This Wednesday, September 4 and tomorrow, Ouigo is launching its flash sales of low-cost tickets. Our selection of destinations served by fast trains, to (really) enjoy your vacation.
Very affordable train travel belongs to those who get up early… This Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the SNCF’s back-to-school discounts and “unbelievable” flash sales of Ouigo tickets, the national company’s “low cost” ticket, begin. 200,000 tickets will be sold from early morning, at a maximum price of 19 euros one way. The counterpart: they will be non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
This rate applies to all French destinations served by Ouigo, from Lille to Marseille, from Brest to Strasbourg. They will be valid for stays between September 9 and December 14, by TGV and slow train. 80th anniversary of the Landing, ski resorts… Here are our destination ideas.
Toulon: for the 80th anniversary of the Landing
HAUSER – stock.adobe.com
The capital of the Var appears to be the ideal city to visit this fall. The port city combines the maritime atmosphere of its beaches with impressive viewpoints, like the panorama from Mont Faron, which overlooks the city. The mild temperatures of autumn are ideal for hiking along the sea, on the coastal path. But above all, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Landings in Provence and the liberation of Toulon, in August 1944.
Head to the Historical Service of Defense (passage de la Corderie). Until January 17, 2025, the exhibition “1944, from the sea came freedom” traces this military operation and pays tribute to the fighters through several archives (photographs, film extracts, uniforms of the time, etc.). Admission is free, upon presentation of an identity document.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice: for skiing in Les Arcs
Sergey Novikov/serrnovik / Sergey Novikov – stock.adobe.com
For those who already dream of skiing, this is the right plan to grab. Bourg-Saint-Maurice is the ideal starting point to enjoy a snow holiday. From this Savoyard commune, you can reach Arc 1600, one of the sites in the Les Arcs ski resort, in seven minutes. And this is thanks to a funicular, the return trip of which is free upon presentation of an SNCF ticket to Bourg-Saint-Maurice (the initial price being €5). From Arc 1600, buses allow you to reach the other sites (Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000) which will open no later than December 14.
Strasbourg: for the Alsatian Christmas markets
MarinadeArt – stock.adobe.com
Strasbourg can be enjoyed all year round, the Alsatian capital especially welcomes the crowds from the end of November for the opening of its historic Christmas market, organized since 1570. Mulled wine, pretzels, tartes flambées, Alsatian crafts… Until the end of December, more than 300 chalets offer each year a decor worthy of Christmas films. A real gateway to the other towns of Alsace, Strasbourg allows you to easily discover other markets. The one in Colmar is only 30 minutes away by TER.
TO LISTEN – THE INTERVIEW – Jean-Marc De Jaeger, journalist at Figaro Voyage,’s top tips for discovering Europe by train.
