Can anyone help with train travel in France???

mysticat

Hi all,

This is my first time posting anything so fingers crossed.

I am looking to do the 2 for 1 offer with the Telegraph, however I can only get as far as Paris and I need to get to Angouleme. Does anyone know the best way for me to do this and or any websites that I can book the next part of the journey from?? Its all too confusing for me. Also which station in Paris does the Eurostar go to?? Blimey so many questions.

Would be greatful for any piece of advice no matter how little.

Ta!

Cat

:T

martindow

This is the French railways site (only in French I think)
http://www.sncf.com/

The German railway site is excellent for the whole of Europe - this is their english language site
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

This site is also a mine of information for railway travel - I understand that he will answer individual email enquiries
http://www.seat61.com/

pagan705

The SNCF (french railway company) site for booking your ticket/checking prices etc is http://www.voyages-sncf.com/ if you need any help with booking or translation just send me a PM.

mysticat

Thanks to you both for replying so quickly. Will have a look at them now and see how I get on.

Cath

richardw

Gare du Nord is the station in Paris, perhaps you could get a more convenient train from Lille, https://www.raileurope.co.uk is useful. Don't forget that there are some black out dates with this offer.

mysticat

richardw wrote:

Gare du Nord is the station in Paris, perhaps you could get a more convenient train from Lille, https://www.rail-europe.co.uk is useful. Don't forget that there are some black out dates with this offer.

Thank Richardw but I can't seem to get through to Rail Europe it comes up with a site asking me if I want to buy that domain name!?

Have been looking on some other sites though and I didn't actually realise that it would cost that much for travel it looks like it is going to be £101 return per person, does that sound right to everyone and if it does why does it cost so much more than over here???

Cath

richardw

its https://www.raileurope.co.uk sorry about the error, a https://www.ryanair.com flight to Limoges or Poitiers might be cheaper

PeteMc

The http://www.voyages-sncf.com/ site can also be viewed in English - bottom left corner, click on the flag. Also try your search in 1st class, sometimes it's cheaper to go 1st than 2nd.

Rail prices are far, far cheaper here in France than the UK. Look at the distance you are travelling and compare that with regular UK fares. I've been to Nice at morning peak time and returned a few days later in the mid-afternoon (all in 1st) for less than £80.

Also allow yourself at least half/three-quarters of an hour to get from the Gare du Nord to Montparnasse on Metro Line 4.

mysticat

PeteMc wrote:

The http://www.voyages-sncf.com/ site can also be viewed in English - bottom left corner, click on the flag. Also try your search in 1st class, sometimes it's cheaper to go 1st than 2nd.

Rail prices are far, far cheaper here in France than the UK. Look at the distance you are travelling and compare that with regular UK fares. I've been to Nice at morning peak time and returned a few days later in the mid-afternoon (all in 1st) for less than £80.

Also allow yourself at least half/three-quarters of an hour to get from the Gare du Nord to Montparnasse on Metro Line 4.

Is it easy to get to the other station from Gare du Nord??

balsingh

mysticat wrote:

Is it easy to get to the other station from Gare du Nord??

Paris metro system is pretty efficient .. more so than the London underground. Its very easy to use and most of the staff at Gare Du Nord speak english and shoudl be able to point you in the right direction.

madfrenchgirl

https://www.ratp.fr for the Metro map system

tis very very easy to get to Montparnasse (which services the South) from Gare du Nord.

If you ever get lost, try to speak some french no matter how terrible it is, it gets you the sympathy of the locals (tourists not bothering with the local language might appear arrogant).

My best bet concerning the train would be to take the TG to Bordeaux and change there for Angouleme. the website might tell you otherwise tho.

TGV is very good: you are forced to pay a 2 quid booking fee but at least there is always some space on there.

anyway! have fun!