I want TGV first-class tickets for 2 from Paris to Avignon on 17 May, back on 22. On sncf-voyages.com, I found 140 € for 2 tickets down and Prems tickets back for 80. I would like to buy these, but before I put in my CC #, I would like to know if I can print both of them or pick both of them up in Paris. I don't see that info on the website. I am questioning this because one is a loisir ticket, the other Prems, and I think I read somewhere that Prems could not be printed. Thanks for your help. Boots

I've printed PREMS at home. As long as you set your country as "france" and don't buy insurance, you can do it.

There is a thread here from MorganB that is quite useful.

Michael - it seems that they recently fixed the "thing" where you can't print the tickets if you buy insurance.

Stu Dudley

Hi BN

You can print your PREMS tickets, even if you buy the insurance.

You will given the option of printing before you enter your CC info.

If you are taking the 08:04 on the 17th, you can print your tickets.

Otherwise, you will have to collect your ticket at a SNCF boutique or a train station, or have it mailed to your hotel.

Enjoy your visit.

Thanks very much to the three of you. I will try again. I probably worry too much about putting my credit card number in. Boots

It's rather Losir tickets you cannot print. As said above, Prem's tickets ARE printable that's its great advantage.

One more question. I have the ticket going down--well I have to pick it up in Paris--but in trying to get the ticket back from Avignon to Paris, I find the following just before I am supposed to put in my CC#
"Votre commande ne vous permet pas d'utiliser la solution de carte de paiement virtuelle."
I understand this up to the word "virtuelle." What is "une carte virtuelle." Did I get this message because this trip is a PREM? Because I didn't understand this "virtuelle" business, I did not put in my CC#.
Thanks very much for your past info and anything you can tell me about this. Boots

French banks have invented a "virtual credit card" for people who are scared of internet fraud -- it is a credit card number valid for a one-time-use only.

The site is simply saying that you can't use that kind of "card" for payment because you have to put your credit card in a ticket machine in France to get it to print the ticket. An 'imaginary' card can't be put into the slot!

However, if you enter your real credit card number with a real plastic card, there is no problem.

FYI - if you end up picking up any of your tickets in France, know that your cc will not work in the automated machines (US cards do not have the needed imbedded chip). You must go to a window, so plan accordingly.

Bookmarking.

I've booked online with trenitalia but sncf baffles, frustrates and now frightens me. One day I'll pluck up my courage -- those PREMs fares are so enticing!

Thanks again to all of you. You have been very helpful. Boots