Winter trains go on sale through Rail Europe

From Wednesday 13 October 2010, French trains running on the new winter timetable will go on sale. The timetable change from summer to winter schedules takes place on Sunday 12 December ’10.

Normally, French trains can be booked a maximum of 3 months in advance of the date of travel, but the change over to the winter timetable means that the booking horizons change slightly for a couple of months.

From 5am UK time on 13 October ‘10, passengers will be able to book rail travel in France for dates between 12 December ’10 and 13 January ‘11 inclusive.

The 3 month rule applies again from 14 October, until 3 November ’10. So for example, on 14 October, it will be possible to book travel up to and including 14 January ’11, and on 15 October travel on 15 January ‘11 will be available.

On Thursday 4 November ‘10 at 5am, sales open for trains running between 4 February and 14 March ’11 inclusive.

For any trains running after 14 March ‘11, the usual 3 month booking horizon will apply, so anyone wanting to book a train on 15 March will need to wait until 15 December ’10.

The winter timetable features increased services on routes popular with skiers, such as the Paris to Bourg St Maurice overnight service, which runs every night throughout the winter ski season.

To book or for further information, visit raileurope.co.uk or call into the Rail Europe Travel Centre at 1 Regent Street, London SW1.