Title: France Rail Passes and Train Tips from Rick Steves
Headings: France Rail Passes and Train Tips
France Rail Passes and Train Tips
Are rail passes a good value for France?
How do I see whether a rail pass makes sense for my trip in particular?
Train Fares: France
What are my options for rail passes that cover France?
Do I need to make seat reservations on French trains?
What do rail passes cover in France?
Any tips for buying point-to-point train tickets in France?
What if I need help with my Rail Europe order?

Content: But many types of French trains always require paid seat reservations: TGV trains, the high-speed trains that serve most of France's main lines as well as some international routes, require seat reservations. Seat reservations for domestic routes start at $11, and go up to $27 as seating sells out. These trains can fill up, especially around weekends, holidays, and special events. International TGV trains charge a range of prices for required seat reservations (higher than rates within the country, and often higher in first class — and the number of places available for rail-pass holders can be limited). On direct TGV Lyria trains between France and major Swiss cities, for example, reservations are fairly expensive (with a Eurail Global Pass, about $35 in second class or $70 in first), but cheaper on TGVs within France. Be aware that seat reservations for direct daytime connections between Paris and anywhere in Italy or Spain sell out fairly far in advance. See our further advice on France–Italy trains. Thalys trains, which have a monopoly on the Paris–Brussels direct route (and also connect beyond Brussels to/from Amsterdam and Cologne/Dortmund), require reservations that cost $25–35 in addition to a pass that covers both ends of the trip (or $35–45 on direct Paris–Amsterdam trains). Reserve as far ahead as possible for Thalys trains to/from France.