I’ve been trying to book train tickets from Bayeux to Paris on Saturday, Oct. 4, but all the sites I have used (scnf/Captain Train/Rick Steves) are routing me through Le Mans, which makes the 2.5 hour journey more than 5 hours and requires two connections, at twice the price. I had no problem booking PREMS tickets from Paris direct to Bayeux on Oct. 2. Also, the sites will let me book Bayeux-to-Paris after Oct. 4. Does anyone have any info or suggestions? Thanks. Also I have learned tons on this forum since I started reading it last month and want to thank everyone who posts for all the good info.
Posted by
San Antonio TX, United States
2393 posts
In checking on the DB site it has the calendar of when the route is run. For the direct train it does not run on any weekend in October.
There is one at 9:24 that is only 3:59
Bayeux Sa, 04.10.14 dep 09:24 3:59 2 RE, TGV
Paris Montparnasse Sa, 04.10.14 arr 13:23
Bayeux Sa, 04.10.14 dep 09:24 RE 52616 Regional-Express
Caen Sa, 04.10.14 arr 09:42
Transfer time 46 min.
Caen Sa, 04.10.14 dep 10:28 RE 53612 Regional-Express
Le Mans Sa, 04.10.14 arr 12:17
Transfer time 10 min.
Le Mans Sa, 04.10.14 dep 12:27 TGV 8622 TGV
Paris Montparnasse Sa, 04.10.14 arr 13:23
Posted by
Green Bay
20085 posts
This sort of thing usually indicates that there is scheduled track maintenance on the line during the weekends. You could go Friday night at 8:07 pm arriving at 10:16 pm for 20 euro Prems.
Posted by
San Antonio TX, United States
2393 posts
Nice catch Dick - just the early direct train does not run on Sunday - the later one does on the 5th & 26th. Tricky schedules.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks, everybody. Unfortunately, I've already paid for the hotel in Bayeux Thursday and Friday night, and there is no availability to extend to stay Saturday night and take the train Sunday, so I have to really ponder the best course. We may have to take the indirect Saturday train and just accept that it's inconvenient.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
When all the web sites agree, and you're pretty sure you're within the period for which full schedules are published, that's a sign that the info is correct. France does plan quite a bit of weekend track work in October. You could find details at http://www.sncf.com/fr/travaux but they usually do plan ahead and include the same diversions in the published schedules. This "replacement" schedule includes a fairly long train detour, whereas other replacements may be operated by bus.
Posted by
San Antonio TX, United States
2393 posts
The 4 hr route should not be too bad on Saturday - You get into Paris before 1:30 pm.