Disabled train travel in France

carerandillmyself

As a new wheelchair user looking to make their first train journey in France, I am becoming overwhelmed with trying to sort it all out. There will be 2 disabled adults (1 wheelchair user) and 1 15 year old travelling, probably on a Ouigo train. I can't figure out how to book it as on the Ouigo site it only allows for 2 tickets to be bought if 1 is a wheelchair user - I am slightly wary of booking 2 separate bookings so that my 15 year old can also travel - what if there is a change to one of the journeys?

Also, I am assuming that my disabled railcard won't be valid - do France have a discount system that UK travellers can use?

SiliconChip

I haven't looked beyond the existence of a webpage but The Man in Seat 61 is usually regarded as the bible for train travel so you might want to start here

https://www.seat61.com/european-train-travel-with-special-needs.htm

carerandillmyself

SiliconChip said:

I haven't looked beyond the existence of a webpage but The Man in Seat 61 is usually regarded as the bible for train travel so you might want to start here

https://www.seat61.com/european-train-travel-with-special-needs.htm

Many thanks, I have been scouring that excellent website, but I can't see any disability specific tips

martindow

This is from the page that silicon linked to

• Once on the Continent, most modern daytime trains have accommodation for passengers travelling in wheelchairs.  Some operators (such as SNCF in France, ÖBB in Austria) allow wheelchair users to book tickets with a wheelchair space themselves online.  Others require you to call them.

• Incidentally, don't buy regular tickets online, then try to add a wheelchair space (as you would in Britain).  In many countries ticket purchase and the booking of a wheelchair space need to be done together as part of the same transaction.

• For more information about arrangements for travellers with disabilities in each country, start with the website of the relevant national train operator, see the list of websites on the useful links page.

This is on Ouigo's website:

https://www.ouigo.com/faq?question=voyage-fauteuir-roulant-dautres-voyageurs-adultes-enfants-que-accompagnateur-comment-faire

Or there are UK companies recommended by seat61 who may be able to help (again on silicon's link)

• For journeys from London to France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland & Italy, call International Rail on 0844 248 248 3  (lines open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday).

  You can also try www.ffestiniogtravel.com on 01766 512400 (09:00-17:00 Mondays to Fridays, 09:00-13:00 Saturdays) or www.trainseurope.co.uk on 01354 660222 (09:00-19:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00-15:00 Saturdays & Sundays).