Travel on the SNCF
 

My wife and I are going to be taking a trip on the SNCF from Paris to Bayeau. Any idea how I can purchase discount tickets in the US using the decouvete J8 or the decouverte a deux? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Larry

Dear Larry: I think you may run into trouble unless you learn to use the correct spelling of your destination--are you planning to go to Bayeux in Normandy or Bayonne in the southwest? I'm not familiar with the type of tickets you mention but I believe SNCF has a web site where you could check. I'm not sure of the precise e-mail address--but there are lots of people who use this site who would be glad to tell you, I'm sure. Bon voyage. Joan

Dear Larry: I think you may run into trouble unless you learn to use the correct spelling of your destination--are you planning to go to Bayeux in Normandy or Bayonne in the southwest? I'm not familiar with the type of tickets you mention but I believe SNCF has a web site where you could check. I'm not sure of the precise e-mail address--but there are lots of people who use this site who would be glad to tell you, I'm sure. Bon voyage. Joan

Dear Larry: I can't help you with buying discount tickets in the States but if you want info on the SNCF, the website is http://www.sncf.fr/ <BR>The French version will come up first, but if you click on the British flag in the upper right hand corner you will get the English version. Hope this helps.

Hi Larry, <BR> <BR>I easily booked discounted SCNF tickets through their website at http://www.sncf.fr/) However, I could not pay for them online in the US. When I got to Paris, I went to an SNCF office near my hotel (you can also go to any train station), where I paid for and picked up my tickets. <BR> <BR>The website is extremely efficient for checking routes, times, discounts and fares. I received an email confirmation of my reservation just minutes after I had made it. <BR> <BR>Bon chance. Bon voyage.

I had a similar experience and it leads to a dilemma. I reserved tickets (Paris to Munich) on SCNF via the website, but my email confirmation stated that I had to purchase the tickets within a week or so or I would lose my reservation. The insructions for purchase required being in France; I won't be there until shortly before my scheduled train trip. This makes the reservation rather useless. In addition, the website indicated that reservations are recommended and I will be travelling on what is sure to be a busy travel day (just before the eclipse). I'm afraid that it will be sold out if I purchase immediately before travel. <BR> <BR>Any suggestions about how to purchase SCNF tickets while here in the States? Or maybe a way to secure reservations without advanced payment? <BR> <BR>- Dave

I already have a Eurorail pass, but I was also wondering whether you could use SNCF's reservation system to reserve a TGV train. Do you just pay the reservation fee upon arriving in France and paying for the ticket or are the reservations only valid if your paying for the point to point ticket.

Another helpful site for prices etc. is www.raileurope.com <BR> <BR>Have fun!