France’s SNCF national railroad has the most extensive rail network in Europe, with its high-speed trains (trains à grande vitesse, or TGV) serving more than 150 cities in France and neighboring countries. SNCF trains are extremely comfortable and efficient, and their frequent departures make travel fast and convenient.
Rail Europe, the SNCF’s subsidiary and official representative in North America, offers a wide variety of economical rail passes like the France Railpass and the Eurail Global and Select passes, as well as discounted passes such as the France Youth Pass (age 26 and under), France Senior Pass (age 60 and over), France Saverpass (for two or more passengers), and France Rail ’n Drive Pass (combining rail and car travel). Discounts are available for groups of six or more. Tickets are also available all across the high-speed train network, including the TGV Méditerranée (Paris to Avignon/Marseille), Eurostar (Paris/Lille to London), TGV Est (Paris to Strasbourg/Frankfurt/Munich), TGV Lyria (Paris to Switzerland), TGV Atlantique (Paris to Bordeaux), Thalys (Paris to Brussels/Cologne/Amsterdam), Artesia (Paris/Lyon to Italy), and many other trains.
Passes must be purchased in advance, before leaving the United States and Canada. To place an order or request information on fares, schedules or passes, visit www.raileurope.com and then speak to your travel agent, or call Rail Europe at 1-800-622-8600 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. EST). For groups of 10 or more, call (800) 462-2577 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. EST).
Pickup and delivery of luggage from your hotel to your final destination can be arranged for delivery in 24 hours by contacting the SNCF Baggage Service, tel. 36 35 and say “Bagages” (in French) or key in the number 41.
Senior Citizens
Travelers age 60 and over can buy the Carte Senior, which grants 25% to 50% reductions on first- or second-class domestic rail travel, depending on the day and time of travel and on how early reservations are made. 25% reductions are also available on train travel to 25 European countries on the RailPlus network. Cards are for sale in France only at railroad stations and at French travel agencies for 56€ and are good for one year. Even without the Carte Senior, travelers age 60 and over are eligible for the Découverte Senior discount—a 25% reduced fare on many TGV trains. Proof of age is required. www.senior-sncf.com
Other Discounts
It is worth checking on the availability of other discounts, especially for children (under 12) and youths (12-25). Carte Enfant+/Découverte Enfant+ (70€),
and Carte 12-25/Découverte 12-25 (49€) also offer reduced fares of about 25-50%. Carte Escapade/Découverte Séjour opportunities are available with more restrictions for travelers aged 26-59.