France - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services: Difference between revisions

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=Introduction=
 
==Timetable Information==
=Obscure Routes=
 
==General==
 
It has not been possible to obtain access to the working timetable in recent years. The entries in this list therefore derive from:
It has not been possible to obtain access to the working timetable in recent years. The entries in this list therefore derive from:
*services which can be adduced from public timetable information (such as occasional pre-planned engineering diversions where these are shown in the journey planners) for which an explanation is given
*services which can be adduced from public timetable information (such as occasional pre-planned engineering diversions where these are shown in the journey planners) for which an explanation is given
Line 10: Line 6:
*services for which the routing has been confirmed subsequently.
*services for which the routing has been confirmed subsequently.


Therefore this list does not represent the service for any specific timetable period and it is not planned to up-date entries with each timetable change. The headings for routes which have a habit of re-appearing reasonably regularly for engineering diversions are retained but this is no guarantee that such diversions will be scheduled during any given timetable year. Where examples of usage are given to assist in identifying relevant trains, users should compare these with the timetable for the period in which they are interested - where the details are the same then it may be expected that the routing will be the same. ''Reports to bring entries up to date will be welcomed. If any reader can provide details from the train service databases the compilers will be very pleased to hear from them.''
For some entries where the service is particularly sparse or difficult to deduce, individual trains are listed and the compilers will endeavour to update these entries with each timetable change. Entries marked FR24/ are based on the timetable 10 December 2023 to 14 December 2024, unless otherwise stated. {{Standard Abbreviations}}


With the exception of a few little-used or obscure spurs, details are not given of all the spurs linking to ''Lignes à Grande Vitesse'' (LGVs). It may be assumed that ''Trains à Grande Vitesse'' (TGVs) make maximum use of LGVs on their line of route. Where reference is made to TGV services, this should be taken to include ''Eurostar'' and ''Thalys'' trains as appropriate.
==Regions==
From 1982 the Départements in metropolitan France were grouped into 16 Régions, which were merged and renamed into 13 metropolitan Régions in 2016.  SNCF continued to use the 1982 names for a while after 2016, but now use the new names.


No overall French public timetable in tabular form is now issued (so table numbers cannot be quoted). Lines are listed by local government ''Région'' and, for local services, the number of the ''TER fiche'' is quoted. These can be downloaded through the [http://www.ter-sncf.com/ TER website] > ''Région'' > ''Fiches Horaires'' > ''fiche''. Exception: [http://www.transilien.com/web/site/accueil/etat-trafic/fiches-horaires Île-de-France and Paris] > ''Fiches horaires en poche''. There are no entries for the following Régions: Corse; Limousin; Haute-Normandie; Pays-de-la-Loire; Poitou-Charentes.
Regions are listed geographically, north to south, and there is a separate page giving details of obscure services in each.


==Car-carrier trains==
{| width="60%" |
All internal French car-carrier trains have been withdrawn. The only such services now remaining (which are mentioned under some routes below) are those [http://www.autoslaaptrein.nl/nl/index.html from the Netherlands (Den Bosch / s'Hertogenbosch)] by Euro-Express Treincharter AutoSlaap trein (MotoRail) and [http://www.dbautozug.de/site/dbautozug/en/start.html from Germany] by DB Autozug. Some may not convey passengers without an accompanying vehicle.
| [[France_(Hauts_de_France)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Hauts de France]]
| Includes Lille and Amiens
| Entries referenced from FRxx/001
|-
| [[France_(Normandie)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Normandie]]
| Includes Caen and Rouen
| Entries referenced from FRxx/051
|-
| [[France_(Île-de-France)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Île-de-France]]
| Includes Paris
| Entries referenced from FRxx/151
|-
| [[France_(Grand_Est)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Grand Est]]
| Includes Metz, Strasbourg and Mulhouse
| Entries referenced from FRxx/201
|-
| [[France_(Pays_de_Loire)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Pays de Loire]]
| Includes Le Mans and Nantes
| Entries referenced from FRxx/251
|-
| [[France_(Centre_-_Val_de_Loire)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Centre - Val de Loire]]
| Includes Orléans and Tours
| Entries referenced from FRxx/301
|-
| [[France_(Bourgogne_Franche_Comté)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Bourgogne Franche Comté]]
| Includes Besançon and Dijon
| Entries referenced from FRxx/351
|-
| [[France_(Nouvelle_Aquitaine)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Nouvelle Aquitaine]]
| Includes Poitiers and Bordeaux
| Entries referenced from FRxx/401
|-
| [[France_(Auvergne_Rhône_Alpes)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Auvergne Rhône Alpes]]
| Includes Lyon, Chambéry and Valence
| Entries referenced from FRxx/451
|-
| [[France_(Occitanie)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Occitanie]]
| Includes Toulouse and Perpignan
| Entries referenced from FRxx/501
|-
| [[France_(Provence_Alpes_Côte_d'Azur)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur]]
| Includes Avignon and Marseille
| Entries referenced from FRxx/551
|-
| [[France_(Lignes_à_Grande_Vitesse)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services|(Lignes à Grande Vitesse)]]
| Lignes à Grande Vitesse clockwise from north to west
| Entries referenced from FRxx/601
|}


=Obscure services=
The following regions currently have no Obscure Services: Bretagne and Corse (Corsica)


==Alsace Région==
==Dates of Running==
SNCF has one of the most complex patterns in Europe of dates on which some trains run, such that they can be very cumbersome to express in words. The entries thus show just the basic pattern, such as weekdays only or weekends only. The letter 'D' denotes a train whose dates of operation are seasonal or variable. Users should use the SNCF journey planner to determine on which dates a train runs.


===Contournement de Mulhouse ''and'' Raccordement de Wanne: Lutterbach (Haut-Rhin) (Bifurcation de Lutterbach) – Mulhouse (via Mulhouse Nord)===
The timetable ''fiches'' do not normally cover the whole year. A new series usually comes into force in July, but not all régions seem to adhere to the same July date. These summer/autumn fiches are not normally available until June.
[fiche 01] (41A3) FR1
Check also when reading the timetable ''fiches'' for dated entries, ''fiches'' being reissued after they have come into force (and hence not necessarily available at the time of compiling details of obscure services) and gaps in the period covered (which can give rise to a 'hidden' suspension of service). '''Owing to this complex situation users should not rely on details herein being up to date at all times and should check on the SNCF journey planner.
'''
Check for alterations in consequence of strikes, engineering works and of service reductions at holiday periods at [https://www.sncf.com/fr/itineraire-reservation/info-trafic/gl SNCF Grandes lignes], [https://www.sncf.com/fr/itineraire-reservation/info-trafic/idf  Île de France] or the [https://www.sncf.com/fr/offres-voyageurs/carte-et-tarifs-ter TER] regional websites.


Enables trains from the Colmar direction to approach Mulhouse station from the east, and is used by ''most'' through-running trains between the Colmar and Belfort lines, to simplify operation at Mulhouse (although those with extended station time at Mulhouse are likely to run between Lutterbach and Mulhouse direct via Dornach and reverse at Mulhouse station).
==LGVs==
Detailed schematic plans of all LGVs can be found via [https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat%C3%A9gorie:Sch%C3%A9ma_de_ligne_ferroviaire_en_France this list]; these plans should be consulted to identify all the various spurs on and off LGVs.  ''TGV''s normally make maximum use of LGVs on their line of route, but overnight services may use classic lines for part of the journey, in order to allow for infrastructure maintenance.  A ''TGV'' calling at two stations reasonably close together on a classic line may not use a parallel ''LGV''.


