Paris/TGV advice needed please!

[KTP]

Hi. We are ferry/driving to/from Brittany in May and on the return leg (via Calais) we want to stop somewhere outside Paris for one night so we can take the TGV into Paris (indulging train obsessed son!). I know it's a long shot but do any Francophiles out there know where would be a good place to stop on the TGV route between Calais and Paris.

We would spend two nights in this place, either side of a long day out in Paris.

As long as it's not an industrial wasteland, it really doesn't matter!

Cheers.

I wonder if Lille would be a possiblity?..there are definitely TGVs from there and some go on to the south of france..however hopefully there will be some that go to Paris as well. Do check the timetables before booking as I'm not 100% sure that there is a a TGV service from Lille to Paris. If travelling by train in France always check that the ticket you have is valid for the day and time you are travelling (as some cheaper tickets cannot be used on red peak days)..you should be okay with a TGV as I think all tickets are allocated with train and seat number. Also all tickets need to be stamped in a yellow machine on the platform before you board the train(called "composter"). Good luck with your trip.

OOh, thanks for your top tips - I'm checking Lille out now!

I can't wait for the trip......

I used to live in Lille - the old town is very nice and there is good shopping. Some bits round the station are a bit dodgy at night but otherwise I think it's your best bet for a stop between Calais and Paris.

Just spotted this, branflake. Thanks!

KTP

There is a very regular TGV Service from Lille to Paris (every 30/60 minutes depending on day of week / time of day). Katebee is right in that any TGV tickets are for specific seats on specific trains.

It's not cheap though, 168 Eur for 2 Adults and 2 Children return.
You can get it cheaper if you book far enough in advance - these are called 'Prems' and are first come first served non flexible tickets. Also note that there are TWO staions in Lille - Lille Europe and Lille Flanders. Most (but not all) TGVs to Paris leave from Lille Flanders, the Eurostars and TGVs to other parts of France from Lille Europe. The 2 stations are near each other, but make sure you are at the right one!

A good alternative to Lille (smaller more manageable town, easier to park, slightly cheaper fares (c130 Euro return for 2a2c) )would be Arras. There are fewer TGVs (1 every hour or two) but it's a smaller town, easier to park, slightly cheaper fares etc.

Lastly is it the TGV itself that your son is interested in or is Paris a particular attraction? If the former then many trains within Brittany will be TGVs at the start/end of their journeys from Paris(albeit not going at 180 mph), especially on the lines from Rennes to Brest and Quimper.

French Trains website:
www.tgv-europe.com/en/home/?rfrr=FormulaireStandard_header_Home

or try www.raileurope.co.uk (same prices but an English Agent for SNCF so English speaking help on the end of the phone. Not totally sure if they do the prems tickets - ask them!).

Also very useful general info at excellent website here: www.seat61.com

If you want any more info happy to help, just reply back!

Ant (Mand's other half)