I am taking the overnight train from Paris to Florence next week. If my train leaves Paris at 6:52 - how soon should I arrive at the train station? (I've never done an overnight train ride before - actually never a train ride before at all). I already have my train tickets with me - is there anything special I have to do when I get to the train station (get the ticket stamped, etc)? Do I just proceed to the area where the train will be coming in? (Can you tell I've not done this before!) Anything special I should know or be aware of?
Any advice/info you can give would be helpful. I am going to re-read Rail Europe's website again. I read it when I booked the train tickets a few months back - but will re-read to refresh my memory. But real life experiences always help me prepare.

Thanks!

I would arrive about 20 minutes before your departure time although the track number probably won't be put up that soon. You can familiarize yourself with the station. The long distance trains are called "grandes lignes." You will see a large black boards with destinations and arrival/departure times. Find your train and then look for the platform number when it is put up. These boards are similar to the airport monitors for arrivals and departures.

Once your platform has been put up on the departure board then go to the platform and look for the composition of the train cars. Find your car number (voiture) and seat number and on the ticket and then find them on the board at the beginning of the platform. This helps you get on the correct car so you don't have to drag your luggage through the train. You get on the train car at the end closest to your couchette.

That brings me to the question...have you booked a couchette (6 person sleeping berth). Often French trains do not have seats so you need to get a couchette supplement so you can sleep.

TGV tickets do not have to be validated since they are for set departure days and times.

The wagonlit conductor will ask for your ticket and your passport (since you're crossing a border). He/she will keep them overnight and return them the next morning. Don't be worried about giving them to the conductor.

Safety on night trains: I always book an upper couchette as I feel it's safer. Do not hang your purse on hooks; sleep with it. Place your luggage behind the little ladder in the compartment.

Bring some snacks and bottled water (useful for brushing your teeth as well as drinking). The buffet cars are the usual crummy food and expensive.

Oh...one other thing. Paris train stations are patrolled by soldiers with guns. Do not be alarmed; they are for your protection. But do not ask them questions. If you have questions there will be an information booth, called "acueil" or information.

This will be a wonderful experience for you. You'll leave Paris in the evening and wake up in a completely new landscape. I've loved all my night train adventures.

We have taken the overnight train twice from Florence to Paris "Artesia" and it took us to the Paris Bercy station. I don't know much other than every seat became a couchette when the people riding in the car decided they wanted to go to sleep. It worked very well for us since we managed to get some sleep, traveled a great distance saving a day of our trip to sightsee, and didn't have to book a hotel. The metro system in Paris had a stop across the street from the Bercy Station.
Hope this helps put you at ease! The only reason to get to the station early is to be sure you get there on time and don't miss the train. I think they'll check your ticket once the train leaves and is in route. Karen

Go with the flow. We have traveled in grande class a few times - once from Lisbon to Madrid and another time from Barcelona to Milan. If the food in the restaurant carriage is good that helps. Take at least one bottle of wine or port to drink on board with dinner. You probably wont sleep much anyway. We spent most of the night complaining about the exhorbitant price we paid when we could have taken cheap flights or stayed in a top 5 star hotel. However this is all about the unusual and unique experiences of life. This form of masochism left us with indelible and happy memories.

Thank you all! We have booked a 2 bed sleeper. It cost a little extra - but it's just me and my mom travelling together - so it was worth it for us to have the additional secure feeling. We are taking the Artesia as well from the Bercy train station.

We are looking forward to the experience - and can't wait to get to Europe for our first vacation there!

You might also spend some time at seat61.com, where you'll find lots of info on European trains, including photos of the interiors.

I have never taken the night train on the Artesia, but I remember the first time that my sister and I booked a 2 person sleeper on CNL. We laughed all night long because there was not enough room for both of us to stand at the same time. I climbed up onto my bed so that she could stand and change into her jammies.

For a general introduction to night trains see http://tinyurl.com/y57vft. Also, google "artesia night train" for specific information from a number of sites.