Travelling in France

Summary of topic: French transport systems are great.

Like travelling in Lyon, travelling within France is very simple and easy. The French transport service is called SNCF.

You can buy your tickets at oui.sncf*. This website will give you all the ticket prices and timings. If you buy tickets at the right time you can get 10 euro tickets. However, with some of the 10 euro tickets they are so cheap because they arrive at or depart from stations which are far out of the city. I'd advise you to google the stations before buying your tickets just to be sure. 

Download the oui.sncf app to access your e-tickets. You will either scan them at a barrier or a conductor will come and scan them for you.

Sometimes you do not get to choose where you sit on the train, the ticket will automatically generate one for you. The ticket may say Voiture 6, Place 75. This means Coach 6, Seat 75. It also may specify fenêtre/couloir which is window or aisle. 

If your train is a TGV you will probably get a seat number. If it is a TER train you may not. These trains are normally very busy. They are also cheaper as they normally take longer to get to the destination. I was on the seat at the back and all of the luggage was kept at the back wall, one on top of the other. If you are bringing a big suitcase on a TER train - it may be difficult.

For some tickets they tell you to arrive at the platform 30 minutes before and some say they allow boarding 2 minutes before. I would follow what your ticket says as you don't want to risk not being let on the train. Be sure to check your app for all of the information it's really easy to use!

I don't know if I've made it sound more confusing than it is but trust me it's really easy and everything is signposted. Plus there are lots of helpers at the station so you'll be fine!

*Please note that all hyperlinks are in the colour red.