Traveling from Paris to Marseille

First, before answering, where are you getting your fare quotes? Hopefully not Rail Europe.

Thanks so much for your reply. My Paris-to-Marseille rate is from the TGV (Rail Europe) site, $110 per, one-way. The Euro pass figures I am looking at are on Rick Steve's site (3 trip/2 months for roughly $230/per). But we'll be getting a rental car so our return to Paris will likely be a lot closer than from Marseille, meaning it should be less than $110 return. But was wondering really if we could book the TGV on a Eurail pass.

The only pass you should consider is an SNCF French Saver pass, unless you plan to travel outside of France. These used to be great deals until they ceased to be available in 2nd class. If you are tempted, you might look at the rail-drive option, which lets you add to your rail pass a few days of car rental at pretty good rates. It is very possible that a pass is not the thing for you at all, but for the trip you describe the French pass is the best of the passes.

If you work at it, unless you are leaving right away, you should be able to find Prems fares. If you told the TGV site you live in the States you will have been bumped to the infamous RailEurope site. You need to say you are from the UK or some other english speaking non-North American country. If you use Prems you lose flexibility in exchange for money savings. If you use a pass you gain some flexibility in exchange for money cost. You still need "seat reservations" on TGV which you have to buy when using a pass, they are included with Prems or other point to point fares.

Oh dear, I've just re-read and see that you did in fact see the prices on the RE site. Please have another go as above and see what else you can find not on RE.

To book in English and get discount fares, go to www.tgv-europe.com and choose Great Britain as your ticket collection country. Book up to three months in advance to get the cheapest Prem's fare (€22) for Paris-Marseille and print your own tickets.

Wow! Thank you all so much. This is great info. Can't wait to get digging. I'll let you know ho it works out. Thanks again, and all the best,
lbf

Oof! I am afraid we have overlooked how weak the American dollar is against the pound. If I book through the UK, it would actually cost me more than through RE/US!