I am trying to research a TGV train which leaves Avignon center going to Paris Gare du Nord. I can see such a train exists but the SNCF OUI SITE is a different train, longer journey and going to Gare du Lyon. When I try other sites something keeps going wrong in various ways. I will be purchasing from the USA and am over 60 if that makes any difference. Can someone please give me the exact site to use? Any other tips would also help. Also, how far ahead can one book?
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
There is no direct TGVtrain to Gare du Nord from Avignon. They only go to Gare de Lyon. This is the exact site to use for the national French rail.
https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv/destinations
There is an option to select 60 and over right after you select number of passengers.
Those tickets only show for sale 90 days in advance
Posted by
3442 posts
Why not just take the train to Gare de Lyon and take a cab or public transportation to Gare du Nord?
I find loco2 to be extremely user friendly, without adding additional surcharges. If it's too early to book the train(s) you want, loco2 can email you when they become available for purchase.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
First, you need to understand the train system structure. I think there are 9 different train stations in Paris and there could be more. Second, think of a circle with the stations located on the circle and each station has a pie shape area that stretches away from that station (not quite accurate but close enough). The idea is that each station serves an area of France. Gare du Nord (North) services areas to the north. Gare du Lyon - somewhat SE down to Lyon. And so forth. If you need to get to the area around Gare du Nord, you take the train to Gare du Lyon and then taxi or metro train to that station. There is not one or two single stations in Paris that all trains go through. A little like cities with multi airports - ie Chicago's O'Hare and Midway or New York with its' three airports.
Posted by
681 posts
Andrew just got it bang-on. We just took that same train to Paris Gare de Lyon this past October. If memory serves, there was a senior's discount, but I could be wrong about that. You need to check. Bon Chance.
I am done. The end.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
3990 posts
Actually, tickets may show for sale more than 90 days in advance. Generally, 90 days is correct but there are annual sales, especially in the summer, that are available for purchase more than 90 days before the travel date. I would go to the SNCF site and try to buy tickets for my travel date and if they are not yet available, sign up to receive an e-mail alert for when they go on sale.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2297 posts
Two years ago when I booked tickets in France I had better luck using thetrainline.com I have also looked at seat61.com. The title of the website is the Man in Seat 61 and the website gives step by step instructions for booking tickets.