Normandy rail pass
#1
Original Poster

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,882
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Normandy rail pass
Has anyone used the Nomad Normandy Discovery Pass Week (or weekend) 2 Travelers pass for E25 - E35?
It looks like it allows 2 consecutive days of rail travel in the region for the stated price. Lower than buying two regular tickets one way Paris - Caen.
Maybe no seat assignments? Nonrefundable (and possible rail strikes looming during our visit). Other disadvantages?
It looks like it allows 2 consecutive days of rail travel in the region for the stated price. Lower than buying two regular tickets one way Paris - Caen.
Maybe no seat assignments? Nonrefundable (and possible rail strikes looming during our visit). Other disadvantages?
#2

Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 347
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It seems that the week pass is only valid during school holidays. Not sure that it works during the summer break.
Each region has its own fare policy regarding regional trains. Most of them offer special fares during periods with low demand like weekends or holidays.
It is best to check a train retailer (like sncfconnect) to see if it is better value to buy a pass.
I don't ride frequently regional trains in France. But my limited experience tend to say that passes are not good value. It is completely different in Germany and other german speaking countries where I only buy passes.
Each region has its own fare policy regarding regional trains. Most of them offer special fares during periods with low demand like weekends or holidays.
It is best to check a train retailer (like sncfconnect) to see if it is better value to buy a pass.
I don't ride frequently regional trains in France. But my limited experience tend to say that passes are not good value. It is completely different in Germany and other german speaking countries where I only buy passes.
Last edited by rouelan; Apr 26th, 2025 at 11:36 PM.
#4
Original Poster

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,882
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Thanks for the feedback. I think you are correct that you have to get from Paris to the regional boundary, then use the pass. I don't think we are going to try to use it for some traveling around the region this time with the possible rail strikes starting May 5, the first day we were planning to start out from Paris.. We now booked a train to Caen on May 4 and will rent a car from there. A wrench in our travel plans creating connection from plane to train same day with works on the rail route that day, but it looks like we should have plenty of leeway for delays. We will just be tired dragging ourselves to the hotel by the Caen train station.





