We are going to be in Paris from 5/9-5/14 and are reading in the news that the SNCF has announced an indefinite strike beginning May 5, and Sud-Rail, has called for walkouts on May 7, 9, 10, and 11. While we know Paris is a very walkable city and we are physically able to make the walks (albeit some long ones) from where we are staying in arrondissement 14 to any of the major sites, we were specifically counting on using the Metro and RER C line to get from Paris to Versailles on 5/10. Anyone have any updates on this planned strike? Is it happening? Do the train strikes affect RER and TER trains? How about the buses? Would our only other option be taxi via G7 app ( we are not renting a car)? Any input, suggestions or links to sites for updates would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2681 posts
SNCF does operate the RER-C train line from Paris to Versailles as well as RER-B trains from central Paris to CDG Airport, so this strike is expected to impact trains on those routes.
The SNCF also operates TER trains, so local trains should also be expected to be hit by the strike.
The Paris Metro is operated by RATP—not SNCF—so the Paris Metro can be expected to operate as usual.
Posted by
OP
Hershey, PA
13 posts
Thank you for the details!
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2681 posts
You’re welcome! There should be workarounds to get to Versailles by bus.
Posted by
OP
Hershey, PA
13 posts
Not looking like RATP has a metro stop close to Versailles but we are new to this (first time to Paris) so maybe I am reading things incorrectly?
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2861 posts
You may want to download either the Ile de France Mobilités app or the Bonjour RATP app. These apps will have real time information about transportation options, including cancellations.
However, strikes generally are designed to slow things down, not bring them to a halt. A certain number of RER trains, those operated by the SNCF, should still operate, albeit at reduced schedules.
Some of the RER lines, specifically the RER B, south of Gare du Nord, the RER A, and the métro may not be affected at all.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2681 posts
As Tocard said— not all RER trains will be canceled, but being at Versaillles when it first opens at 9am is going to let you enjoy it before the throngs descend on it mid-morning.
A few years ago, we were at a RER station in the city waiting for an RER train to Versailles when a strike was announced on the loudspeaker.
The next RER train didn’t come along until 45 minutes
later. By the time we arrived at the Versailles ticket plaza— it was absolutely mobbed with visitors waiting to buy tickets.
Inside, Versailles was so crowded the guards were blowing whistles to move the crowd along. Too many visitors taking selfies and videos and basically gumming up the crowd flow.
I don’t believe any metro station is nearby, and you do want to arrive at the “Versailles Chateau—Rive Gauche” train station in Versailles.
I would only go on a day when strikes are not expected. See the Chateau first— then the gardens and Marie Antoinette’s village.
Posted by
Florida (previously California)
4183 posts
There is a metro to bus connection to Versailles from Paris. You will need to get to the Pont de Sevres stop on Metro Line 9. From there you take bus 171 and get off the bus at the Palace of Versailles stop. It's the last stop.
Posted by
OP
Hershey, PA
13 posts
Thank you @Tocard, we now have the IDF Mobilities app and the RATP app downloaded so we can stay abreast of closures. @JHK thank you also as the metro 9 to 171 bus option is a great suggestion too. @Kenko we are sorry to hear that Versailles sounds like quite the mess when you visited. We have timed tickets for 9:30 on Saturday, 5/10 so are planning to get moving to be there when the gardens open at 8:00am. We are early risers so as long as some type of transportation is moving early on a Saturday we should be able to make that happen (fingers crossed). Thank you again everyone for the suggestions! We traveled in Italy in 2017 and had a fear of a strike looming over us there too for rail travel, but are hoping that this time works out like that did - lots of talk but not much impact on travel.