===Contournement de Mulhouse ''and'' Raccordement de Dornach: Mulhouse Dornach – Rixheim (via Mulhouse Nord)===
Where reference is made to ''TGV'' services, this should be taken to include ''Eurostar'', ''Thalys'' and ''Ouigo'' trains as appropriate, where the context so permits and unless otherwise indicated (but remember that ''Ouigo'' trains may not show up on Voyages-SNCF or HAFAS-related on-line journey planners - only on their dedicated websites).  In lists of trains herein, ''TGV Inoui'' services are shown as ''TGV'' and ''TGV Ouigo'' as ''TGO''.
[fiche 15] (41A3, not all shown) FR2


This route (which partly overlaps the preceding entry) enables trains from the Basel direction to approach Mulhouse station from the west, and ''vice versa''. It is only used when engineering work blocks the direct line between Rixheim and Mulhouse, by local trains (which may be advertised with extended running time between those points).
==Table Numbers/Fiches==
No overall French public timetable in tabular form is now issued, so table numbers cannot be quoted. Lines are listed by local government ''Région'' so, for local services,  the number of  the ''TER fiche'' is quoted. These can be downloaded through the [https://www.sncf.com/fr/offres-voyageurs/carte-et-tarifs-ter TER regional websites]: select the relevant ''Région'' and follow ''Horaires & Trafic'' then ''Fiches Horaires'' or ''Votre Fiche Horaires'' or ''Fiches Horaires à télécharger'' or ''Horaires / Travauz / Grèves''.


===<div id="MVMB"></div>Mulhouse Ville – Müllheim (Baden) (Germany)===
Where a service is shown in the [https://www.europeanrailtimetable.eu/ European Rail Timetable] this is indicated by 'ERT' and the table number.
(41A3) FR3


For details of seasonal Sunday services on this route see [http://kursbuch.bahn.de/hafas/kbview.exe DB Kursbuch], table (''Kursbuchstreckennummer'') 703.
==Maps==
{{Map Refs ERA-E}} {{Map Refs ERA-R-1 }}” {{Map Refs SW-FR-1}}


===(Flüh [Switzerland] –) '''frontier – Leymen – frontier''' (– Rodersdorf [Switzerland])===
SNCF's most recent on-line [https://www.oui.sncf/ext/editorial/guide-voyageur/carte-destinations.pdf passenger destinations map] is diagrammatic and does not show lines used only by local trains: see the [[France_-_General_Information#Maps|General Information Maps]] page for mapping information.
(41A2 - not shown) FR4


BLT operate through France - see [http://www.fahrplanfelder.ch/en/welcome/ Swiss table] > 505 - over this route which is not linked to the French national network.
=Trams=
See [[France_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|France - Tram services over obscure routes]]


==Aquitaine Région==
=Other sparse services=
 
===Raccordement de la Grave: St.Loubès (La Grave d'Ambarès Supérieure) – Ste.Eulalie-Carbon-Blanc (Bifurcation de la Grave)===
(51B1, not shown) FR50
 
A curve linking the high and low level lines. Previously used (when run) by ''4053'' Paris Austerlitz - 00:19 Les Aubrais - Irun
and ''4052'' Hendaye - 00:32 Morcenx - Paris Austerlitz. '''''Confirmation of whether use of this routing continues, following layout and signalling changes in the Bordeaux area, would be welcomed by the compilers.'''''
 
=== Le Verdon - Pointe-de-Grave===
[fiche  Le Verdon ... Bordeaux] (51A2) FR51
 
Summer only service
 
==Auvergne Région==
 
===Raccordement de St.Germain-des-Fossés===
(47B1, not shown) FR100
 
Used by through trains between Lyon and Montluçon ''or'' Clermont Ferrand when ''not'' scheduled to call at St.Germain-des-Fossés.
 
==Basse-Normandie Région==
 
===Trouville-Deauville - Dives-Cabourg===
[fiche 05] (12B1) FR150
 
Summer only service but with some winter weekend workings.
 
==Bourgogne Région==
 
===Saincaize avoiding line: La Guerche-sur-l'Aubois – Nevers===
[Centre fiche 34] (47A3) FR200
 
Used by through trains between Bourges and Nevers.
 
===Raccordement de Laroche-Migennes: Poste 5 (station south side) - Poste 4 (main line)===
[fiche 12]  (37B3, not shown) FR201
 
Used by through trains between Auxerre-St.Gervais and Dijon Ville, between Laroche-Migennes (station south side, voie K, where the trains reverse) and St.Florentin-Vergigny. The east end connection with the former PLM main line at Poste 4 is a grade-separated junction, with separate ''pair'' (up) and ''impair'' (down) ''raccordements''.
 
===Raccordement de Vergigny: Brienon – Le Creusot-TGV (Bifurcation de Vergigny)===
(37B3, not shown) FR202
 
This connection was the original link between the Paris - Dijon main line and ''LGV Sud Est''. Used by TGV Melun <==> Marseille St.Charles, under subsidy from the Région. Frequency varies with season.
 
===Dijon Perrigny and Gevrey Triages (Yards)===
(38B1) FR203
 
These connections, through Dijon Perrigny Triage and also (in the case of (a) and (c)) through Gevrey Triage, are used by those trains between the Nancy or Dole lines and the Beaune or Bourg-en-Bresse lines ''not'' scheduled to call at Dijon Ville. Used by car-carrier trains between Germany and 
Avignon/Narbonne - route (a) '''or''' route (b).
*'''<span id="DIJ_NB"></span>(a) between Nancy and Beaune lines: Dijon-Porte-Neuve (Bifurcation km 318,8) – Gevrey-Chambertin''' Trains between Metz or Nancy or beyond and the south of France not shown to call at Dijon Ville. Also car-carrier trains between the Netherlands and Avignon / Frejus.
*'''<span id="DIJ_NBB"></span>(b) between Nancy and Bourg-en-Bresse lines: Dijon-Porte-Neuve (Bifurcation km 318,8) – Perrigny Triage Poste 3''' Used by some car-carrier trains between Germany / the Netherlands and the south of France.
*'''(c) between Dole and Beaune lines: Neuilly-lès-Dijon (Bifurcation de Longvic) – Gevrey-Chambertin''' Used for engineering diversions by trains between Lyon and Strasbourg when shown to be diverted from the normal route via St.Amour.
 
===Meursault (Bifurcation km 363,0) – Santenay-les-Bains (Chagny ex-Poste4) via Chagny ex-Poste 3bis and Raccordement Nevers===
[fiche 03] (48B3) FR204
 
Used by trains between Dijon and the Montchanin branch when ''not'' scheduled to call at Chagny.
 
===Meursault (Bifurcation km 363,0) – Chagny (west side platforms) via Chagny ex-Poste 3bis===
[fiche 03] (48B3) FR205
 
Used by trains between Dijon and the Montchanin branch when scheduled to call at Chagny, where they reverse in the west side platforms 4 or 5 (track A, B or C).
 
