We will be taking the train from Paris to Beaune in September and would like to know if there is a direct train to get there.

Have you checked www.voyages-sncf.com if you read French or www.capitainetrain.com if you don't? Do so.

There is a direct train but I doubt you'd want to take it as it takes an hour longer than a train that is not direct. Why does it matter if a train is direct or not?

For me, the "matter" with a non-direct train would be hauling my luggage off one train and onto another!

You can go from Paris to Dijon on the TGV, but then you'll have to change to a regional train. With the luggage!

We took a TGV from Beaune to Paris last September. It only stopped in Dijon on the way I think. I think there may be only one TGV day that stops in Beaune for Paris. Since train schedules change you should consult the sites listed in StCirq's post above.

Just reread the OP's note - sorry. Going from Paris on the TGV. We had to stop in Dijon and take a local train to Beaune. The local train only takes a few minutes to get there and transferring luggage was not a big problem.

If you're planing on renting a car to tour Burgundy, you can do so easily in Dijon a much larger place than Beaune. There are car rental facilities right at the train station. It takes only a short time to drive to Beaune along one of the great roads through the vineyards.

The matter for me is like grand mere said "hauling luggage from one train to the other" Even though we each have only one suitcase it is easier said than done when one of us has bad knees. Makes everything seem harder.

So take the train that is direct. You may need to arrange your schedule for this train as it does not run every day.

Cornelios01--I feel your pain. My hip replacement is scheduled for April 15; both knees will be replaced by next April.

However, even I, with my cane, could make the simple train switch in Dijon with my luggage.

If you think you can't, I would seriously consider lightening your luggage. It would pay off anyway--luggage space on the train is small; rooms are small; elevators are not abundant.

Good luck,
AZ

I know it's a bit of a struggle as I do it on my own and my problem is lack of upper body strength to get my bag up on the train. But it's 30 seconds of struggle.

Do you know the technique when you have 2 people? One person gets on the train and the other lifts the bag while the person already on the train pulls by the handle. Roller bags have extended handles to make it easier. Lift both bags this way and then the second person gets on the train. Better than trying to lift the luggage from the platform while standing on the train. Sometimes people help you out but this is rare.

Weekdays a train leaves Gare de Lyojn at about 9:30 and goes direct to Beaune - the next such train is around 1:30 or so or maybe it is 3:30pn - so very few and takes 3 h 21 min vs 2 h 10 on the TGV and a change in Dijon.

and sit back and enjoy the local train as it stops in several towns en route - unlike the high-speed TGV train that goes on all new tracks that avoid towns and makes no stops usually before Dijon-Ville - the main station in Dijon.

So a slower train on the old line going thru towns - trains like that I love and there is a fairly flat fee so you can just buy your ticket once in Paris - TGVs have a fare structure more similar to airlines - those who book in stone a specific train weeks or months in advance get much lower fares than those wh just show up and buy.

anyway for lots of great info on French trains check out www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. www.voyages-sncf.com and www.capitainetrain.com have all the scheudles and fares and if there is a reduced fare available by booking way in advance.

The problem with changing trains is that sometimes the track you need to be on is on the other side and requires going up and down stairs luggage and all....been there done that and not fun.

<< been there done that and not fun. >>

That is torture! I wheel my bag down and up the stairs - well, drag it up the stairs. Give me the good old days when you could cross the tracks!

Maybe Dijon has an elevator/escalator? Many large stations do.

If I recall, the Dijon station wasn't that big. We're not talking about a Gare du Nord type expansive station.

But if you don't want to take the slo-mo direct rain (and I totally agree with PalenQ that moving slowly on a trip that just isn't that long certainly has wonderful advantages) and if you truly do need help getting on and off the train, please do contact Access Plus, [email protected] ,to request help.

I so hope you enjoy this trip. I loved Burgundy.
AZ

Is not the Dijon-Ville station a dead-end station, meaning that all tracks end at a concourse with no stairs needed to go up and down - if it is a thru station then that would not apply - a terminus is where trains have to back out to rejoin the mainline - a deadend station if I recall correctly but may not.

I read that it is a terminus so that means there could be stairs??
AZ We were in Burgundy years ago on a barge tour and with a group so want to visit leisurely on our own.
From Beaune we are taking a train from Beaume to Reims so maybe asking questions on that route too!
Thanks all

My recollection is that there is a staircase and an underground pedestrian subway to get between the platforms in Dijon.

Of course it's too early to know the September schedules, but if you look at the schedules for April, there are two direct TGV trains on weekdays from Gare de Lyon to Beaune - one at 06h53 and one at 16h53, both taking 2h13. On Saturdays and Sundays only the 16h53 direct TGV is shown.

There are also direct TER trains from the Bercy station on both weekdays and weekends that take 3h21. I would certainly prefer taking a direct train, even if it took about an hour longer, if it meant I wouldn't have to deal with changing trains and dealing with managing bags up and down stairs.