SNCF Intercites (Intercity) train passing through Yvetot

Railroads – Intercites

The French railroads, the SNCF, used to have a very extensive rail network linking most cities and bigger towns in France with each other. Apart from the High Speed Train (=TGV), the interlinking of cities was the top service category for the French company. Now called Intercites (in English “Intercity”), this train service doesn’t stop in as many places nor as often as the regular regional service (called TER) but it is more comfortable and it goes on for longer distances.

However over the years, the service was eroded by bad management, strikes and diminishing financial investments. So today you have a service that links French cities in different regions that runs irregular, often with equipment that is highly outdated and a rail infrastructure that requires a lot of TLC (Tender Loving Care). Add to that a non-service attitude from many of their staff and technical difficulties and you will have arrived at a position that requires you to question the choice of using the normal railroads to travel. Obviously there are times that it is the most efficient and best economical way of traveling, and can be useful if you don’t have time-constraints.

Intercites Network

The 2018 Intercites network links 345 cities in 12 French regions. There are today a total of 23 train lines (including 5 night trains).

SNCF Intercites rail network in France
SNCF Intercites rail network in France

For other connections between cities, particularly those in the same region, you will need to take the TER (article coming).

Each region sponsors their own trains, and you can see the name of the region printed on the trains.

Regional logo on the Intercites train
Regional logo on the Intercites train

Above you can see the “logo” of the Upper Normandy region. Some regions have more money available, so their trains are newer and more frequent; it’s all a financial issue. Regions with more tax-paying inhabitants have more money at their disposal then regions that are poor. And you can see the result of this in their trains.

New style Intercites train
New style Intercites train

Different Train Styles

The Intercities service uses different style trains, depending on expected passenger numbers and availability of trains. Ranging from old fashion carriages (called Corail after the original name of the Intercites service) to very modern double-decker trains.

Of all the trains, the old “Corail” is the most comfortable, but also one of the oldest.

2nd Class seating in the old "Corail" Intercites train
2nd Class seating in the old “Corail” Intercites train

The most part of the train is 2 + 2 seats, but some areas are 1+2 seats. There are several cars that are reserved for first class.

Luggage area in the old "Corail" Intercites train
Luggage area in the old “Corail” Intercites train

There is also a luggage/baggage area at both ends of each carriage, but they are woefully inadequate in size. Above the seats there’s place for a small weekend bag.

Modern Intercites train of the SNCF
Modern Intercites train of the SNCF

The newer style trains are all double deckers, enabling the SNCF to pack in more passengers in a train. There is an older double decker which resembles a train from the old USSR, but luckily it’s being phased out.

Old style double decker Intercite train
Old style double decker Intercite train

Once inside one of the newer double decker trains you don’t feel cramped, since the ceilings are reasonably high, giving you the illusion that it’s not a double decker.

Double Decker Modern Intercites train of the SNCF
Double Decker Modern Intercites train of the SNCF

However, the trains are roomier and allow for more light, particularly in the upper decks, and like with the old double-decker trains, there is no difference between First and Second Class seating; they are identical apart from the colour seats (First and Second share the same car, separated only by a glass partition).

Inside the Double Decker Modern Intercites train of the SNCF
Inside the Double Decker Modern Intercites train of the SNCF
Stairs and Inside the Double Decker Modern Intercites train of the SNCF
Stairs and Inside the Double Decker Modern Intercites train of the SNCF

In the old Corail trains there still is a physical difference between 1st and 2nd class.

Comfort

Any of the Intercite trains is far less comfortable than the SNCF’s premium service, the TGV (High Speed Train). The older cars rattle & shake a lot, and often the temperature regulation does not work, so hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter.

On several trains, particularly newer ones, you’ll find 220 V outlets, allowing you to plug-in and recharge your computer or phone. There’s no Wifi available (yet – it’s being studied), and often you’ll loose phone signal (GSM and 3G/4G).

Night Trains

2018 Night Intercites Trains network
2018 Night Intercites Trains network

There are still some night trains running, but they are strongly diminished and will eventually disappear. The majority of trains are from Paris to the South. Trains leave late at night and arrive in the morning.

They do offer sleeping arrangements, particularly in First class. In fact you need to reserve a whole compartment for yourself and your fellow travellers, if not, you’ll end up sharing with strangers. 1st Class has 4 sleeper beds, 2nd Class offers 6 beds per compartment.

The rest of the train has “normal” seats, no beds, but they can be booked for low tariffs so it can be worth your while if travelling on a budget.

TIP: If you are a woman travelling alone, there are a couple of spaces dedicated to women travelling alone (and even with small children). The sleeping area is located close to the train-staff area.

There’s often a real “restaurant” car, and several of the train lines allow you to reserve your meals in advance which are then served to you at your seat/bed..

Car Trains

Auto/Train (Car) trains service in France
Auto/Train (Car) trains service in France

The auto/train referenced below NO LONGER exists!! The SNCF has stopped the service. The offer a service with a third party (HiFlow) to transport your car via truck! You can also reserve a (professional) driver to bring your car to a certain destination.

Click here to see the destinations and prices.

There are still a few trains that can carry cars (and motorcycles or quads/trikes). The service is called “Auto/Train“, and it is dedicated to vehicles and does NOT carry passengers.

The service consists of you bringing your car to the auto/train, taking another train (or airplane) to your destination and then going to the station to pick up your car. Or the SNCF can supply a car valet to put the vehicle on and off the train.

The network is quite small – Paris to Perpignan, Avignon, Marseille, Toulon, Frejus and Nice. It also doesn’t run in the winter. It’s main purpose is for the Parisians who need to go South for their summer holidays and don’t want to drive.

1st / 2nd Class

As mention above, apart from the old and less frequently used “Corial” trains, there is no real difference between classes. In the old Corail trains you were in a separate car with less seats per car and bigger ones. The later trains reserve a smaller portion of a car for 1st class, but the seats are the same. It’s very much like present-day Business Class in short-to-medium haul airplanes.

First class seating in Corail-type Intercites SNCF train
First class seating in Corail-type Intercites SNCF train

For those of you planning to travel First Class, think about it. It’s not really worth it unless you’re lucky enough to get one of the older trains.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchair access door on Intercites train of the SNCF
Wheelchair access door on Intercites train of the SNCF

Depending on the style of train, some are fully equipped to handle wheelchairs, some require assistance. However, in France all stations have had their platform height adjusted to allow wheelchairs to board a train without problems.

Wheelchair area of an Intercites train
Wheelchair area of an Intercites train

All stations have had to equip themselves with ramps and elevators.

Wheelchair area and minder chair of an Intercites train
Wheelchair area and minder chair of an Intercites train

TIP: If travelling with a wheelchair, it’s a good idea to notify the railroads in advance since they will have specialised people available to help.

Hints/Issues

  • Like within anything related to the French railroads, the SNCF, you’ll need to have patience and time on your hands. They are plagued by mis-management and union strikes.
  • Reservations are a good idea, since even on short distances, seats can be reserved and you end up standing.
  • You can buy tickets at the last minute, and even if you don’t have one, go on the train and go to the controller. The controller will sell you the ticket (and a small administration fee) on the spot.If you don’t go and find the controller, a fine will be added.
  • Smartphone applications from the SNCF (now called Oui) exist that allow you to reserve e-tickets (electronic tickets, including e-wallets), check real-time travel updates and station information.
  • If not wheelchairs are in use, the wheelchair area is a great place to sit, since you can stretch out and there’s plenty of space for baggage.

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