===Rully (Chagny (Poste 1)) – Chagny (west side platforms)===
[fiche 06] (48B3) FR206
 
Used by through trains between Chalon sur Saône and the Montchanin branch, which call at Chagny in the west side platforms 4 or 5 (track A, B or C).
 
===Mâcon raccordement nord: Mâcon (Bifurcation km 442,426) – Mâcon-Loché south junction===
(48B1) FR207
 
A link between the PLM main line and the LGV used by TGVs between [Dijon Ville -] Mâcon-Ville and Lyon.
 
===Mâcon raccordement sud: Mâcon-Loché TGV – Creches (Bifurcation km 445,296)===
(48B1) FR208
 
A link between the PLM main line and the LGV used when engineering work blocks the LGV between Mâcon-Loché TGV and the Lyon area and extended journey times are shown.
 
==Bretagne Région==
 
===Redon avoiding line: Severac – Avessac===
[fiche 04] (32A2) FR250
 
Used by those trains between Nantes and Rennes ''not'' scheduled to call at Redon.
 
===Auray - Quiberon===
[fiche 32] (31A2) FR251
 
Summer only service
 
==Centre Région==
 
===Raccordement Orléans-Vierzon: Orléans – St.Cyr-en-Val-La-Source===
[fiche 23] (36A3) FR300
 
Used by those trains between Orléans station and the Vierzon line ''not'' scheduled to call at Les Aubrais.
 
===Raccordement Orléans-Tours: Orléans – La Chapelle-St.Mesmin===
[fiche 03] (36A3) FR301
 
Used by those trains between Orléans station and the Tours line ''not'' scheduled to call at Les Aubrais.
 
===St.Pierre-des-Corps (Bifurcation PS Autoroute) – Monts (Indre-et-Loire) (Bifurcation de Tours)===
[fiche 30] (34B1) FR302
 
This section of the main line is used by trains between St.Pierre-des-Corps and Chatellerault or Poitiers ''not'' scheduled to call at Tours.
 
===St.Pierre-des-Corps (Bifurcation PS Autoroute) – St.Genouph ''or'' La Membrolle-sur-Chois (Bifurcation Grammont)===
[fiches 27 and 28] (34B1) FR303
 
Used by trains between St.Pierre-des-Corps and Saumur or Chateau-du-Loir ''not'' scheduled to call at Tours.
 
===Raccordement Tours-Bordeaux: Tours – Monts (Indre-et-Loire) ''or'' Joué-les-Tours (Bifurcation de Tours)===
[fiches 29,  30 and 31] (34B1) FR304
 
Used by trains between Tours and Poitiers, Loches or Chinon ''not'' scheduled to call at St.Pierre-des-Corps.
 
===Bourges avoiding line: Marmagne – St.Florent-sur-Cher===
[fiche 36] (46A3) FR305
 
Used by trains between Vierzon and Montuçon Ville ''not'' scheduled to call at Bourges.
 
===Bellébat turning circle (''Musée des Transports de Pithiviers'')===
(25A1) FR306
 
See [http://www.lafrancevuedurail.fr/pithiviers/ www.lafrancevuedurail.fr/pithiviers]
 
Normally, trains arrive and depart by the long arc of the balloon loop at Bellébat. Exceptionally, the first train of the day arrives, and the last train of the day leaves, by the short arc here instead.
 
==Champagne-Ardenne Région==
 
===Epernay avoiding line: Ay – Châlons-en-Champagne (Epernay east junction)===
[fiche Reims - Châlons] (26B3) FR350
 
Non-stop trains between Reims and Châlons-en-Champagne (but check for reversals at Epernay). The route is an alternative to that via St.Hilaire-au-Temple and is also used for engineering diversions.
 
===Raccordement Trois Puits: Trois Puits – Champagne-Ardenne TGV===
[fiche Reims - Champagne-Ardenne TGV] (27A3, not shown - see link to FR LGV Est from [http://www.avoe05.dsl.pipex.com/rinbad_list.htm Rinbad website]) 
FR351
 
This link with LGV Est is unusual in that not only do through Paris <==> Reims TGVs use it but so also do non-TGV trains to make connections at Champagne-Ardenne TGV (using bay platforms there).
 
===<div id="CH_AL"></div>Raccordement direct de Chalindrey (Culmont-Chalindrey avoiding line): Andilly ''or'' Chaudenay (Haute-Marne) (Raccordement Est) – Le Pailly (Culmont-Chalindrey Poste 2, Raccordement Sud)===
(39A3) FR352
 
Used by trains between Nancy and Dijon which are ''not'' scheduled to call at Culmont-Chalindrey. Used by car-carrier trains between Germany / the Netherlands and the south of France.
 
==Franche-Comté Région==
 
===Belfort avoiding line: Chèvremont (Raccordement Est) – Héricourt (Raccordement Sud)===
[fiche Besançon - Belfort] (40B2) FR400
 
Used by trains between Lyon and Mulhouse (including relief trains and for engineering diversions) ''not'' scheduled to call at Belfort.
 
==Île-de-France Région (including Paris)==
 
A series of lines circles Paris, sections of which are used by trains running between the north of the France and the south and west.
 
The ''Petite Ceinture'' ran around central Paris and most has closed. Only that part of the western section which has been incorporated into RER line C has regular passenger services.
 
The ''Grande Ceinture'' runs through the outer suburbs. The southern section, between Versailles, Massy-Palaiseau and Les Saules, forms part of the suburban passenger network. The eastern section, between Valenton and Stains is used by occasional long- distance passenger trains (where such services remain). Between Sucy-Bonneuil and Bobigny GC alternative routes are available, via Neuilly- sur-Marne (''Grande Ceinture Complémentaire'') or via Nogent-le-Perreux (''Grande Ceinture Est''); this latter is shared with RER line A between Bifurcation de Nogent and Bifurcation de Noissy. The northern section, between Stains and Sartrouville, had no regular passenger service for many years but remains the subject of long-term proposals for re-opening for local transversal services across northern Paris. A limited re-opening - for through TGVs - took effect from summer July 2009 (see [[#SBTGS|FR451]], below) experimentally until September 2011. The western section, from Achères to Versailles, is currently out of use as a through route, but the middle part has been incorporated into the suburban network. Connections between the ''Grande Ceinture'' and the main lines radiating from Paris give a wide range of potential routings.
 
The ''LGV Interconnexion'' runs through the country to the east of Paris and links ''LGV Nord'' , ''LGV Est'' and ''LGV Sud-Est'' and, by a connection to the southern part of the Grande Ceinture, ''LGV Atlantique''. It is used by all TGV services between these routes.
 
===St.Denis – Pantin (Villette Poste 2) (via La Chapelle Poste 6)===
(81B2) FR450
 
This is a combination of two links from the Paris Nord and Paris Est main lines to the ''Petite Ceinture'' (although the route does not actually use the ''Petite Ceinture'' itself). It is used by the mid-week [London Victoria <==>] Calais Ville <==> Venezia SL ''VSOE'' trains as between Calais and Paris Est: visit [http://www.orient-express.com/ ''VSOE''] website for dates and times.
 
