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What is French train etiquette & practical tips: what to know before you go? In short: validate your SNCF ticket (compostage), say “bonjour,” stay quiet and courteous, avoid loudspeaker phone use or smelly foods, keep feet off seats, respect boarding flow, and be ready for strikes. These guidelines will ensure smooth, respectful travel through France on TGVs, TERs, and regional trains.
General Overview of French Train Travel
Train travel in France is among the most efficient and beloved ways to get around. The world-famous TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) can reach speeds up to 199 mph, rivaling air travel when you factor in airport time and commuting.
Tickets open approximately 90 days before travel, with the best window for booking around that time frame—especially for TGV, Thalys, Eurostar, and Intercité, where reservations are mandatory.
Strikes are not uncommon in France; they can cause cancellations or delays, particularly on Sundays. Always book flexibly, and check SNCF alerts in advance.
Essential French Train Etiquette
Here are core train etiquette France guidelines to ensure you blend in like a pro:
- Validate your ticket (compostage SNCF ticket validation) before boarding using the yellow or orange machines at the station. Forgetting this may result in a fine.
- Always greet staff and fellow passengers with a polite “bonjour” when boarding.
- Stay quiet on French trains: avoid loud phone calls, and if necessary use the corridor between carriages. A recent case saw a passenger fined €200 for using a smartphone loudspeaker in a station.
- Feet off train seats France: Putting your feet on seats is considered highly inconsiderate.
- No eating smelly food on train France: Avoid pungent foods like curry, fish, or citrus fruits. Opt for mild sandwiches, mozzarella, or cheddar.
- Don’t put your bag on the empty seat during crowded times. Keep luggage in designated areas or on your lap.
- Saying “pardon” when squeezing through crowds or doors is polite and expected.
- On the metro or suburban trains, stand aside when entering/exiting, remove backpacks when crowded, hold doors for others, and offer seats to elderly or pregnant passengers.
- Quiet rules: On TGV or long-distance trains, phone calls should be made in the corridors and ringtones must be turned off.
Practical Tips for Riding SNCF
Ticketing & Boarding
- Validate your ticket France train (compostage) or face fines.
- Arrive early: At busy stations like Gare de Lyon, allow at least 30 minutes to navigate and find platforms.
- Check departure boards and position yourself near your carriage to avoid rushing at the last minute.
Handling Delays & Strikes
- Plan around train strikes France by checking SNCF alerts. Sunday services may be reduced or delayed.
Luggage Etiquette
- Luggage etiquette on French trains: Keep bags in racks or under seats, and never on spare seats.
- On TGV, label your luggage with name and phone number—even a paper tag suffices. Unlabeled luggage might be removed or destroyed.
Table: Compare Train Types in France
| Train Type | Booking Required? | Bike/Luggage Rules | Key Etiquette Notes |
| TGV | Yes | Label luggage, reserve bikes; non-disassembled bikes required pack | Arrive early, silent zone awareness |
| Intercité | Yes | Bike reservation required; luggage in racks | Validate ticket, stay quiet |
| TER (Regional) | No | Bikes allowed without reservation; luggage limited space | Same basic etiquette applies |
FAQ – French Train Travel Etiquette & Practical Tips
Q: What is French train etiquette?
A: Validate your ticket, say bonjour, keep quiet, don’t put feet or bags on seats, and avoid smelly food.
Q: How to validate SNCF ticket?
A: Use yellow/orange “compostage” machines before boarding to stamp your ticket.
Q: Are there fines for etiquette breaches?
A: Yes. Loudspeaker phone use can result in fines up to €200.
Q: What foods are allowed or not?
A: Avoid pungent foods like curry, fish, eggs, or citrus. Prefer mildly scented foods like mozzarella, sandwiches, or chocolate.
Q: How about luggage labels?
A: Yes, especially on TGV—include name and contact info. Unlabeled luggage may be taken away.
Q: How to board without delay?
A: Check platform early, stand where your carriage will stop, and board only after others have disembarked—rushing delays everyone.
Competitor-Beating Touches & Pain-Points
Most competitor posts gloss over fines, luggage labeling, and specific food examples. This article:
- Highlights real consequences (e.g. €200 fine for loud phone use).
- Gives food-specific guidance based on coach recommendations.
- Provides a clear luggage label policy, rarely explained elsewhere.
- Uses a helpful tone, avoiding stiff formalities.
- Includes a comparison table for clarity.
- Offers insider tips like early station arrival and boarding flow.
Relax—Store Your Luggage with Radical Storage
Traveling by train in France need not be stressful. With good French train etiquette & practical tips, you’ll ride smoothly, respectfully, and confidently. And if you arrive early or your schedule shifts—why haul that rolling suitcase around cafés, museums, or winding streets? That’s where Radical Storage comes in.
Radical Storage is an international luggage storage network that lets you securely store your bags in trusted local businesses across cities. Enjoy the day unencumbered—explore, café-hop, or stroll on light feet—then retrieve your luggage whenever you’re ready to head to your next train. It’s simple, flexible, and traveler-tested comfort.
Bon voyage—and remember: compostez votre billet, say “bonjour,” keep it tidy, and store with Radical Storage when you roam!
