I would love some help to make heads or tails of the TER website for regional trains in Provence. I see that they have discount rates for weekly and monthly cards or booklets, but they only show prices as point to point weekly tickets. If we are homebasing out of Avignon or Arles, we would love some flexilibty to take trains all over Provence and have access to a booklet of tickets, a weekly rate, etc to keep costs in control and not have to buy point to point tickets every time if possible. We will be traveling with our two kids, ages 9 and 6, and I think they are free on the trains, as I cannot find a tarrif for children under 12. Any suggestions, advice, knowledge? We do not want to rent a car, although we understand some of the fun places to visit are hard without one. Thank you SOOOO much, we will be there in April!
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
I was hoping the Seat61.com website could help answer this question, but no dice. However, if you can't get any information online before hand, you can just always inquire about this once you're in Provence at the station. You also might want to try deleting this and reposting it in the transportation forum? There are a few savants with regard to European train travel that might be able to help you out. I found this page that lists pretty comprehensively different discounts for SCNF and nothing like what you're talking about seems to apply. But again, I'm not an expert.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
Whoops, here's that link:
http://www.itransports.fr/en/reseau/informations-voyages-sncf
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I just checked fares at voyages-sncf.com and used a drop-down menu to choose the age of each passenger. The fare for children 4-11 is 1/2 of the adult fare.
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Stacy In order to see Provence you really need a car. It is worth the money, especially if you are traveling with 4 people. Why don't you want to rent one? Bobbie
Posted by
OP
World Citizen
50 posts
Thank you for the suggestions, I think I figured out the discount system, as you can buy a pack of tickets from point to point for a discount, but I will go to the station and ask about this too. For us, we are trying to reduce our carbon footprint in the world, and travel by public tranporation only, foot, bike, even donkey when we can: ). I know a car is helpful to see Provence, but we are happy to tailor our experiences in another way. We have traveled all over the world and we never rent cars and always figure out how to live off the beaten track. We do not have cars where we live either. We just want to minimize our impact when we can, we are not perfect by far, but I hope one small thing can help. Thanks for the advice and help, I LOVE this forum!
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
FWIW I've been to Provence twice by train without renting a car and quite enjoyed it. Sure, I haven't had a chance to visit the lavender farms but I don't think a car is at all strictly necessary.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
There is also bus (coach) service in the area. I took a bus from Aix to Avignon last year.