My husband and I plan to travel from Paris Saint Lazare Station to Bayeux on October 6, 2012 at approx. 9:00 AM and thought we should book our train tickets in advance. The return trip will be on October 7 at the conclusion of our Overlord Tour to Normandy Beach. Our POC at Overlord tours thinks it is unnecessary to pre-book especially at that time of year, but I am nervous about not booking. We absolutely have to be back in Paris on the evening of October 7 since we are booked at an Airport Hotel for our return trip to the USA on the 8th. I appreciate your suggestions. Rail Europe's price from Paris to Bayeux is $32.00 pp. However, the return trip is not eligible for booking until a later date. The tgv-europe site quotes 28 euros outbound and 68 euros for the return trip. I am confused and stressed. Can you help.
Posted by
OP
Pine Knoll Shores, NC, USA
4 posts
Thanks for your help. It is much appreciated.
Posted by
columbus, nc
294 posts
Agree with Jeff. No need to make reservations. Forget Rail Europe.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
There certainly is a good reason to book tickets in advance at tgv-europe.com. The standard 2nd class fare is €36.00. Booked well in advance (up to three months allowed), you can get a Prem's fare as low as €15.00. That fare is still available for Mary Anne's travel dates. I gave her the details in a PM.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7810 posts
Hi Mary Anne, I just returned from a wonderful trip to France, beginning with two days at Normandy Beach at Caen and returning to Paris, followed by a week in southern France. My philosophy is to plan, plan, plan upfront through the internet and then enjoy and be flexible on the trip. Personally, I don't want to hassle with lines for train tickets, needing to check the daily options/arriving early to the train station, etc. So, I bought all of our train tickets on-line ahead of time, and we just showed up and caught the trains. The only ones we purchased at the station were day-trip short excursions to be flexible in our schedule. If you're nervous, you won't enjoy your day, so book ahead and enjoy each moment of your trip!
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
Take a deep breath and relax. None of these worries is about a crucial decision. But if you like security, go ahead and buy (and reserve) as soon as you can, then relax. You will save money and lose flexibility, but travellers always face these issues and survive. To better understand French trains, look at www.parisbytrain.com and www.seat61.com But a few quick tips: Some construction work was proposed for this summer on the St-Lazare line to Caen and Bayeux so your route may require a change of trains. It works over and over, each day, so you don't have to worry. And to avoid possible confusion, the SNCF and TGV websites are both run by French rail authorities, even if details sometimes don't coincide. The TGV site is favoured by English-speakers. And don't panic if your order doesn't go through the first time. It is a complicated system with quirks. The best remedy is forget it for 24 hours and then try over.
Enjoy your trip.