I am trying to look at train schedules from Paris to Bayeux on August 24th, returning the 27th to Paris, and on to Libourne. The sncf web site is, in my opinion, the furthest thing from user-friendly.

Is there another way to do this? Any advice is welcome.

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

I'll try to say this as politely as I know how... but there would be good reason for everyone visiting this site to be equally frustrated with <i>you</i>, Jen...

You owe it to yourself, and to everyone here (who has to click on your post, just to find out what is it that you are asking about!) to re-post this, and put a message header that indicates &quot;Need help in looking at train schedules on SNCF for Paris-Bayeux and onward travel&quot;.

Are you using the English version of SNCF (small UK flag in the bottom lefthand corner)?

Best wishes,

Rex

What problems are you having? I just checked SNCF and there are plenty of trains and connections on those dates.

Clearly I haven't been on here long enough to know the best way to post. Point taken Rex, thanks. I'll try SNCF again.

naw, I agree that SNCF's site isn't the best for just 'looking'.... the German site Robespierre gave <i>is</i> better/easier for just pulling up timetables.
To repeat:
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

Thank you...
I think the stress of leaving in 3 weeks and not being as organized as I'd like is getting to me... my patience is somewhat lacking!

Why must we work for a living?!?

A few people have gone so far as to suggest that I am the &quot;message header Nazi&quot;.

I was away traveling when you first posted back in late May, CdnJen - - otherwise, I might have posted something like this - - on your very first post - - &quot;Bad Timing&quot;...

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34651136

Wow... rex, you scare me a little. To be so ruthless with newbies!! ;-)

Seriously, I understand. I'll be sure to put much more thought into it from this point forward.

And, what do you know, I finally got that darn SNCF site to work for me.

Where were you yesterday, Rex? I saw some of the all time badly titled posts ever!! Not sure if on this board or on the US...

I never look on the US forum...

Use this international train planner:
http://plannerint.b-rail.be

The SNCF web site is slow partly because it searches for train schedules then tries to check the availability of seats. On TGVs, all seats must be reserved, therefore you cannot travel on a train which is fully booked and the SNCF web site will not show that train. For checking schedules, the Deutsche Bahn site is quicker, and also covers all of western Europe.
From Paris to Bayeux, seat reservations are optional and, in my experience, there are almost always empty seats to be found on these trains.
From Bayeux to Libourne, you will almost certainly need to use a TGV. You may not need to go via Paris as there is a useful line from Caen to Tours which will avoid changing stations in Paris.

Jen,

IMHO the Swiss site is the best and easy to use as well. Got to SBB.ch and pick the en option at the top of the page.

Have fun.

Greg

As a Canadian, I would like to stand up for someone who identifies herself by her (Cdn) nationality.

Jen: As the Lord's flail descends over your defenceless shoulders, just thank Heaven you were not seeking train advice for a trip to eastern -- sorry Rex, make that CENTRAL --- Europe (LOL)

Tedgale I'm in Toronto - and yourself?

Thank you to everyone for the great advice!

The SNCF site has two types of searches, one for bookings which allows you to check availability and prices and one for schedules only. I am mystified as to why people have so much trouble with the site. Seems straight forward to me. You click on the word &quot;timetable&quot; to search schedules.

Jen: I'm in Ottawa!