Christmas seats are ready to unwrap!
Thinking France or Europe for Christmas? Consider this your cue to get planning. SNCF train tickets* from December 13th to January 6th are now on sale, giving you more choice of trains, times and seats if you get in early.
Travel across France with TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS trains, or go cross-border between destinations like:
Planning beyond Christmas? You can get ahead there too:
- Spain & Italy: TGV INOUI tickets available through March 31st
- Switzerland: TGV Lyria tickets available through March 31st
- Germany: DB SNCF Voyageurs in cooperation tickets bookable up to 6 months ahead
Christmas getaway? Get it booked. Plans for 2027? Get those on track too.
Jump aboard the Terms and Conditions Express 🚂👇
Looking for inspiration for your summer getaway?
Check out some of the most popular routes in France and start planning your trip away this summer. Book early to avoid disappointment and snap up the best fares!
Frequently Asked Questions
When do SNCF Christmas tickets go on sale?
SNCF Christmas 2026 train tickets are on sale from 30th September 2026.
Which train tickets are available to buy for Christmas travel?
Cheap TGV INOUI and OUIGO tickets are available to buy from 30th September 2026 for travel between 13 December 2026 to 6 January 202.
What time does the SNCF seat release take place?
The exact time of the SNCF seat release has not been communicated yet, but in general SNCF ticket sales start early in the morning.
Popular destinations
Ready to plan your next trip to France? Tap one of the most popular French destinations below for some useful travel tips.
Ticket sale by train company
Check out when the different companies in France and around Europe start releasing their cheapest fares if you don't want to miss out on any bargains.
|
Train company |
How much in advance can I book tickets? |
|
TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS |
4 months in advance (except for summer, Christmas and February holidays) |
|
2 to 9 months in advance | |
|
6 months in advance | |
| 4 months in advance | |
| 3 months in advance | |
| Deutsche Bahn | 6 months in advance |
In need of some inspiration?
Our map below shows some of our most popular French rail routes and journey durations from Paris.
With SNCF, it's easy to travel by TGV INOUI, Intercités or OUIGO trains to some of the must-see destinations in France. Here's a simple explanation of the different services:
- TGV INOUI – these high-speed trains travel at over 300 km/h to connect the major cities in France like Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and Marseille.
- INTERCITÉS – although these trains aren't high-speed, they provide rail connections to cities not served by the TGV INOUI network.
- OUIGO – these low-cost, high-speed trains are popular for long-distance journeys within France. Ideal for those wanting to keep travel costs low.
France is also well connected to Europe by rail via a number of different train companies – we're here to help make understanding it easy. We’ll get you across the Channel from the UK, via Eurostar, and around France for less. Plus, with our free app in your hand, all your tickets and timetables are in one place. For more information on train travel in France, check out our dedicated page to trains in France. Bon voyage!
Go skiing in France by train
Les Arcs, Chamonix or Alpe d'Huez, many ski resorts in France are accessible by train. Forget about traffic and the hassle of snow tires, jump on a train instead and make the most of your ski holiday.
Getting to a ski resort by train has never been easier thanks to the extensive rail network covering France and its exceptional ski areas. Check out the best mountain destinations that can be easily accessed by train below:
- Paris to Grenoble: you can get to Alpe d'Huez station thanks to the many shuttles departing from Grenoble station
- Paris to Briançon: you can easily reach the alpine area of Montgenèvre from Briançon station
- Paris to Annecy: shuttles leave regularly from Annecy station to take you to La Clusaz station in Haute-Savoie
- Paris to Lourdes: take the train to Lourdes to reach the Pyrénées.
Direct trains to French ski resorts map
Why take the train to go skiing?
There's no luggage limit on trains
You can travel with skis, snowboards and any other ski equipment without paying a fee.
*Additional pieces of luggage are free on TGV and Intercités trains.
Forget about traffic
Thanks to the train, you'll arrive rested at your destination, ready to put your skis on! No more traffic jams, bad weather on the road and the many hours to find a parking space.
Choose a greener mode of transport
Getting to a ski resort by train rather than driving or flying is a greener option. This year, do something good for the planet!