validating train ticket?
 

How and where do I validate my already purchased rail ticket at CDG for the TGV train to Angouleme? I am tight on time to catch my train once we land in Paris! Thanks

ks

There are stamping machines near the entrance of each train platform.

Is it a ticket you printed out, a rail pass? If it's a rail pass or a ticket that you purchased from the SNCF website, but just have a confirmation printed - you'll need to go to the ticket agents in any rail station in Paris. I learned that you can't use the automatic ticket machines, as American credit cards won't work. THe agent will give you an actual ticket/seat card, as seats are reserved on the TGV. Take that ticket to one of the orange machines found near all the "Quais" or platforms and time stamp your ticket. In French they call it "composting". If you don't do that, the conductor checking tickets on the train may fine you.
Have a great trip - Bon Voyage!

If all else fails you can avoid a fine by flagging down the ticket checker on his or her first pass through the train - indeed that's what the first pass through is for - and looking very apologetic. Alternatively, if you are traveling with someone, one of you can quickly search out the ticket checker. They usually hang out in a first-class compartment.

Hi Cathy,

What hasn't been said yet is that if you have printed your ticket yourself and it has a picture on it and your name and birth date, plus your seat assignment you needn't do anything but find the right train car get on and find your seat. (Someone from SNCF will be standing close to where you board and look at your ticket if you have printed it).

Sorry just to clarify the picture is one that prints when you download after paying.

It is generic!