CarlosSandoval

Does anyone know the main train station in Paris? I'm trying to find out the schedule of trains from Paris to Nice and I just want to make sure I'm selecting the right train station.

Any advise is greatly appreciated.

Maribel

The TGV trains from Paris to Nice leave from the Gare de Lyon.

Maribel

See schedules here
www.voyages-sncf.com

Travelnut

Just to clarify, there is no "main" train station... there are 6-7 stations from which regional, national and international trains depart. Certain stations handle the routes for certain directions.

rex

For my money, I'd advise easyjet.com - - Paris-Nice is long, typically involves a change in Lyon or Marseille (though it doesn't <i>have</i> to), and frequently costs more than flying.

Best wishes,

Rex

CarlosSandoval

Rex, great suggestion. I see that the price is actually way cheaper. Easy jet is about 70 euros vs 150 via train.

Thanks again!

Maribel

Rex is wise here. It may be cheaper to fly. Have you checked the TGV Prem's fares, if available for your dates? T
The very quickest direct train ride is about 5 1/2 hrs. , no change in Lyon, leaaving Gare de Lyon at 9:34, arriving 15:16 or 11:50, arriving 17:26.

CarlosSandoval

he is the man!!!

On a different note, does anyone know:
Paris Rive Gauche Hotel
Courtyard Paris Neuilly
Renaissance Paris Hotel La Defense

I'm planning to stay in Paris and the above are my options.

Any feedback is appreciated!!

WallyKringen

There may not be any or hardly any savings when flying, both in time and in money. 5:39 or even 6:01 or 6:07 for the train will not be beaten by much if anything by the time you go to CDG or Orly the recommended 2 hrs before the flight and count the bus into Nice at the other end, plus the cost all up.

And sitting on a fast train where you can get up anytime you want beats hanging around an airport and then sitting on a no-frills jet.

Both modes of transportation can be valid on a given day if you have little luggage, but I don't think one can be said to be superior to the other - check both carefully, then decide.

www.nice.aeroport.fr has good info about ground transportation etc.

Michael

check http://www.sncf.fr/indexe.htm for special train fares.

CarlosSandoval

Thank you again!!!

Dukey

I would NOT stay in any hotel in the La Defense area if I could find a hotel more centrally located.

There was a recent long thread about this here.

I'm sorry, but as much as I enjoy using EasyJet you'll find, I think, in the end, that taking a direct train from Paris to Nice will be much more plesant than doing the two hours before the plane departs number plus the luggage weight restrictions plus the transport from the airport into Nice thing.

ira

Hi CarlosSandoval
&lt;Rex, great suggestion. I see that the price is actually way cheaper. Easy jet is about 70 euros vs 150 via train.&lt;

www.voyages-sncf.com has PREMS fares for Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice Ville for 25E in 2cl, 55E in 1 cl.

PalQ

&lt;I see that the price is actually way cheaper. Easy jet is about 70 euros vs 150 via train&gt;

only a fool or a French person would pay 150 euros or about $200 for this ticket as a 3-day in one-month France Railpass would be about $20 cheaper and give you two other calendar days of unlimited travel to boot. (Saverpass)

Note: French folks can't buy or use the France railpass - i do not want to link them to 'fools'

LeeParis

You asked about the Paris Rive Gauche Hotel. If that is the one on the Blvd. Saint Jacques then I stayed there in early June this year for 2 nights. It is a large place without the charm of a quaint Paris hotel (one of which I've also stayed at) but it worked fine for me.

My room had a great view of the dome of the Pantheon and, off in the distance, Sacre Coeur. The room itself was modern, clean, bright, and comfortable.

The location has great access to the metro with nearby stops - St. Jacques and Glaciere - within a few minutes from the hotel.

It's not right in the very heart of the city (like the time I stayed on the Ile Saint Louis) but it worked out nicely. I had no complaints at all.

LeeParis

CarlosSandoval

I think I made up my mind and go with the train instead to Nice. Now, if I buy the train tickets on line (voyages), do I need to pick up at the train station or just the print out will work to get into the train and what not? I'm just wondering becuase every country is different and I just want to make sure.

The only reason I mentioned those hotels is because I can use my points and stay for free, but thanks to everyone on their input.

Michel_Paris

If you buy a low cost (PREM)non-exchangeable non-refundable ticket ahead of time, you can select the option to print it out at home. Morgan on this site has done a good thread on this topic

kappa

&gt; do I need to pick up at the train station or just the print out will work to get into the train ...

If you get Prem's fare, you can print it youself. No need to validate before getting on the train. A Prem's self printed ticket has you name/birth date, train number, seat number. It's only good for you whose name is on it, and only on the disignated train. No refund or change of train possible. Leave the coutry as &quot;France&quot; and don't pick the insurance. If you do the other way, the ticket will not be self printable.

CarlosSandoval

I'm trying to book it now...does anyone know wether Cannes Gare or Cannes Station is the same?. This is my final stop

ira

Hi C,

The main station in Cannes is Cannes Gare.