SNCF is the train company owned by the state in France and it offers train travel at affordable prices thereby making train travel in France a wonderful and pleasant experience.
SNCF or the Sociate Nationale de Chemins de Fer takes the responsibility of maintaining the train services in France. It is because of its work that train travel in France is effective. This company is nicely subsidized by the French government. The high speed TGV train runs largely due to the funding provided by the government.
A well spread railway network is seen in France. Since Paris is the city around which the network is formed, trains necessarily pass through Paris to reach destinations.
The train network in France is designed so that all main lines start in Paris and spread out in various directions to service the different regions of France. France has six main train stations which means that often when travelling by train in France, changing trains in Paris also necessitates changing train stations.
Nearly half of the railway tracks on the train network in France are electric; however, they carry up to 80% of the total number of trains that run in France.
Particulars about train timings and ticketing can be obtained directly from the ticket counter or guichet of any staffed railway station in France.
The local government produces a travel guide for the good of the travellers who travel as tourists in France. It is known as the guide regionale des transports. Tourists also get free of cost a booklet called horaire at all major train stations.
There are cloak rooms available in major train stations where you can leave your bicycle and luggage for a day.
A three day storage facility is also available in major railway stations in France in the form of computerized lockers which are known as consigne automatique. Pay the fee and put the lock code to use the locker.
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