Reacting to the threat of fewer Americans traveling to France this year, or just to make sure those nice Yanks keep coming back to the world's leading tourist destination, Rail Europe has extended its basic France Railpass from three days to four, making the per day cost lower than last year's price in both 1st and 2nd class. Your 4-day pass now costs $210 in 2nd Class, $240 in 1st. Also, if you want to add extra rail days, the cost for 1st class has gone down from $34 to just $30 for each day. Rail days may be consecutive or not and must be used within a one-month period.
There are other versions of the France Railpass, so be sure to ask about your particular needs, including Saverpasses (for two or more persons traveling together), Youth Passes (age 26 or under) and Senior Saverpasses (two or more seniors traveling together).
There is also a Weekender Pass, giving you 4 consecutive days of rail travel -- including a Saturday and Sunday -- costing just $119 for 2nd class or $139 for 1st. You can book this pass only from October 1 through December 31, and other restrictions apply, so be sure to inquire. (You can never plan far enough ahead!)
The French also say travel will be faster between 140 cities as a result of the new TGV Mediterranee line they are putting into place. Furthermore, they've created a new two-country "France 'n Italy Pass." The latter is the only Railpass on the market for the two most popular countries on the continent (so far as American travelers are concerned), starting at $209 per person for 2 or more people traveling together, and good for 2nd class trips. For 1st class, the price is just $30 more per person. Either gives you unlimited train travel for 4 days (consecutive for not), within a 2-month period. You can purchase up to 6 additional days if you need to. If you are traveling alone, the cost is $239 for 2nd class, $279 for 1st. For young people (26 and under), the cost is $199, 2nd class only.
For more information or to reserve, call Rail Europe at 888/382-7245 or visit the Web site, www.raileurope.com.