Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Baggage Check
Baggage check (
consigne
or
Espaces Bagages
) is available only at the biggest train sta-
tions (about €5-11 per bag depending on size), and is noted where available in this topic
(depends on security concerns, so be prepared to keep your bag). For security reasons, all
luggage is supposed to carry a tag with the traveler's first and last name and current ad-
dress (though it's not enforced). This applies to hand luggage as well as bigger bags that
are stowed. Free tags are available at train stations in France.
Other baggage-check options in cities are also listed in this topic (where available).
Here'satip:Majormuseumsandmonumentsusuallyhavefreebaggagecheckforvisitors.
Even if the sight is not particularly interesting to you, the entry fee may be worth it if you
need to stow your bags for a few hours.
Train Tips
•Arriveatthestationwithplentyoftimebeforeyourdeparturetofindyourplatform(plat-
form numbers are posted about 15 minutes prior to departure), confirm connections, and
so on.
• Small stations are minimally staffed; if there is no agent at the station, go directly
to the tracks and look for the overhead sign that confirms your train stops at that track.
•LargerstationshaveplatformswithmonitorsshowingTGVcarlayouts(numbered
forward or backward) so you can figure out where your
voiture
(car) will stop on the long
platform and where to board it.
• Check schedules and reservation requirements in advance. Upon arrival at a sta-
tion, learn your departure possibilities (don't rely exclusively on online schedules). Large
stations have a separate information
(accueil)
window or office; at small stations, the tick-
et office gives information.
•Ifyouhave a rail flexipass, write the date onyourpass each day youtravel (before
or immediately after boarding your first train).
• Validate tickets and reservations (not passes) in yellow machines before boarding.
If you're traveling with a pass and have a reservation for a certain trip, you must validate
the reservation.
• Reservations for all TGV trains are required and often sell out. A limited number
of reservations are allocated for railpass users during peak times—reserve as far ahead as
you can for Friday and Sunday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
•Beforegettingonatrain,confirmthatit'sgoingwhereyouthinkitis.Forexample,
if you want to go to Bayeux, ask the conductor or any local passenger,
“A Bayeux?”
(ah
bah-yuh; meaning, “To Bayeux?”).