===<span id="SBTGS"></span>Sartrouville (Bifurcation de Sartrouville) / Val d'Argenteuil (Bifurcation du Val Notre Dame Ouest) – Argenteuil Poste 5 – Stains [reverse] – Garges- Sarcelles (Bifurcation Pierrefitte Sud)===
(81B2-81B3) FR451
 
This is part of the the northern section of the ''Grande Ceinture'' route and connecting curves, used by TGVs between Cherbourg and Dijon/Besançon and between Le Havre and Strasbourg - initially experimentally until September 2011. The trains reverse ''en route'' and (by use of line [[#TdVsc|FR456]]) serve Aéroport Charles de Gaulle TGV. The eastbound (morning) trains enter via Val d'Argenteuil (Bifurcation du Val Notre Dame Ouest). The westbound (afternoon) Cherbourg trains exit via Sartrouville (Bifurcation de Sartrouville), while the Le Havre trains do so at Val d'Argenteuil.
 
===Garges-Sarcelles (Bifurcation Pierrefitte Sud) – Noisy le Sec===
(81B3) FR452
 
This is the ''Grande Ceinture'' route linking the Paris Nord and Paris Est main lines. It is used by the weekend [London Victoria <==>] Calais Ville <==> Venezia SL ''VSOE'' trains as between Calais and Paris Est: visit [http://www.orient-express.com/ ''VSOE''] website for dates and times.
 
===Garges-Sarcelles (Bifurcation Pierrefitte Sud) – Villeneuve St.Georges (Poste 3) (via Bobigny GC)===
(81B3 & 82A3) FR453
 
This is the ''Grande Ceinture'' route linking the Paris Nord and Paris Gare-de- Lyon main lines. There are no longer advertised services via this route but there are ''un''advertised pilgrimage specials between northern France and Belgium, and Lourdes via this pair of routes.
*'''(a) via ''Grande Ceinture Complémentaire'' and Neuilly sur Marne'''
*'''(b) via ''Grande Ceinture Est'' and Nogent-le-Perreux'''
 
===Garges-Sarcelles (Bifurcation Pierrefitte Sud) – Savigny sur Orge (Bifurcation de St.Martin) (via Bobigny GC)===
(81B3 & 82A3) FR454
 
This is the ''Grande Ceinture'' route linking the Paris Nord and the Paris Austerlitz main lines. There are no longer advertised services via this route but there are ''un''advertised pilgrimage specials between northern France and Belgium, and Lourdes via this pair of routes.
*'''(a) via ''Grande Ceinture Complémentaire'' and Neuilly sur Marne'''
*'''(b) via ''Grande Ceinture Est'' and Nogent-le-Perreux'''
 
===Chenay-Gagny – Savigny sur Orge (Bifurcation de St.Martin) (via Valenton)===
(81B3 & 82A3) FR455
 
This is the ''Grande Ceinture'' route linking the Paris Est and the Paris Austerlitz main lines. There are no longer advertised services via this route but there are ''un''advertised pilgrimage specials between north-eastern France (or beyond) and Lourdes via this route.
 
===<span id="TdVsc"></span>Triangle de Vemars south curve: Villiers le Bel-Gonesse (Triangle de Vemars Bifurcation Sud) – Aéroport Charles de Gaulle TGV (Triangle de Vemars Bifurcation Epiais)===
(81A1) FR456
 
Used by TGVs between Cherbourg and Dijon/Besançon and between Le Havre and Strasbourg (in conjunction with line <a href="#SBTGS">FR451</a>) to serve Aéroport Charles de Gaulle TGV.
 
===Triangle de Coubert north curve: Les Saules (Triangle de Coubert Bifurcation Ouest) – Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy (Triangle de Coubert Bifurcation Nord)===
(25B2) FR457
 
Used by TGVs between ''LGV Nord'' and ''LGV Atlantique''.
 
===Le Creusot-TGV (Bifurcation de Moisenay) – Combs-la-Ville-Quincy (Bifurcation de Combs)===
(25B2) FR458
 
This is the former northern end of ''LGV Sud-Est'', now little used. Most TGVs to and from Paris run via Triangle de Coubert (Bifurcation Sud – Bifurcation Ouest) joining the main line from Gare-de-Lyon at Bifurcation de Creteil, north of Villeneuve Triage. A few trains are routed via Bifurcation de Combs for engineering works or pathing purposes.
 
===Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy ''or'' Le Creusot-TGV (Bifurcation de Valenton) – Les Saules===
(82A3) FR459
A connection from ''LGV Interconnexion'' to the ''Grande Ceinture'' used by TGVs between ''LGV Sud-Est'', ''LGV Est'' or ''LGV Nord'' and Cherbourg, Rouen or ''LGV Atlantique''.
 
===Massy TGV – Chemin d'Antony (Bifurcation km 23,4)===
(82A2) FR460
 
A connection between ''LGV Atlantique'' and the ''Grande Ceinture'' used by all TGV services between ''LGV Sud Est'', ''LGV Est'' or ''LGV Nord'' and ''LGV Atlantique''.
 
===Paris Bercy===
(82A3) FR461
 
This station is an annexe to Paris Gare-de-Lyon, being located behind carriage sidings outside the station. Relatively little use used to be made of the facility but there are now various regular local services [fiches R], as well as overnight trains. They also use the goods lines (M1 and M2) to access Bercy.
 
===Paris Gare de Lyon Banlieue – Villeneuve St.Georges===
(82A/B3) FR462
 
Between the throat of Gare de Lyon and Villeneuve St.Georges there are three sets of tracks - not always following exactly the same alignment - in passenger use: ''1.'' fast lines (1 and 2); ''2.'' suburban or slow lines (1bis and 2bis), and ''3.'' erstwhile goods lines (1M and 2M). The M tracks - which have platforms at most stations - have been observed being used by passenger stock but no definitive information of regular loaded workings is available - '''reports welcomed'''.
 
===Villeneuve St.Georges – Vigneux sur Seine===
(82A/B3) FR463
 
Between Villeneuve St.Georges and Vigneux sur Seine there are three pairs of tracks: ''1.'' 1B and 2B; ''2.'' 1C and 2C, and ''3.'' 1M and 2M. The B tracks are used by RER trains, the M tracks by the through Brive-la-Gaillarde <==> Lille ''TGV''s. No definitive information of other regular loaded use is available - '''reports welcomed'''.
 
===Vigneux sur Seine – Juvisy===
(82A/B3) FR464
 
Between Vigneux sur Seine and Juvisy there are two pairs of tracks: ''1.'' 1C and 2C, and ''2.'' 1M and 2M. The northbound track 1M crosses over the Orléans main lines and back again by two bridges north of Juvisy. The C tracks are used by RER trains, the M tracks by the through Brive-la-Gaillarde <==> Lille ''TGV''s and have been observed being used by other passenger stock but no definitive information of other regular loaded use is available - '''reports welcomed'''.
 
===Juvisy (PLM-side) – Athis-Mons (via TER tracks)===
(82B3 - not fully shown) FR465
 
Through ''RER C ''trains use Orléans-side platforms (Quais F, G and H). Juvisy ''RER C'' turn-back trains generally use PLM-side platforms (Quai C), reached by tracks 1 TER (inbound - train codes ''JILL'' and ''JADE'') and 2 TER (outbound via overbridge). Together, these save such trains having to make the flat crossing movement which would be necessary if Quai E were used.
 
