Train Transportation in France - Riding France's Rails
France is served by an extensive national rail system called SNCF. You can make reservations or buy tickets from the SNCF website.
You don't really need to make reservations on local trains within France if you're buying point to point rail tickets. French local trains are frequent enough that you can check the train you'd like to ride on and buy tickets the day of your journey. Remember to validate your ticket. (See: Train Travel Tips)
Just about any city or village in France of interest to travelers will have a train station or will be accessible by bus from the nearest larger town.
You may save money by purchasing a French rail pass. A variety of Rail Passes are available for travel within France. Here is a partial list:
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France Railpass: Provides 4 days unlimited train travel in 1 month.
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France Saverpass: A pass for 2 or more people traveling together (4 days unlimited train travel in 1 month).
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France Rail 'n Drive: Combines 3 days unlimited train travel plus 2 days of AVIS rental car.
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France Youthpass: Travelers under 26 get any 4 days of unlimited train travel in 2 months.
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France Senior Pass: Special pass for Senior over age 60.
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France Saver Senior Pass: Special pass for 2 or more Seniors traveling together.
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Paris Visite: For travelers to Paris and its regions--gives you access to the buses and Metro including airport busses. A better, athough more difficult to procure pass for Paris transportation is the Carte Orange.
Rail Passes are available from RailEurope (Get prices and info). Passes offer savings for people making longer trips around France. (You can also get a combined France and Switzerland Rail Pass (buy direct) if you're travelling between those two countries.)
Driving in France - Auto Transportation, Rental and Leasing
French roads are quite good, although the toll roads (autoroutes) can get expensive. Read more about the nuances of driving in France with our article: Tips for Driving in France.
If you are planning to rent a car, remember that you can make use of the French lease buyback plan if you're staying over 17 days. This allows you to lease a brand new car with full insurance, usually for less than the cost of a rental.
You can also get around France (and the rest of Europe) by long distance bus services like Eurolines.
