From December 16, 2024, the night train will return to Gironde with two new stops on the Intercités line between Paris and Tarbes. These additional stops are located in Biganos, in Gironde, and in Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse, in Landes.
This announcement marks an expansion of the night rail service, which responds to growing demand for greener and more economical transport solutions.
SNCF Voyageurs has confirmed that the stop at Biganos will allow travelers to easily access stations in the Arcachon basin thanks to connections with TER trainsthus providing improved regional connectivity. Passengers will be able to change trains on the same platform, making it easier to travel in this area popular for its coastal landscapes. Tickets for these journeys are already available for sale, allowing users to anticipate their trips for the end-of-year holidays.
This return is part of a broader context of the revival of night trains in France, a trend which has been gaining momentum in recent years. The line between Paris and Tarbes, in particular, was relaunched in 2021, four years after the cessation of the famous “Palombe bleue”, an emblematic night train which linked Paris to the Basque Country until 2017. With this resumption, residents of the region will once again be able to benefit from this practical and nostalgic mode of transport, which has marked several generations of travelers.
In addition to the new stops at Biganos and Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse, the night train will also serve the stations of Paris-Austerlitz, Dax, Bayonne, Orthez, Pau, Lourdes and Tarbes. This service is one of eight night train lines currently operating in France, all departing from Paris-Austerlitz. Other destinations include Albi, Aurillac, Briançon, Cerbère, Latour-de-Carol, Nice, Toulouse and Tarbes.
The gradual return of night trains is part of a desire to offer sustainable alternatives and revive a slower mode of transport, but appreciated for its comfort and environmental benefits. Travelers, whether professionals or tourists, find it an attractive solution for their long-distance journeys, in particular to avoid the costs and carbon footprint of domestic flights.
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