SNCF Societé Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais (France)

Someone that was not French, once told me that no matter how overrated many French products can sometimes be, they do have amazing Transportation systems. Whomever told me this, I can't remember anymore, but I would have to tell that person now, that they have been deluding themselves. What they were especially deluded about is the TRAIN system. The "SCNF" or "Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais". I understand that several who've reviewed this already, seem to really like this rail system. I wonder though, if they really had to use it for more than a few days? As a visitor, it might ... more

SNCF, La Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer (‘National Society of the Railways’ for non-French speakers), is the name given for the train network in France. Unlike the ridiculous system in Britain, SNCF is nationalised, so provides rail services for the entire country. Whether it is the nationalisation, or just the way in which SNCF is run, the train network in France is fantastic. Without doubt I can say that it certainly fulfils its aim stated on its website (www.sncf.com - it helpfully has an English version, just click the Union Jack in the top right hand corner): ... more

During my time in France, I have many times booked online to travel to other parts of France by train. Living in a rural area, it was interesting that SNCF (which actually stands for National Society of Iron Roads) even serve smaller communities in France, and what they do is have a network of coaches that link small towns like the one in which I live to mainline stations, so that the whole of France is adequately served by the railway network. STARTING OUT THE SEARCH FOR THE RIGHT SERVICE. SNCF now have a superb website, and compared with other French companies, they really have worked hard ... more

The British railways remain the subject of cynical moaning, a deflating energy-sapping experience for many commuters throughout the country. I don't think the British railways are as bad as the negative press would have you believe. I use the train maybe once per month, and never have a problem. I can get from Birmingham to London in a good time, and there are plenty of internet offers which allow me to get an advance ticket cheaply. So, Network Rail and the British train companies are pretty good. But the French state owned SNCF is.... ...Well, just... Better! In fact, the French boast the ... more

I have worked and lived both Paris and Grenoble in France. This means when I am in one place, the chances are I want to visit people in the other. Well, I was working in Paris and made a last-minute decision to go to Grenoble for the weekend so I thought be clever and plan ahead Thursday I went to the travel agent to book a ticket for the TGV. The nice young lady behind the desk informed me the fair would be 800 Francs. At the time it was, thanks to Norman Lamont?s fiscal acumen, nearly a hundred quid! I decided to save money by flying to St. Geoirs, Grenoble?s airport. This only cost 560 ... more