How far ahead can I book this trip? I think I have to transfer from Amboise to the Tours station. If this is the case can I buy that transfer ticket the last minute? I will be going to Amboise via Tgv from Mont Parnasse station - can I buy the transfer to the Amboise station at the last minute? I want to buy both TGV trips as far ahead as I can online and hope to print my tickets. I am a senior taking my 10 year old granddaughter - any hints?
Arlene
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you take a regional train from Amboise to St-Pierre-des-Corps and a TGV from there directly to CDG, you can buy tickets for the regional train at the last minute. There is open seating and no reservations are possible. To get the lowest fare on the direct TGV, book ASAP (up to three months allowed) at voyages-sncf.com or tgv-europe.com. You'll need to know French to use the first site. If you use the second site, choose Great Britain as your ticket retrieval country to avoid being bumped to the Rail Europe site which doesn't offer discount fares. Don't worry. You'll be able to print your own tickets or pick them up at any SNCF station in France. You can take an Intercites train directly from Gare d'Austerlitz to Amboise. Or you can take a TGV from Gare Montparnasse to St-Pierre-des-Corps and a regional train from there to Amboise. Book either the Intercites train or the TGV the same way as I indicated above.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
6 posts
Thanks, Tim. Very helpful. Is it easy to find the TGV platform at Montparnasse if I arrive by Metro?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You're welcome, Arlene. This page on the Paris by Train site has a detailed description of Gare Montparnasse, including photos.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
6 posts
I have tried a "mock-up" booking using 4 months hence and am having trouble. The from station of Gare Montparnasse is not accepted and gives me several options - do I choose Gare Monparnasse 2? I think I have the destination as St. Pierre des Corps correct. I have used pickup country as GB and that seems fine but I cannot go on unless I have the departure correct. I am not leaving until May so I still have some time to practice! I am using the website tgv-Europe.com.
Arlene
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33869 posts
I put in "Paris" and spelled out "Saint" and put in a date less than 90 days out on that website and it worked for me. Put in April and that's too long. Keep it simple. Use Paris and it will figure out the station.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
6 posts
With help I tried again and it worked! Love this help website.