App

Customer Support

Find Bookings

【France Train Guide】Ultimate France Train Guide: Carriages, Ticketing, Routes & Must-See Spots Uncovered!

# United States

# Green Travel

# Travel Tips

OneVoyager

Jun 12, 2025

Contents

France Train Guide | Introduction
France Train Guide | Carriages and Services
- France Train Guide | Exploring Carriage Types and Services
- France Train Guide | First vs. Standard Class: What's the Difference?
- France Train Guide | Dining Services on Board
France Train Guide | Ticketing
- France Train Guide | How to Buy Tickets
- France Train Guide | How to Collect Your Tickets
- France Train Guide | How to Refund Tickets
France Train Guide | Destinations and Cities
- France Train Guide | International Routes
- France Train Guide | Major French Hubs
France Train Guide | Routes and Top Spots to Visit

Show more

Essential for Travelers! Experience France by train with tailored carriage options, flexible fares, and seamless connections—from romantic Eiffel Tower nights and sun-drenched Nice beaches to Provence's summer lavender fields. Unlock your journey with our Ultimate France Train Guide—start planning now!

>>>【Eurostar Guide】How to Travel Europe with Eurostar: Carriage Types, Ticket Booking, Destinations & Top Recommendations!

>>>【UK Railways】Ticket Booking Tips, Destinations, Itineraries, First Class Experience & Money-Saving Secrets Revealed!

Hot Trends · Discount Information · Click to View

France's rail network, operated by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer), is renowned for its speed, coverage, and sustainability. Key features include:

Dynamic Pricing: Book early for the best fares (3+ months ahead for peak seasons).

No Security Checks: Scan tickets directly; arrive 20 minutes before departure.

Multilingual Booking: Use SNCF Connect’s English site/app to avoid fees on third-party platforms.

Global Connectivity: Links to the UK (Eurostar), Belgium/Netherlands (Thalys), and Switzerland (TGV Lyria).

TGV INOUI:

Premium high-speed trains (200 mph/320 km/h) with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and bistro cars.

New 2024 "Espace Zen" silent carriages.

OUIGO:

Budget option (e.g., Paris→Nice from $30) with strict baggage rules:

1 carry-on (≤40x30x15cm) + 1 cabin bag (≤55x35x25cm); excess fees: $25/bag.

No complimentary services; seat selection costs extra.

TER/Intercités:

Regional trains with flexible seating; ideal for short trips (e.g., Paris→Versailles).

Feature	First Class (Première)	Standard Class (Deuxième)
Seating	2+1 layout, lie-flat (night trains)	2+2 configuration
Services	Free meals, newspapers, lounges	Paid dining
Amenities	Extra legroom, blankets, outlets	Basic power sockets
Price	50-100% higher	Budget-friendly

TGV INOUI: Bistro car offers light meals ($10+); First Class includes complimentary at-seat service.

BYO Food: All trains allow external food; bins between carriages.

Pre-order: Discounted meals via SNCF App.

Best Option: SNCF Connect website or app (Visa/Mastercard accepted).

Third Parties: Omio or Rail Europe charge 10%+ fees.

Discount Cards:

Youth Card (Carte Avantage Jeune): Ages 12-27, $55/year, saves 30-60%.Weekend Tickets: 30% off off-peak Friday-Sunday travel.

E-tickets: Scan QR codes at gates (store in app or as PDF).

Physical Tickets: Collect at yellow kiosks using booking code + surname; chip-enabled card required.

OUIGO Rule: Must print tickets or display mobile QR codes.

Ticket Type	Policy
Prem’s	Non-refundable (cheapest fares)
Loisir	Changes allowed >24 hours pre-departure ($15 fee)
Pro	Free changes/refunds (business travelers)

Eurostar: Paris Gare du Nord → London St Pancras (2h16m).

Thalys: Paris Gare du Nord → Brussels (1h22m) / Amsterdam (3h18m).

TGV Lyria: Paris Gare de Lyon → Geneva (3h05m) / Zurich (4h40m).

Station	Key Destinations
Paris Nord	Lille, London, Brussels
Paris Lyon	Lyon, Marseille, Nice
Paris Montparnasse	Bordeaux, Rennes

Lavender Trail:

Paris → Avignon (TGV: 2h40m) → Valensole Plateau (TER + bus)

Highlights: Palais des Papes, lavender fields (June-July).

Wine Odyssey:

Paris → Dijon (TGV: 1h20m) → Bordeaux (TGV: 2h05m)

Highlights: Burgundy vineyards, La Cité du Vin museum.

Alpine Adventure:

Lyon → Chambéry (TER: 1h) → Chamonix (bus)

Highlights: Mont Blanc views, Mer de Glace glacier train.

Castle Explorer:

Paris → Tours (TGV: 1h) → Mont Saint-Michel (TGV + bus)

Highlights: Château de Chambord, tidal island abbey.

Popular recommendations

【European Railway Map】 Your guide to popular routes, night trains, booking process & recommended cities

OneVoyager

【Eurostar Guide】How to Travel Europe with Eurostar: Carriage Types, Ticket Booking, Destinations & Top Recommendations!

OneVoyager

European Capital of Wall Art? Not Only Berlin This French City Is Bedecked With Frescoes Too

TripBlog

Top European Bucket List Foods and the Best Places to Try Them

TripBlog

Discover more

# Santa Barbara County

Q&A

How to Buy Tickets in France Train Guide?

E-tickets: Scan QR codes at gates (store in app or as PDF). Physical Tickets: Collect at yellow kiosks using booking code + surname; chip-enabled card required. OUIGO Rule: Must print tickets or display mobile QR codes.

How is the Dining Services on France Train?

TGV INOUI: Bistro car offers light meals ($10+); First Class includes complimentary at-seat service. BYO Food: All trains allow external food; bins between carriages. Pre-order: Discounted meals via SNCF App.