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Train strikes in France scheduled for June 10

Posted by (Ithaca, NY, USA) on

Just saw this today and wanted to give others a heads up.

We purchased train tickets months ago for travel on the morning of June 10. We need to get from Paris to the Loire Valley for a tour (not a RS tour) that begins that day, late afternoon. Although a big strike is scheduled apparently we won’t be notified as to whether our trains are impacted until 24-48 hours in advance? I’m trying to figure out whether to look into an alternative travel option (car and driver?) now, or to wait and hope we’re okay. We really really really don’t want to leave Paris a day early. Not only would we have to pay for both the final night booked at our Paris hotel AND a last minute reservation at our Loire Valley destination, but we’ve also got tickets purchased for activities in Paris on the 9th and don’t want to have to cancel them!

At least I have a heads up and a little more than a week before we leave the US to try to figure out a Plan B! I’m definitely open to your suggestions!

Posted by
24141 posts

Never sure how to answer this question. Lots of strikes are threatened but few are held. We don't worry about them till it actually happens. In nearly a year of travel in Europe over the past 50, we have encountered only one strike in Spain. We shifted to the bus that day with no problems. Even with rail strikes some trains are always running, It is never a complete shut down. I know that is not a good answer but we would just wait and see.

After arrival I would check with my hotel for their suggestion for back up. Second, I would look at the bus schedule. Personally think that buses are often overlooked as a transportation option. The buses in Spain are equal if not better than the train system. I know you are in France. Hit a TI and see what they say. You still have time to get an IDP should you have need to rent a vehicle. Good luck

Posted by
22 posts

Ruth, we’re on the same tour if your trains are booked to Angers and then Saumur. I, too have train reservations and hope the strike is settled or averted, but I’m risk averse and needed a Plan B, so I also booked a BlaBlaBus from Paris to Angers. From Angers, it looks as if local buses to Saumur run fairly often, but can’t be reserved in advance. For an extra six euros or so for two BlablaBus tickets I’ll be able to cancel up to 30 minutes before the bus journey starts and get my money back. I feel some anxiety but believe I’ll make it to Saumur. From there, it will be a taxi, Uber, or another local bus because my husband and I probably will miss the 3 pm pickup. My goal is to make it in time for dinner. Pat

Posted by
990 posts

Thanks Pat! I just PM’d you…

This is super helpful information and the first I’ve heard of BlaBla bus. It didn’t show up as an option on Rome2Rio.

I also booked refundable tickets on the bus to Angers. I’m like you and would rather have a Plan B in place! It looks like a relatively small bus and I imagine it could book up quickly on a proposed strike date!

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