We are arriving in Paris on May 2, and heading by train to the Dordogne area at some point. We plan to pick up our rental car when we get there.

Since Victory Day is May 8, and a lot of people take the four day weekend, will train travel on May 7 likely be a problem? We can stay in Paris until May 9 if we have to, but I have to decide soon as we only have plane reservations so far. Thanks!

Yes, it will be busy. Probably not as bad as some holiday weekends, as the population who decide to take a long weekend in May will probably split between May 1 and May 8. I'd recommend holding off until mid-day on the 9th. And book your train tickets soon because the cheapest fares will disappear quickly.

Thanks for the advice. Wow, I didn't realize I needed to book the train fare this early!

"Victory Day in Paris". Isn't that an oxymoron?

I don't think it is possible to reserve train tickets more than 90 days in advance.

If you are in Paris on Victory Day, go to the Arc De Triomphe and Champs Elysees in the morning. We accidentally stumbled on the end of a great parade on that day. It was fun.

I agree with PWAbbott. Definitely go to the Arc de Triomphe on Victory Day. It is one of two days each year (I forget the other one), when a massive French flag is flown ujnder the arc....and it's quite a sight!

Armistice Day, 11/11..is the other day

You can try now, but I believe that the PREM fares are available only 90 days in advance.

http://www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm

Thank you! The parade sounds great. I'm glad there will be some advantage to being in Paris over a holiday. I was beginning to think maybe we'd made a mistake booking then, but I really wanted to be there to celebrate our 25th anniversary.