Trains in France on special holidays

[Laliibeans]

I was going to ask this at a travel agent but maybe someone here will be able to help without trying to sell me something: My family have set the dates for our Camino but it looks like we'll be needing to get from Paris to SJPP by train on good Friday.

I'm not familiar with how this holiday works in Europe, but in South Australia the world basically stops, nothing is open and public transport is all but non-existent.

Is it the same in France or will we be fine catching a train without being limited to less services, etc?

If it's going to be an issue we may have to move our start date a day earlier or later, we're just trying to make the most of the public holidays so we can get the leave off that we need.

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Good Friday isn't a public holiday in France, but Easter Monday is. The trains are likely to be very full though, as people travel for the long weekend. If you haven't reserved seats, you could well be standing if you get on.

You won't be still in France, but anyone who is needs to watch out for all the May holidays. May 1st is Labour Day, May 8th is WW2 Victory Day, and Ascension Day and the Monday after Pentecost are public holidays. Lots of things pretty much close down for long weekends any time a public holiday lands close to a weekend, such as around Pentecost.
Margaret

 

[Laliibeans]

Thanks, i think we'd have reservations on the TGV but not on the train from Bayonne to SJPP, maybe it would be best to shift a day either side just to be on the safe side.

 

[mspath]

Here is a link to the CURRENT line 62 TER timetable for trains from Bayonne to SJPdP until July 6, 2013 >> http://telechargement.ter-sncf.com/Imag ... -67795.pdf. You find the info on the second screen down. On holidays in May there appears to be trains at 7:45, 14:55 and a bus at 21:10

Remember all TER trains do NOT go everyday! These have open seating like a tram or the metro; there are NO reserved seats. You can buy a ticket in advance but it is for transport only. The price from Bayonne to SJPdP (last stop) is roughly 10 euros.

Bon Voyage and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Laliibeans]

Thanks, Margaret. It looks like I'd have to book flights well in advance of the train tickets, but I think from looking at that that it should work out okay.

 

[Kanga]

We've been caught twice with unexpected train strikes in France

 

[Laliibeans]

Yikes! What did you do? Just wait it out?

 

[Kanga]

Yikes! What did you do? Just wait it out?

One time we got together with a couple of other stranded passengers and hired a car. The other time my partner was supposed to be leaving France by plane from Nice back to Australia the next day but the regional train from Pau to Nice was not running due to a wildcat strike. Luckily the helpful stationmaster pushed him onto the just-leaving TGV to Paris (without ticket) and he was able to change his flight departure from Nice to Paris. Now we always travel to our flight departure point a few days early just "in case"!

 

[Anniesantiago]

We got stuck at Mt San Michelle during a train strike. We had a ferry to catch to Ireland, so had to make our destination or lose our reservations. We partnered up with two other travelers and rented a taxi and shared the cost. Worked out fine.

I think the trick is to factor in a few extra days for such emergencies, and then to just relax and ride the wave :lol:

 

[Laliibeans]

Yes, I'm thinking now that while for my mum and myself it won't be a problem if we have to start a day or two later, for my sister and niece it might cause some issues as they are on a tighter schedule.

Maybe we can arrange to meet in SJPP instead of in Paris, that way they can head there the day before and ready to start and my mum and I can catch up if we have any delays.

We'll see. I'm sure we won't have any problems, but I just like to make contingency plans for the start as it's my sister's first time overseas and I don't want her to have to worry.