Sorry for asking so many questions. I think the weak dollar is making me think twice about everything I'm doing to make sure I'm maximizing my money so I can enjoy the trip to the fullest. That said, there don't seem to be any one country Eurail passes for France. What's the most economical way to travel between Pasis, Bayeux and Avignon by rail with day trips to Mont St. Michel. I thought a 5-6 day railpass would be perfect since I'll be based in Paris at the start of my trip (though I was thinking about a day trip from there to Versailles). Any advice?
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Are you travelling Paris-Bayeux-Avignon? If so, Paris-Bayeux can be had for between 20 and 37 Euro, Bayeux-Mont St. Michel, 20 Euro each way (actually, to Pontorson, the closest station, about 6 miles from Mont St. Michel...train time, about 1:45), Bayeux-Avignon for 37-61 Euro (you have to come back thru Paris), and Avignon-Paris for 24 to 46 Euro. You can book advance tickets up to 90 days in advance at voyages-sncf.com (unfortunately in French, but not hard to navigate) and print out your own discount PREMs tickets. Remember that the cheaper the fare, the more restrictions on refunds and exchanges. By persevering with the advance bookings, you can save yourself a whack of cash. RailEurope does offer a France railpass, $258 ($176 Euro) for 3 days travel in a month...extra days are $37 (25 Euro) per.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Book as soon as the 90-day window opens to have the best chance of getting the discount fares Norm has listed.
The fare for Paris-Versailles on the RER C line is less than 5€. You can buy a Forfait Loisirs ticket that includes admission to the palace and roundtrip transportation. See here: http://tinyurl.com/345mau.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
If you want a pass at all, it's the one available from SNCF, not Eurail. The second-class saverpass is the best value, if you will be traveling with another person (less than $200 for 3 days of travel). Some combination of that plus point-to-point (for days with short trips) could be a good deal.
It can be very helpful to have a car while exploring Normandy and/or Provence, and SNCF offers a rail-drive pass that gives you a good rate on short-term rentals. You could have a car for a day or two in Bayeux and in Avignon without otherwise being encumbered with it.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
I was interested to note that SNCF now sells passes. Where can I find that info?
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Norm--SNCF issues the passes. They are sold (with the usual markup) in the U.S. though Rick Steves, Rail Europe, etc., like the Eurail passes.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Yes, that's obvious....but you said the poster would want a pass from SNCF, not Eurail. It's the same thing.