I am interested in purchasing a French Senior railway discount card. The SNCF website offers them for 53 Euros. Is it possible to purchase this card from the U.S. or should I just wait until I arrive in France?
It seems that I have to provide a photo. Is that correct?

Al

can't purchase in US to my knowledge - at least thru US sources like Rail Europe, owned largely by SNCF.

Don't see any reason why not waiting - simple operation isn't it to buy at counter?

53 euros may or may not be a wise investment - sncf site has so many already deeply discounted PREM tickets that i believe have nothing to do with Senior card - so the card would not be a boon to everyone.

but does i believe give 25% off trains in other countries???

Thanks for the advice. I am planning to use prems for the parts of our trip I have planned, Paris - Gourdon, Gourdon-Collioure, Collioure- Paris. We'll be staying in Collioure for 4 weeks and will probably use the train quite a bit to look around. We won't have a car. I thought the Senior Card would save some money on the roundtrips to Perpignan, Narbonne, etc. that we'll do once or twice a week.

Al

Yes i believe in your case the card is a good deal - even if going into Spain i believe you get 25% off Spanish trains but not sure.

Also many French regions do have bargain regional passes so investigate those as well.

You can normally get a 25% discount as a senior even without a senior's card if you travel in 'blue period,' that is, not at peak times, such as Friday night. There is a limited number of these tickets, but we have never had any problem - in fact there are other specials, like two people traveling, etc. which also offer a 25% deduction.

The card guaranties a 25% deduction even in peak times, and for other countries belonging to RAIL PLUS.

I wouldn't worry about getting it until you are in France - but you will need a photograph and proof of age. You might be able to get some advice at the station when you arrive as to whether the card is worth having, or whether there will be other discounts you could take advantage of.

Yes, you will need a photo + your ID or passport.

Note that you are only guaranteed a 25% reduction (which can go up to 50% depending on the date of your travel. In other words, the 50% off is not automatic.

And yes, you get 25% off for international travels.

I would wait until I am in France to buy it.

Thanks to everyone. I can't wait to get there.

Al