===Orly Ville – Valenton (via Juvisy Faisceau de rebroussement [yard] (reverse), MVP flyover, M1/M2 tracks and Villeneuve St.Georges)===
(82B3 - not fully shown) FR466
 
This route is used for diversions when the direct line is blocked.
 
===Orly Ville – Juvisy (Sud-est side) (via TAC flyover)===
(82B3) FR467
 
This route is used for diversions when the direct line is blocked.
 
===Dourdan-la-Forêt===
[fiches C] (25A1) FR468
 
Dourdan-la-Forêt is a dead-ended single platform on a track parallel to the Vendôme line, used by those ''RER C4'' trains so advertised. No service mid July to late August.
 
===Paris Vaugirard===
(82A2) FR469
 
This station is an annexe to Paris Montparnasse and comprises additional platforms adjacent to the main running lines about 0.5km from the main station, for those trains so advertised.
 
===Versailles Chantiers – St.Cyr l'École===
(82A, not fully shown) FR470
 
Main line trains from Paris Montparnasse to Plaisir Grignon or beyond (including Granville line trains) do not use the main lines between Versailles and St.Cyr but a separate alignment (tracks M1/M2 - formerly freight) via Versailles-Matelots, to the north. The east end access to this route - at the west end of Versaille Chantiers - is for westbound trains to use the diveunder, from platforms G, H or J, and for eastbound trains to use the curve on the north side to the ''RER C'' (B1/B2) tracks (rather than the diveunder); there are, however, exceptions to both these general practices.
 
No trains have been identified as using the flat junction (Bifurcation de Granville), just west of St.Cyr station, to gain access to the Granville line.
 
===Épluches (Bifurcation d'Épluches) – St.Ouen-l'Aumone-Liesse (Bifurcation de Liesse (Nord)===
[fiches H] (81A1) FR471
 
Some TER trains between Paris Nord and Persan Beaumont (usually for Beauvais or beyond) with a non-stop journey time of 35 or more minutes (instead of the normal 27-30 mins) use this route to avoid a conflicting movement on the route via Montsoult-Maffliers.
 
Each summer in recent years a single SSuO round trip between Paris Nord and Auvers-sur-Oise has operated via this route between April and October, advertised locally. In 2010 it operates 3 April to 1 November, 09:56 SSuO from Paris, 18:18 SSuO return. Check the [http://www.auvers-sur-oise.com/ Auvers-sur-Oise] ''office de tourisme'' webpage. Note that because of engineering works, revised arrangements (which may ''not'' involve the use of this route) apply on some dates.
 
===Épluches (Bifurcation de Liesse (Sud)) – Eragny Neuville (Jonction d'Eragny)===
(81A1) FR472


See FR473.
Away from the LGVs and main lines to and from Paris, SNCF provide some of the least frequent services in Europe on their cross-country, secondary and tertiary lines. To list those with a poorer frequency than might be expected elsewhere would be tedious. However, the following lines have - on several working days of the week - no more than a single round trip, <i>or</i> have no service on some working days, <i>or</i> are restricted to seasonal or "dated" service. Careful study of the Régional TER fiches is therefore strongly recommended. "Better service" may still be limited compared to standards elsewhere.


===Eragny Neuville (Bifurcation de Conflans) – Conflans Pont Eiffel (Bifurcation de Neuville)===
Readers should also take particular notice of lines listed as
(81A1) FR473
[[France_-_General_Information#Services_which_are_particularly_threatened|Particularly Threatened]].


Taken together with FR471 and FR472, part of alternative route (a) via Amiens when the Le Havre main line from Paris St.Lazare is blocked between Rouen and Pontoise, or (b) as an alternative to the eastern side of the ''Grande Ceinture''.
'''Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes'''
{| class="osstable3"
| ERT 332, fiche 81
| Neussargues - St Chély-d'Apcher
|
|}


===Raccordement d'Epône:Aubergenville Elisabethville (Bifurcation de la Butte des Graviers) – Nezel Aulnay (Bifurcation des Etumiérs)===
'''Bourgogne-Franche-Comté'''
(25A3) FR474
{| class="osstable3"
===Raccordement des Ambassadeurs: Poissy Talbot (Bifurcation des Ambassadeurs) – Achères Ville (Bifurcation d' Achères Ville)===
| fiche **
(81B1) FR475
| Clamecy - Corbigny
| ** (fiche CORBIGNY/CLAMECY/AVALLON-AUXERRE-PARIS BERCY)
|}


Taken together FR474 and FR475 are part of an alternative to the eastern side of the ''Grande Ceinture''.
'''Bretagne'''
{| class="osstable3"
| ERT 285
| Auray - Quiberon
| Summer service only.  Details are found in the [https://www.ter.sncf.com/bretagne/loisirs/lignes-touristiques Les Trains Touristiques] section of the TER Bretagne website.
|}


===Raccordement de Bezons and Raccordement de la Folie: Houilles Carrières sur Seine (Bifurcation de Bezons) Puteaux (Bifurcation de Puteaux)===
'''Grand Est'''
(81B2) FR476
{| class="osstable3"
| ERT 915, fiche L02
| Thionville – Apach – frontier (– Perl [Germany])
| Weekend service only
|}


An alternative to the Mantes la Jolie - Plaisir Grignon - Versailles line during engineering work.
'''Normandie'''
{| class="osstable3"
| ERT 276a, fiche **
| Trouville-Deauville - Dives-Cabourg
| ** (fiche Dives Cabourg-Trouville Deauville-Paris). Daily in July and August; more limited, mostly at weekends, in spring and autumn; no winter service
|}
{| class="osstable3"
| fiche **
| Beauvais - Le Treport
| ** Only three round train trips a day from 1 September 2020, with the rest buses.
|}


==Languedoc-Roussillon Région==


===Raccordement de Narbonne: Lézignan (Bifurcation Raccordement Nord) – Port La Nouvelle (Bifurcation Sud)===
(73A2) FR500


Used by the daily overnight Paris <==> Barcelona service and by summer dated trains between Paris Austerlitz <==> Port Bou / Cerbère where ''not'' booked to call between Perpignan and Carcassonne.
'''Nouvelle-Aquitaine'''
{| class="osstable3"
| ERT 307, fiche 42
| Le Verdon - Pointe-de-Grave
| Summer service only; Pointe-de-Grave does not appear on the fiche outside the summer
|-
| fiche 25
| Busseau-sur-Creuse - Felletin
| Limited weekday service; Since 10 December 2023, on Saturday three trains run through to Limoges with two returning. On Sunday there is a service in both directions.
|}


===Rhône West Bank (Rive Droite) line: Givors Canal – Nîmes (Poste 1) and branches===
'''Occitanie'''
(56B, 64B1 & 65A) - see FR801
{| class="osstable3"
| ERT 332, fiche 31
| Mende - Le Monastier-Pin-Moriès [ - Marvejols]
|
|}


==Lorraine Région==
'''Pays de Loire'''
 
{| class="osstable3"
===<span id="RdF"></span>Raccordement de Frouard: Pompey (Raccordement Est) – Liverdun (Raccordement Sud)===
| fiche 14
(28B2) FR550
| Chantonnay - Bressuire
 
| Better service on summer weekends
Non-stop trains between Metz and Toul, for the Dijon line, avoiding Nancy, in the event of engineering works. Used by some car-carrier trains between Germany / the Netherlands and the south of France.
|}
 
===Novéant – Onville===
[fiches 28 and 30] (28A2) FR551
 
This section of the former Paris - Metz main line has limited service of non-stop trains between Metz and Bar le Duc and a few trains between Metz, Onville, Conflans-Jarny and Verdun.
 
