Ouigo launches new low-cost train route between Paris and Perpignan

Ouigo will begin a new TGV train service between Paris and southern France on Monday (March 27).

The low-cost operator will run a daily, direct train in each direction between the French capital and Perpignan.

The train, which takes around 5 hours, will stop at several other stations en route, including Narbonne, Sète and Nîmes.

Service will compete with TGV

Paris and Perpignan already has a direct TGV service, which runs four trains per day in each direction.

But the introduction of Ouigo and its lower ticket prices will be a boost for cost-conscious travellers.

The Ouigo service will initially open with two services per day, one in each direction:

• Perpignan – Paris (Gare de Lyon): Departs at 15:04 and arrives at 20:22.
• Paris (Gare de Lyon) – Perpignan: Departs at 08:23 and arrives at 13:24

Both the TGV and Ouigo services take around five hours.

The Ouigo train will also serve seven additional stops during the journey:

• Narbonne
• Béziers
• Agde
• Sète
• Montpellier
• Nîmes
• Valence TGV

Read more: Train tickets for the French summer season now on sale

Tickets from just €19

Tickets for the journey start at €19 for adults and €8 for children, however, prices this low are usually only available when bookings are made far in advance.

Realistically, ticket prices for the Ouigo service will cost around €20 - €80, depending on when you book your ticket, but prices will still be cheaper than for the TGV.

The cheaper tickets do come with a catch, however – Ouigo trains do not have a food/drinks bar (nor do they offer a refreshments cart), and you must pay extra for luggage, WiFI, plug sockets, and seat selection.

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