overnight train trip from paris
Oct 31st, 2002, 07:54 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
A young couple I know went on their honeymoon to Paris. They insisted on taking the overnight train to Venice. They hated it. It was not romantic or pleasant, they got no sleep, and arrived in Venice hardly able to keep their eyes open. For what it's worth . . . .
Oct 31st, 2002, 08:58 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
I second Sandy's comment about taking an overnight trip aboard a train. Please reconsider this. It is not pleasant. Actually it's quite claustrophobic as the sleeping compartments are compact. Plus if it's only two of you traveling together, you may be put into a sleeping compartment with other passengers. If you don't mind bunking with strangers then go for it. And there are many horror stories of people's belongings being stolen while they slept.<BR><BR>
Nov 1st, 2002, 01:02 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
The overnight train from Paris to Venezia has a variety of accommodation, including two-berth compartments with or without a bathroom, and even a compartment with a double bed. There is also a restaurant car for dinner and breakfast. In Venezia, the Grand Canal is right outside the station, so it's by far the best way of arriving. The train isn't cheap, especially if you want a compartment to yourself. There are similar night trains to Bologna, Firenze, Roma and other Italian cities, and others to the south of France, Barcelona or Madrid.
Nov 1st, 2002, 04:14 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have always considered the overnight flight to Europe as a not-so-pleasant, but required part of doing the trip. I arrive in Europe too early in the morning to check into my hotel, wanting a shower and a good sleep, but instead I drag around for a number of hours waiting for the hotel and to regain my momentum. Multiply that double for an overnight train trip -- something I've only done once. Everytime the train stopped in a station I was wide awake. I couldn't sleep and was horribly uncomfortable (yes, I had a regular berth). Again, I was desparate to take a shower when I arrived in the morning but had to go around for 5 or 6 hours before I could get into the hotel. <BR><BR>I agree. Overnight train trips are not for me. To some, they save time as you don't lose a valuable day by traveling, but I just feel I lose something more valuable -- a decent night's sleep and a whole lot of comfort.
Nov 1st, 2002, 09:25 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Upon reading your post several times, Tim, I have a feeling that many you don't mean an overnight train, just some place you can go from Paris and stay over one night when you get there. That makes a lot more sense to me, because if you went by overnight train, you'd have to get back to Paris, it sounds like and that would cost a lot of money and time. <BR><BR>So, it's October -- why not go south to Provence to Avignon. I think it would be a fun city for a day or two and it's only several hours by train so easy to get to/from Paris. I'd also recommend Lyon for same reasons. <BR><BR>If you do mean an overnight train (which has no appeal to me, either), I'd suggest going to Prague. The timing is more convenient than many overnights because it's so far away -- you leave about 5 pm and get into Prague about 8 am. With high-speed trains, a lot of overnights don't make any sense nowadays -- either you have to leave very late at night, like 11-12, or you get in around 6 am. I wouldn't do that myself, though, as I think that train is about the same price as flying, and you can fly in about 1-1/2 to 2 hrs, but won't have the discomfort of an overnight train. (and if you pay for a private sleeper car rather than couchette, it's a lot more).
Nov 1st, 2002, 09:29 AM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Tim, I have absolutely the opposite experience of most who posted above. I did Geneva/Venice and Venice (via Milan)/Paris on an overnight train. We had a 'wagon-lit' double private compartment, sink, window, toilet down the hall. I thought it was great!! Do take that picnic mentioned above with lots of wine ;-)<BR><BR>And was even able to sleep (and you're talking to a woman who has NEVER once slept on an airplanein 20 years of travel).
Nov 1st, 2002, 09:59 AM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
My husband and I have twice taken an over night train from Paris to Nice.. we had a lovely overnight on the train, then spent the day exploring Nice. We stayed one night in Nice then took a cab to Monte Carlo, spent the day tooling around Monte Carlo, (even went to the Casino). Drove back to Nice and took another overnight back to Paris, it was great!
Nov 1st, 2002, 10:21 AM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
<BR>The reference library of a city near you have the Thomas Cook European Timetable. As Mr Hamer says, you will find trains overnight from Paris, with 1, 2 and 3 berth sleepers, 4 and 6 berth couchettes, or a combination, thus.<BR><BR>Within France, to Strasbourg (short night), Bourg St Maurice, Cannes, Nice, Monaco, Severac le Chateau, Millau, Bederieux, Beziers, Toulouse, Hendaye (short night), Tarbes, Bordeaux (selected dates in summer), and Brest (short night).<BR><BR>Beyond France, to Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Florence, Rome, Venice, Buchs, Munich, Vienna (long run), Frankfurt (short night), Berlin, and Hamburg. I am afraid that on present timetables there is no through sleeper from Paris to Prague, but it may return in summer.<BR><BR>In second class, supplements for a berth in a crowded 6 berth couchette compartment are 15 euros, and for a berth in a 3 berth sleeper, single sex, travelling with strangers, 45 euros. I am sorry about Sandy s friends, and others, and I share Susan s experience. I find sleepers romantic and pleasant, I sleep well, and I arrive fit and ready to start a full day. If I share with strangers I often have a pleasant conversation before lights out. I do not suffer from claustrophobia, and I sleep through halts at stations. I have suffered no theft in about sleeper journeys a year over the last decade. I take sleepers with a loo at each end of the corridor. There is a note on getting the best from sleepers and couchettes at http://www.twenj.com/tipsnighttrains.htm. But as Sandy and others say, some people have a rotten time.<BR><BR>The fast train takes 3 ½ hours from central Paris to central Geneva. The Blue Train leaves central Paris at 2117 and reaches central Nice at 0759, so you must miss the theatre or concert on your Paris evening, but can dine before you board, and will reach Nice in good time for a hotel breakfast. I know no air trip that takes so little out of my evening. The train runs non-stop until 0606, and I find sleeper berths more comfortable than aircraft seats.<BR><BR>I repeat my sorrow for those contributors who cannot enjoy sleepers. Please write if I can help further. <BR><BR>Ben Haines, London<BR><BR>
Nov 2nd, 2002, 04:17 PM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks to all of you for replying. I should have been a bit more specific in my original request for help. Myself and my wife are interested more in the trips that would probably stay within the borders of France. <BR><BR>A few kind people suggested some specific routes (Nice, MC, Provence etc) that seem quite intriguing and have a high degree of practicality wjen juxtaposed against our schedule. <BR><BR>As we've already been to Venezia and Vien and Praha, we're really not too interested in those destinations given our very limited (one week) stay in Europe. (but we sure do love those cities).<BR><BR>Thanks again to all for your kind efforts. <BR><BR>peace, <BR><BR>Tim
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Chels
Europe
4
Apr 20th, 2004 07:37 AM