===Lérouville east chord: Commercy (Raccordement Sud) – Onville (Raccordement Est)===
(28A2) FR552
 
===Raccordement direct de Toul: Foug (Toul Poste 1, Bifurcation Ligne 1/Racc.) – Domgermain (Toul Poste 1, Bifurcation Raccordement Sud)===
(28B2) FR553
 
FR552 and FR553, together, provide an alternative to [[#RdF|FR550]] for trains between Metz and the Dijon line.
 
===Raccordement de Mondelange: Uckange (Bifurcation km 173.439) – Gandrange Amneville (Bifurcation km 343.407)===
(18A1) FR554
 
A link providing through running between Thionville and Conflans Jarny, which may be used by some car-carrier trains from Germany / the Netherlands to the south of France.
 
===Apach – frontier (– Perl [Germany])===
[fiche 02] (18A1) FR555
 
Two weekend round trips; see [http://kursbuch.bahn.de/hafas/kbview.exe DB Kursbuch] > ''Kursbuchstreckennummer'' >  692.
 
===Thionville - Bouzonville - Hargarten-Falck - Béning===
(18A1-29B3) FR556
 
The section of this route between Thionville and Bouzonville has a very sparse service [fiche 03]. The complete route sees occasional engineering diversions.
 
===<div id="BOUZ"></div>Bouzonville – Niedaltdorf (Germany)===
(18B1) FR557
 
This line has no regular service but a special shuttle service operates from Dillingen in conjunction with the Good Friday market at Bouzonville - see route <a href="de_route.htm#BOUZ">DE09/452</a>.  Enquire at DB, Dillingen, or check the DB online timetables.
 
===Sarrebourg avoiding line: Sarraltroff – Réding===
[fiche 21] (29B2) FR558
 
Used by trains between Metz and Strasbourg ''not'' calling at Sarrebourg.
 
===Woippy – Maizières-lès-Metz (via Woippy-Triage (west side))===
[fiche 01] (28B3) FR559
 
Some local passenger trains are scheduled to use this route (voies 1B/2B) for pathing purposes; the actual routing is therefore particularly susceptible to the timekeeping not only of the train itself but of those around it. Likely trains can usually be distinguished in the timetable by being allowed longer between Metz Ville and Hagondange.
 
===Metz Ville – Woippy (via Contournement de Metz)===
[fiche 01] (28B3) FR560
 
The original Metz - Thionville line provides an alternative route to the west of the current main line of 1908. Trains arrive and depart at the south end of Metz Ville station. In 2004 one round trip was booked this way but later timetables do not match. Non-stop trains booked 17 or more minutes between Metz and Hagondange or 22 or more minutes between Metz and Thionville might be expected to run this route.
 
===<div id="METZ_AL"></div>Raccordement de Metz Sablon: Peltre – Ars-sur-Moselle===
(28B3) FR561
 
This curve enables non-ICE trains between Germany and France via Saarbrücken to avoid Metz Ville. It is used by the occasional Venezia SL - Praha - Calais Ville [- London Victoria] ''VSOE'' trains as between Praha and Paris Est - visit [http://www.orient-express.com/ ''VSOE''] website for dates and times. May also used by car-carrier trains between Düsseldorf and Avignon/Narbonne.
 
===(Esch sur Alzette [Luxembourg] –) '''frontier – Audun-le-Tiche'''===
(18A1) FR562
 
[http://www.cfl.lu/CFLInternet/Espaces/01EspaceVoyageurs/0_General/Horaires/Fiches/?Guid={FC0501B8-4B99-4D2C-B915-0AB37580E583}&DocType=D CFL] > ''dépliant ligne 60/AU'' operate into France over route not linked to French national network.
 
===(Dudelange-Usines [Luxembourg] –) '''frontier – Volmerange-les-Mines'''===
(18A1) FR563
 
[http://www.cfl.lu/CFLInternet/Espaces/01EspaceVoyageurs/0_General/Horaires/Fiches/?Guid={FC0501B8-4B99-4D2C-B915-0AB37580E583}&DocType=D CFL] > ''dépliant ligne 60/VO'' operate into France over route not linked to French national network.
 
===<span id="MD"></span>(Lasauvage Carreau [Luxembourg] –) '''frontier – Saulnes===
(17B1 - not shown) FR564
 
[http://minieresbunn.kohle-und-eisen.de/index.php?lang=fr Minièresbunn Doihl asbl (MBD)] operate a 700mm gauge preserved mining line into France.
 
==Midi-Pyrénées Région==
 
===Toulouse Poste 4, Bifurcation de Capdenac – Route de Launaguet  –  Lalande Eglise ===
[fiche 15] (71B3, not shown) FR600
 
Between Toulouse and St. Jory Triage is a reversible single (third) track which is the only means of serving halts at Route de Launaguet, Lalande Eglise and Fenouillet St.Alban, which have no main line platforms; the only trains certain to use this route are those booked to serve these halts - a very limited SSuX local service between Toulouse Matabiau and Fenouillet St.Alban. North of Lalande Eglise, this third line runs parallel and adjacent to the main line but through the area of Route de Launaguet, the third track is displaced both laterally and vertically from the main line.
 
==Nord Pas-de-Calais Région==
 
===Calais Fréthun (Boulogne line - low level - platforms) – Lille Europe (PRCI 51)===
(6A2) FR650
 
Used by TGV trains (including those local trains which are worked by TGVs - see fiche TERGV Lille-Calais-Boulogne) between Boulogne Ville or Calais Ville and Lille Europe or beyond.
 
===Calais Fréthun (Bifurcation de Riviere Neuve) – Pont de Coulogne (Bifurcation de Coulogne)===
[fiche 12] (6A2) FR651
 
Used by summer "dated" weekend Lille Flandres <==> Rang du Fliers trains shown non-stop between Hazebrouck and Wimille-Wimereux (avoiding reversal at Calais Ville station) (see [http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/nord_pas_de_calais/fr/Default.aspx TER Nord Pas-de-Calais website] > Idées loisirs > TER Mer /TER Vert). Note that this route is ''not'' used by TGV trains.
 
===Dunkerque Ville – Grande Synthe (Poste 5, Bifurcation Vandenbrouck) (via Dunkerque Dunes / Docks)===
[fiche 09] (6B2) FR652
 
This alternative freight route, north of the passenger line, is used when trains are booked to run non-stop but with 17 minute journey time between Dunkerque and Grande Synthe.
 
===Raccordement de Cassel: Lille Europe (PRCI 44 Hondeghem) – Cassel (Bifurcation de Cassel)===
(6B2) FR653
 
Links ''LGV Nord'' from Lille to Calais with the line from Hazebrouck to Dunkerque, and is used by TGV services between Dunkerque and Lille Europe.
 
