How do I work out distances in France when I don't know where things are?

[KatyMac]

I tried using the AA map, but it's all a bit odd

How far are these places apart (so I can get a taxi)

• « Le Domaine de Dugny » in Loire Valley & Onzain train station
• « Les Sables du Midi » in Languedoc & Béziers train station
• « Les Pierres Couchées » in South Brittany & Saint-Brévin-les-Pins train station

TIA

\link{http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/trains_paris_montparnasse_train_station_to_st_nazaire_train_station_141_768.aspx\this is from the French railway service website} - timetable from Paris-St Nazaire (TGV to Nantes - 2 hours - then change to a local train)

oh it would be a really exciting trip - I'm just imagining all the heaving of luggage on & off different trains!

No idea about ticket prices - I'd try pricing both - you could have a couple of days in Paris en route (you'll have to change there anyway)

That's fabulous there is a 17:10 from Nantes on a Saturday which gets in at 17:44

I should be able to get to Nantes by 17:10

We are taking carry-on luggage & a rucksack each

DD can carry more than I can now

Cards & Boggle on the train

Love the idea of Paris (can I get a hotel on Tesco vouchers as I think I can pay for the Eurostar)

Eurostar would be £150 each now - I wonder if the price goes up in August?

That's another £150 Tescos vouchers & I have £89 already

Oh no I can only use my Tesco vouchers on the tunnel (Damn)

Is this any help?

Thanks Cece, we sorted the distance bit....we are holiday planning now

It's so exciting

It looks like I'd need a grand of travel money

Bugger

you can't book more than 3 months ahead for most European trains apparently (4 months for Eurostar) I just put in some March dates from London to St Nazaire & the price for 1 adult started at £72 return - that was leaving London 1402 (arr St Nazaire 2110).

Early times are a lot more expensive - leaving London at 0622 (arr 1341) would cost about twice as much. Middle-ish (dep 1025 arr 1744) is from £92. Pretty good for the distance covered, & much nicer than flying!

Also you can get a TGV straight through I've just realised - you only have to change in Paris, from Gare du Nord to Montparnasse

\link{http://www.raileurope.co.uk/tgv.aspx\booking page}

If you do want to book straight through you will have to wait until 3 months before you go; if you book Eurostar separately you can do that sooner but I've no idea what the prices would be like that way.

you can use airmiles for Eurostar - see how many airmiles your Tesco vouchers are worth

I currently have about 1800 air miles

I'll have to work that out tomorrow

Night & thanks for your help

(are you great with google or do you know train or France?)

bit of both! well google & France - am finding out about trains tonight

What are you trying to get, and what is your budget. How many people, how old. I will help you!

Hiya

I need DH, DD(13) & me to get to 'Les Pierre Couchées' on a Saturday in Agugust

We can get from Norwich to London for about £60
We can use Airmiles (I think) for the Eurostar - I'll need about £180 in vouchers (which is quite a lot)
Then we need to pay for Paris (I guess) to St Nazaire - for lots of money
Then stay at Siblu for Tescos vouchers (which we already have)

Maybe?

Sorry I have about £90 in Tesco vouchers towards the Eurostar but I'll need an extra £180

Rail Europe
website is useful for checking times/fares.

You could also change at Lille - there are some direct trains to St Nazaire or others where you change at Nantes. This saves having to cross Paris. As I recall it a straight run on the Metro from the Gare du Nord to Montparnasse though.

The cost for 3 of you from either Paris or Lille return seemed to be between £200 - £300 based on travelling this weekend

Happy to help at all if needs be Katy - think you have my email from the travel cot! I used to work in Angers used train and plane (Nantes and Tours) to get home a lot.

Panto is correct about Paris- it is just Gare du Nord straight through to Montparnasse. I've done that twice and also changed at Lille three times, direct to Angers (continues on to Nantes and St Nazaire)

Any help please do shout.

Oh- it's Claire2301 With a new winter name (forgot about that!)

Will the fares rise in August (I imagine so) damn - we may not be able to afford it

Do I take a risk & book the caravan & hope for the best for the train or do I wait until I can confirm the train & risk losing the caravan

Oh dear

When abouts in August? The first weekend is known as the big escape and ST Nazaire/Island below there host a lot of Parisiennes second homes.

I often book my full journey from Eurostar eg. Cambridge - Angers and always same/cheaper than if booking separately and a lot less hassle. I would consider going with plane if flights are reasonable. Good bus links from Nantes airport inc ?5 shuttle to SNCF station.

Can't remember about prices but wouldn't imagine them going up lots (there would be uproar from the French!!!)

No - much later in the month I think

But flying is bad

& I want to be green plus DH's knees don't like planes

It looks as if advance booking will save you money - look at the London-St Nazaire price I found for late March (min £72 per person) compared with pantofino's £200-300 for all 3 just from Paris/Lille

the very cheap fares are completely non-negotiable though - no changes or cancellations possible, & if you missed a connection you'd have to pay again.

sorry, missed out that pantofino's price was for this weekend