We will be visiting Paris in April 2008 and have a question about the train system. We are going from Paris to Bayeux (for Normandy tour) and were wondering if we could get tickets the day of travel or do we need to make reservations in advance? Also which train system do we need? They seem to have diffferent ones and its confusing. Thanks for any help!!!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Ed, all the trains (except part of the RER local commuter system in Paris) are operated by SNCF, the French national railway system. They have different names for their networks, like TGV, TER, CORAIL, but that's to distinguish levels of service....very fast national and international lines, through to milk run local trains. The Paris-Bayeux run is a regional train, with some runs connecting through Caen. You can get cheap advance fares of 15 Euro one way if you want to try to book on line in French at the SNCF site (http://www.voyages-sncf.com/leisure/fr/launch/home) or you can just book a ticket as soon as you arrive in Paris. These PREMs fares might still be available when you arrive...otherwise, the regular fare is 32 Euro.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Trains to Bayeux leave from Gare St-Lazare. For complete timetables, go to www.bahn.de. After you get summary timetables, click on "Details for all" to see the connecting points, if any.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32330 posts
Ed,
To add to the other excellent replies, I used a non-stop train from Paris to Bayeux (rather than going via Caen).
When you arrive in Bayeux, it's a good idea to grab a Taxi right away as they "disappear" quickly. Also (and perhaps more important), if you need a Taxi back to the station after your visit to Bayeux, I found it's a good idea to get your Hotel to pre-arrange this, especially if you're travelling first thing in the morning.
Enjoy the tours! Happy travels!