===Lambersart (Bifurcation de St.André) [A] ''or ''Lompret (Bifurcation de 4 Maisons) [B] – Santes (Bifurcation de la Tortue) [C] ''or ''Haubourdin (Bifurcation de Haubourdin) [D] (via Sequedin)===
[fiche 07] (10B3) FR654
 
This freight line to the west of Lille, the middle section of which passes Lille Dèlivrance Triage and Sequedin, has triangular junctions at each end (hence the title given above). Route [B] <=> [D] is used by summer "dated" weekend (usually alternate weekends) Jeumont <==> Dunkerque and Hirson <==> Dunkerque trains (see [http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/nord_pas_de_calais/fr/Default.aspx TER Nord Pas-de-Calais website] > Idées loisirs > TER Mer /TER Vert).
 
===Lesquin (Bifurcation de Lesquin) – Bifurcation du Mont de Terre – Raccordement de Ronchin – Lille Porte de Douai (Bifurcation de la Justice)===
(10B3) FR655
 
This freight line on the south side of Lille avoids the main station area. Used by summer "dated" weekend (usually alternate weekends) Jeumont <==> Dunkerque and Hirson <==> Dunkerque trains (see [http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/nord_pas_de_calais/fr/Default.aspx TER Nord Pas-de-Calais website] > Idées loisirs > TER Mer /TER Vert).
 
===Raccordement d'Avion: Pont de Sallaumines (Bifurcation de Sallaumines Ouest) – Avion (Bifurcation d'Avion)===
(7A1) FR656
 
This curve avoiding Lens is used for diversions when the Arras - Douai line is blocked and trains are shown with extended journey time.
 
===Raccordement de Sallaumines: Sallaumines (Bifurcation d'Epinette) – Coron de Méricourt (Bifurcation du Sallaumines)===
(7A1) FR657
 
This curve avoiding Lens is used for diversions when the Lille - Douai line is blocked and trains are shown with extended journey time.
 
===Arras Raccordement Nord: Arras (Bifurcation 199,6km) – Lille (Bifurcation 161,94km)===
(15A3, not shown) FR658
 
This west-to-north spur, linking Arras station with the ''LGV Nord-Europe'' to the north, is used by trains running non-stop between Arras and Lille in ca. 21 mins., including ''43999'' 07:47 SSuX Arras - Lille Flandres; ''43998'' 18:39 SSuX Lille Flandres - Arras; and last evening ''TGV'' service Paris Gare du Nord - Lille Flandres.
 
===Lourches (Poste 2) – Somain (Poste 3)===
[fiche 19] (7B1-15B3) FR659
 
Used by a single SSuX round-trip service between Cambrai, Lourches and Douai. 
 
Also used by summer "dated" weekend (usually alternate weekends) Busigny <==> Calais Ville trains (see [http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/nord_pas_de_calais/fr/Default.aspx TER Nord Pas-de-Calais website] > Idées loisirs > TER Mer /TER Vert). '''Note:''' These reverse at Cambrai Ville so do not use the avoiding line there.
 
===Aulnoye-Aymeries avoiding line: Berlaimont (Bifurcation de Berlaimont) – Leval (Bifurcation de Leval Est)===
[fiche 17] (16A3) FR660
 
This line, which passes to the south of Aulnoye-Aymeries station, is used by all trains between Valenciennes and Hirson or Charleville-Mézières ''not'' scheduled to call at Aulnoye-Aymeries.
 
==Picardie Région==
 
===Amiens avoiding line: Boves (Bifurcation de Longueau Sud) – Lamotte Brebière (Bifurcation de Camon)===
(14B2) FR700
 
Used by non-TGV trains between Lille and beyond and Paris or the ''Grande Ceinture'' which are ''not'' scheduled to call at Amiens, including the dated overnight Lille <==> Ventimiglia trains and [London Victoria <==>] Calais Ville <==> Venezia SL ''VSOE'' trains as between Calais and Paris Est: visit [http://www.orient-express.com/ ''VSOE''] website for their dates and times.
 
===Barreau de Jussy (Mennessis avoiding line): Jussy (Bifurcation de Jussy) – Montescourt (Bifurcation Flavy-le-Martel)===
[fiche 11] (15B2, not shown) FR701
 
Connects the Chaulnes - Tergnier and St.Quentin - Tergnier lines north of Mennessis. Trains between Amiens and St.Quentin ''not'' scheduled to call at Tergnier use this line.
 
===Ormoy-Villers – (a) Longueil-Ste.Marie ''or'' (b) Le-Meux-Croix-St.Ouen (Bifurcation Rivecourt)===
(25B3-15A1) FR702
 
This electrified line connects the Paris Nord - Laon and Creil - St.Quentin lines, with a triangular junction at the north end. It is used for the following diversions:
*(a) between Paris and Laon (with reversal at Ormoy-Villers) where extended journey times and bus substitution south of Ormoy-Villers is advertised [fiche 06]
*(b) between Paris and Compiègne or beyond when shown ''non-stop'' with a journey time of circa 52+ minutes (instead of the normal 40 minutes) [fiche 12]
 
==Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur [PACA] Région==
 
===Raccordement Ouest de Bollène-Lamotte du Rhône: Avignon-TGV (km 581,6) – Bollène-la-Croisière (km 691,8)===
(65A2, not shown) FR750
 
A link giving access between the LGV (in the direction of Avignon-TGV) and Pierrelatte, during engineering work.
 
===Raccordement Est de Bollène-Lamotte du Rhône: Valence-TGV (Lapalud LGV km 578,4) – Bollène-la-Croisière (km 693,5)===
(65A2, not shown) FR751
 
A link giving access between the LGV (in the direction of Valence-TGV) and Orange / Avignon Centre. This has been used regularly by the ''outward'' London St.Pancras International to Avignon Centre summer SO through [http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/destinations/direct_services/avignon.jsp ''Eurostar''] train; the return train was ''not'' scheduled to use this route.
 
===Raccordement d'Avignon: Sorgues-Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Bifurcation km 739) – Avignon Sud (Bifurcation Poste 1)===
(65A1) FR752
 
Used by car-carrier trains between the Netherlands and Avignon Sud. Some Avignon car-carrier trains do not use this route - instead, passengers use Avignon Centre station with a bus between there and Avignon Sud, where cars are loaded and unloaded. Trains between Lyon and Marseille may use this line when diverted via Cavaillon if ''not'' scheduled to call at Avignon or Arles.
 
===Avignon TGV (Bifurcation Km 624,0/624,2) – Manduel-Redessan (Suze SEI71 (Bifurcation Km 5,2))===
[fiche 11] (65A1, not shown) FR753
 
The third side of the Triangle des Angles, west of Avignon TGV station, used by ''TGV'' trains (only) between Marseille and Nîmes or beyond.
 
===L'Estaque – Marseille St.Charles (via Marseille Maritime Arenc)===
[fiche 07] (75B2) FR754
 
Local trains (in both directions) between Miramas and Marseille St. Charles via Port de Bouc use this route, with the ''exception'' of those timed 9 minutes between Marseille and L'Estaque.
 
===Raccordement des Chartreux: St.Berthelmy – Marseille Blancarde===
(75B2) FR755
 
Used by trains between Miramas and Toulon ''not'' scheduled to call at Marseille St.Charles (including car-carrier trains between the Netherlands and Fréjus St.Raphaël / St.Raphaël-Valescure).
 
