I’ve always been a huge fan of train travel in France. It’s the number one transport method I recommend to clients who are spending time in cities or wanting to get from point A to point B quickly. With the addition of new lines and services, rebranding and a new Paris metro card, train travel in France has never been easier. Here is a round up of the most exciting changes in train travel for France.
PARIS
Paris is saying au revoir to the carnet – its long time paper ticketing system. You’ll no longer need to carry around packs of 10 tiny little tickets that often became demagnetized or rendered useless, dropped in a Parisian puddle. Up until now, it was the best and most cost effective way for travelers to get around on the Paris Metro. But, last month Paris introduced a new pass aimed at travelers, similar to the London Underground and the NYC Subway metro cards.
The new paperless pass is a reloadable ticket, called Navigo Easy. It’s a thin, flexible plastic card and costs a mere €2. Single trips will cost €1.90. A ten trip pass (by far the best value) will be a very reasonable €14.90. You’ll be able to reload them at any metro station counter, kiosk or even through your smartphone.
> Related: How to get to central Paris from the airport
NICE
Getting from the Nice Cote d’Azur airport to the city center of Nice just got infinitely easier, faster and less expensive. The addition of the new tram line 2 connects the airport to the main station in Nice.
Not only a great option those staying in Nice, but since many local trains connect in Nice – you’ll also be able to access many other towns on the French Riviera. This is so handy for those not wanting to rent a car while vacationing on the coast, especially in the summer months when bumper-to-bumper traffic is grueling.
Trams will run frequently and the journey takes about 25 minutes. Part of the journey takes you along the port and promenade showcasing great views of the Mediterranean. Construction on Line 3, which will also run from the airport is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. You can find line 2 schedule and prices here.
TGV BECOMES inOUI
For over 30 years, France’s national high-speed train system has been called TGV. Gradually over the past two years, they have been phasing out the TGV name and replacing it with inOui. The change will reportedly be completed by 2020.
Not to be confused with Ouigo, which is the budget train line, the new inOui name will be synonymous with premium train service. It’s the same high-speed train you’re used to, just the name and logo will change for now.
OTHER EXCITING CHANGES FOR TRAIN TRAVEL IN FRANCE PLANNED
Last year it was announced that France was going to see the addition of five new high-speed train lines by the year 2023. The proposed new lines are:
- Nice – Marseilles
- Paris – Le Havre
- Bordeaux – Toulouse
- Montpellier – Perpignan
- CDG airport – Roissy-Picardie
This is wonderful news for travelers! Now you’ll be able to discover even more fabulous destinations in France by train. Time to start your dreaming and planning now.
