The Different Types of Public Transport in France

When you are travelling to France, you want to getYou can also choose to get around by water and
the most out of the whole trip and get to as manyenjoy the beautiful French seaside scenery during
places as you can. There are many means of publictravel. There are several car ferries that are owned
transport France has to offer. Make sure that youand maintained by the state. These car ferries are
familiarize yourself with these different ways in ordercalled BACs and they are used to connect the larger
for you to experience French travel avoid the hasslesFrench islands on the nearby Atlantic coast with the
of not knowing how to get from one place tomainland.
another.These BACs are also known to regularly sail across
One of the best modes of public transport in Francethe Gironde estuary, the place where the Dordogne
is the modern rail transport system. France has oneand Garoone rivers merge. Different ferry lines serve
of the most sophisticated and efficient railwayspecific islands. For Corsica, the ferries sailing
networks in the world. The French railway systembetween the island and the mainline are operated by
reaches up to 31,840 kilometres and is considered asSNCM or SocitNationale Maritime Corse-Mediterrane.
one of the most wide-ranging and far-reachingFor visiting historic villages, towns and sites that are
railways in the whole Western Europe region.nearby the long stretch of navigable waterways of
The French Railways operates a network that spansFrance, there are several ferries and boats that sail
all across the country. For people visiting Paris, theyon regular intervals every day. If you want to enjoy
can travel from the southwest portion of France anda scenic view of the many beautiful French canals at
from Brittany to Paris via the TGV or the traina restful pace, this mode of public transport is best
Grande vitesse. Within Paris, locals and tourists canfor you. Not only will you be provided beautiful
use the RATP or Rgie Autonome des Transportsscenery, you will also be getting a crash course on
Parisiens, which, aside from the rail and undergroundthe rich history of rural France.
network, also includes a fully integrated bus thatAnother way of getting around by water is going on
operates around the capital city.cruising boats which can be sailed through the
If you prefer travelling from one place to anotherwaterways with or without crews. The cruising boats
quickly via airplane, there is at least one reliableavailable usually range from small cabin cruises, to
airport in every major town and city in France. Therelatively large commercial barges and provide you
main airline that has regular trips everyday andwith relaxation and a scenic view during the whole
connects the different towns and cities is Air France.time of travelling. There are also hotel boats with
Make sure that you check the official Air Franceluxurious features that provide a wide array of
website for ticket reservations especially during peakcomfort and price ranges that you can choose from.
seasons.