societe Nationale de Chemins de Fer is the national train company. The French trains are very reliable, fast and comfortable, allowing you to see many regions of France in one trip.
France is famous for its high-speed train, the TGV. Hop on a TGV and you could find yourself zipping through the countryside at 300 kilometres per hour. The first TGV ran from Paris to Lyon in 1981. Now the network had expanded greatly including lines to the Alps, Brittany, Normandy, Bordeaux, Marseille, Montpellier and Lille. If you plan to travel France on the TGV it is important to make a reservation in advance. It is important to note that you must validate your ticket before you board the train. Ticket validation machines will be found on the platform. If you fail to stamp your ticket you could face an unpleasant fine.
If you are planning on visiting a number of locations, train travel in France is a great way to get around. Make sure to look into getting a rail pass. This will save you money. There are a number of options to suit many types of France train travellers. The France Rail Pass allows you a full three days of unlimited train travel in a one month time period. There is a special discount for anyone over sixty with the France Senior Pass. The France Youth Pass is for travellers under the age of 26 and provides unlimited France train travel for up to three days in one month. The France Rail and Drive will appeal to those who want to explore more rural areas but also want to get around France quickly.
Some useful terms to know for France train travel
Wagon-lit – sleeping car with private accommodation for 1-2 people
Couchettes – sleeping berth for 4-6 people
Compostez votre billet – stamp your ticket
Periode bleue – off peak times
Carte 12-25 – ticket for those under 26
Train Grande Vitesse – TGV, high speed train
Biletterie Automatique – automatic ticket purchase
machine
Billet – ticket
Le train – train
Le metro – subway, underground
La gare – train station
Le depart – departure
Un arrivee – arrival
Le reservation – reservation
Ou est la gare – where is the train station?
Le compartiment
non-fumeurs – the non smoking section
Les quais – the platforms
Je voudrais un billet pour – I would like a ticket to
If you are interested in France train travel you may want to visit this site http://www.bonjourlafrance.net/france-trains/france-train-travel.htm. Bonjourlafrance covers a number of train travel options. Including times tables, fares, a French railway system map, youth and senior passes, TGV travel and some excellent tips to keep in mind for your visit to France. This site also contains a wealth of essential information for tourists such as maps, France hotel bookings, emergency phone numbers and attractions. France train travel will allow you to get from one end of the country to the other much quicker than car. It is also more relaxed, as you don’t have the stress of driving on the autoroute, which can be a bit unnerving for those who are not used to speeds that French drivers drive.
