Night Trains Starting again after 15 years in France

Night Train lines were abandoned fifteen years ago in France. Now the night train is making a comeback. This offers a great option for cyclists as most trains will take cycles for a small charge and will be transported in the voiture service in the centre of the train.

In France several lines have resumed service since 2021

Paris-Toulon-St Raphael-Cannes-Antibes-Nice 

Paris - Toulouse-Latour de Carol (with connection to Barcelona)

Paris - Tarbes-Lourdes 

Paris - Rodez

Paris - Briancon

Paris - Perpignan-Narbonne-Portbou (daily in summer, Fri & Sun in winter)

Paris - Biarritz-Hendaye (for San Sebastian) to run in July & August from summer 2022.

Ten more route are planned, including to other European Cities before 2030. The French Government under President Macron have committed to restore night trains. So SNCF have set aside a budget 1.5 billion Euro and a team of over 300 to renovate the old rolling stock, which has been stored in several locations around France.

You can book night trains in France and Europe via the train line website

When I tried to book a night train from Paris to Briançon it was only possible to take a cycle if you booked a Standard 2nd class ticket. (See below) Train line displays all schedules services in the research results so be careful you have the correct train.

To check capacity I spoke to  a member of staff they informed me that space is limited, most trains will only carry 2 cycles.

Available on the night train Paris - Briancon IC Night 5789 was a compartment with multiple couchettes / beds. Sheets, a bottle of water and a toiletries bag are included in the price of a standard 147 euro ticket. 

More about night trains can be found here

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