I want to go from Paris to Florence in November. Flights seen very expensive? Has anyone taken the train? How long is the trip? What is the best route? Is it best to change-over in Milan? Is it better to travel in night or day? Should I wait and buy my ticket when I get there? etc, etc, etc................. Thanks

1) trip is 13 hrs or so <BR>2) 2 night trains - direct gets you in around 9am; change in Milan train gets you in at noon. I'd take the direct train if I were doing the night train. Route doesn't matter 'cause it's dark. <BR>3) two main routes for the daytime: via south of France (you get to see the Mediterranean) and via Switzerland (you get to see the Alps). <BR>4) buy your ticket there; no need to do ahead (unless you're traveling with 6 or 7 people, in which case buying ahead means no milling around at the train station). <BR>5) I usually travel 2nd class, but for my DAYTIME trip going the other direction, I opted for 1st class. 13 hrs in 2nd class seemed like a push; I can always wander into 2nd class if I get bored. <BR>6) Bring your own food on the train; train food is ok, but very expensive. Better to have bought sandwiches, chips, cookies, water, soda beforehand and bring on the train. I'm mixing and matching; my own food for lunch, snacking, and I'm going to the dining car for dinner, just so I can say I did. <BR>7) www.sncf.com for schedules, etc.

I have done this route in the past on the overnight train (direct). You arrive early in Florence to give you a full day of sightseeing. I can't comment on cost because it was part of a railpass. We brought with us great take-out food from the Rue Cler area and ate it on the train. We didn't eat breakfast until we got into Florence. We slept pretty much the entire time except for the first couple hours and the last hour or so. I highly recommend it.

I did this trip during the day, changing trains in Milan. I was also on a rail pass, so I can't comment on the cost. If you have the time, I would recommend a daytime trip because the scenery passing through Switzerland is just gorgeous. I agree that taking your own food and water on the train is the best strategy.

I took the train from Paris to Florence last October. It was a sleeper (we reserved a sleeper for three)-- Euostar. The trip was about 12 hours. We left Paris at night (Garde Nord) and arrive in Florence the next morning. I enjoyed the experience. I am going back this year and am traveling from Milan to Paris instead--6 hours. Did not want to take the long trip from Florence again.

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