SNCF offers 50,000 discount train tickets for summer breaks in France

The SNCF has released 50,000 OUIGO tickets costing no more than €29 to help travellers make the most of the last two weeks of the traditional summer break.

The "Derniers week-ends d’été" promotion runs until August 22 inclusive and applies to one-way trips from August 20 to August 22 and from August 27 to August 29.

Among the deals on offer, travellers can save on trips from Paris to cities including Aix-en-Provence, Bordeaux, Lyon and Nancy Ville.

Taking advantage of tickets from Paris to Bordeaux for as little as €19 would mean paying less than half price compared to the most expensive ticket, currently on sale for €45.

Beyond Paris, travellers starting their journey in Bordeaux can take the train to Toulouse for €25, set off from Poitiers to La Rochelle for €19 or get from Nantes to Pornic for €8.

As an added bonus, all OUIGO, as well as TGV INOUI and INTERCITES tickets are 100% refundable up to three days before departure, until September 12.

French health pass rules for train journeys

Anyone aged 18 or over wishing to travel on a long-distance train must now show a valid health pass.

Health pass checks will not be systematic and could occur just before boarding, while travelling on, or even once off the train. You can expect more regular inspections at larger stations.

Passengers found to be travelling without a pass, but who are already aboard the train will be fined €135. Those stopped before they get on the train will be turned away by station staff.

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