We are traveling from CDG to Bordeaux on TGV, Bordeaux to Avignon on IC first class to Nimes and LiO to Avignon, then Lyon to Paris on TGV. We are taking 2 River cruises plus spending an additional 10 days in France. We have international size “carry ons” at 21x14x9” but usually also take duffles at 12x24x12” for ease of mobility (the duffle goes over the luggage handle but divides weight). Any experience on taking that combo as our luggage plus a small backpack or tote on the train? Trying to figure out how to pack for October in southern France.
Posted by
Maryland
989 posts
As long as the small backpack/tote can be emptied into the duffle and added flat to it also you will fine on airlines and trains. There are overhead racks and shelves at the ends of the cars on most trains. Sizes are less strict on trains but the overhead racks may not accommodate all the rolly-bags. Keeping your more personal stuff in the duffle close to you can ease folk's minds. I applaud splitting the weight between two bags, one for each hand and having a light backpack, but adding a substantial tote to the mix can be unwieldy unless you have three hands.
Posted by
Chicago
9243 posts
There are specific luggage rules for Ouigo budget trains. For everything else it is what you can carry. We try to travel with only a backpack on the side trips we do by train from Paris. -- we have done such trips to Lille, Chartres, Lyon, Geneva etc and it really makes it easier to not have large luggage. If you don't have that choice at least pack as light as you can. And two small bags are not only easier to hoist on to the train or into overheads but just to carry. The large racks at the ends of cars are often full quickly and especially if you board along the way and not at the origin.
The racks above seats sometimes hold a substantial bag and sometimes don't. Years ago we sat in awe watching Italian travelers throwing each others bags out of the racks to put their own bags in and than shouting at each other.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35516 posts
yes, it is worth knowing if the trains you list as TGV are actually Ouigo or InOui. They see luggage differently.