===(Limone [Italy] –) '''frontier – Vievola – Breil-sur-Roya – frontier''' (– Olivetta-San-Michele [Italy])===
[fiche 05] (67B1/2) FR756
 
Trenitalia operate through France over this route not traversed by SNCF.
 
==Rhône-Alpes Région==
 
===Héyrieux – Valence (Grenay PRS44, Bifurcation Lyon)===
(57A3) FR800
 
This west to south curve between the Lyon - Grenoble line and ''LGV Sud Est'' is used by TGVs running between Lyon Part Dieu and Valence. These are mainly services between Lille and the south of France (though not all of them), as TGVs from Paris either terminate at Lyon Perrache or run via Saint Exupéry-TGV.
 
===Rhône West Bank (Rive Droite) line: Givors Canal – Nîmes (Poste 1) and branches===
(56B, 64B1 & 65A) FR801
''[southern portion of line is in Languedoc-Roussillon Région]''
 
This line runs parallel with the Lyon to Montpellier main line between Givors and Nîmes, though mostly on the opposite bank of the River Rhône, principally as a freight and diversionary route. There are intermediate links between the two routes at St.Rambert d'Albon, Livron and Avignon, and few passenger trains run the full length of the West Bank line. The line is used fairly regularly by passenger trains diverted for engineering work. Certain diverted trains can be identified when they are advertised to call at St.Péray or Le Teil (such calls may appear in Rhône-Alpes fiche 05). These stations are on the West Bank line, and are retained so that passengers may board or alight from diverted trains near Valence and Montélimar, respectively.
 
The following sections of route are used from time to time.
*'''(a) Givors Canal – St.Rambert d'Albon''' Look for extended running times and omitted Vienne stops
*'''(b) Givors Canal – Livron (via St.Péray)''' Look for St.Péray stops but omitted Vienne stops and still calling at Valence
*'''(c) Givors Canal – Loriol (Livron south junction) (via St.Péray)''' Look for St.Péray stops but not calling at Vienne or Valence
*'''(d) Givors Canal – Avignon''' Look for St.Péray and Le Teil stops but omitted Vienne stops and still calling at Avignon Centre
*'''(e) Givors Canal – Nîmes (Poste 1) (via Remoulins)''' Look for St.Péray and Le Teil stops and omitted Vienne stops but running direct to Nîmes without calling at Avignon Centre
*'''(f) Salaise (St.Rambert d'Albon north junction) – Livron (via St.Péray)''' Look for St.Péray stops and still calling at Valence
*'''(g) Salaise (St.Rambert d'Albon north junction) – Loriol (Livron south junction) (via St.Péray)''' Look for St.Péray stops
*'''(h) Salaise (St.Rambert d'Albon north junction) – Avignon (via Le Teil)''' Look for St.Péray and Le Teil stops but still calling at Avignon Centre
*'''(i) Salaise (St.Rambert d'Albon north junction) – Nîmes (Poste 1) (via Remoulins)''' Look for St.Péray and Le Teil stops but running direct to Nîmes without calling at Avignon Centre
*'''(j) Livron – Avignon (via Le Teil)''' Look for Le Teil stops
*'''(k) Livron – Nîmes (Poste 1) (via Remoulins)''' Look for Le Teil stops but running direct to Nîmes without calling at Avignon Centre
*'''(l) Avignon – Nîmes (Poste 1) (via Remoulins)''' Look for trains which normally call at Tarascon but where those stops are omitted
 
===Ambérieu avoiding line: Ambronay-Priay – Torcieu===
(57A3) FR802
 
Used by trains between Bourg-en-Bresse and Culoz ''not'' scheduled to call at Ambérieu.
 
===Culoz avoiding line: Seyssel-Corbonod – Vions-Chanaz (Bifurcation de Chambéry)===
[fiche 51] (57B3) FR803
 
Used by trains between Bellegarde and Aix-les-Bains ''not'' scheduled to call at Culoz.


=Deletions since previous edition=
=Deletions since previous edition=
* FR101: Raccordement de Mohon: engineering diversion not repeated
* FR104: Onville – Lérouville: normal route for local trains between Metz and Bar le Duc (see Lorraine Région fiche 28)
* FR152: Collonges-Fontaines – Lyon Perrache (via Lyon Vaise): normal route for local trains for Lyon Perrache (see Rhône-Alpes Région fiche 26)
* FR153: Collonges-Fontaines – Lyon St.Clair: normal route for local trains for Lyon Part-Dieu (see Rhône-Alpes Région fiche 26)
=Other sparse services=
Away from the LGVs and main lines to and from Paris, SNCF provide some of the least frequent services in Europe on their cross-country, secondary and tertiary lines. To list those with a poorer frequency than might be expected elsewhere would be tedious but a recent survey of those lines (other than those already listed  above) which - whether on several days in the week or for some seasons of the year - had only a single round trip a day produced the list shown below.
Careful study of the Régional TER fiches is therefore recommended.
==Auvergne Région==
*Neussargues - St Chély-d'Apcher
*Laqueuille - Le Mont-Dore (more in summer)
==Bourgogne Région==
*Clamecy - Corbigny
==Bretagne Région==
*Morlaix - Roscoff (more in summer)


==Centre Région==
==Obscure services==
*Reignac - Loches; 
*Valençay - Luçay-le-Mâle (since "temporarily" closed becasue of condition of track)


==Limousin Région==
{| class="dpetable3"
*Busseau-sur-Creuse - Felletin
| FR19/455
| Montmélian avoiding line - Raccordement de Montmélian
| There has been no use of this route since summer 2018
|}


==Midi-Pyrénées Région==
==Other sparse services==
*Montréjeau-Gourdan-Polignan - Luchon (more in summer)
*Rodez - Sévérac-le-Château


==Poitou-Charentes Région==
{| class="dpetable3"
*Bressuire - Chantonnay
| Bretagne
| Retiers - Châteaubriant
| Bus service pending track renewals
|-
| Grand Est
| Saales - St Dié-des-Vosges
| A reasonable train service was reinstated in November 2019 or earlier
|-
| Nouvelle Acquitaine
| Hendaye - Irun (Spain)
| Now included in Obscure Services
|}


==Rhône-Alpes Région==
<!---{| class="dpetable3"
*Oyonnax - St.Claude (until reopening of Bourg - Bellegarde line, due in 2011)
| Bretagne
| Morlaix - Roscoff
| Bus since June 2018 on account of track washout
|-
| Grand Est
| Thionville – Bouzonville
| Bus since April 2016 with no resumption date announced so presumed closed
|-
| class="dpetable3"
| Auvergne Région
| Clermont-Ferrand - Volvic
| now more than one train on weekdays
|-
| Centre Région
| Reignac - Loches
| now more than one train on weekdays
|-
| Limousin Région
| Busseau-sur-Creuse - Felletin
| from 2 July 2017, more than one train on weekdays
|-
| Midi-Pyrénées Région
| Rodez - Sévérac-le-Château
| now more than one train on weekdays
|-
| Rhône-Alpes Région
| Brion-Montréal-La Cluse - Oyonnax - St.Claude
| now more than one train on weekdays [Oyonnax - St.Claude section will close from December 2017]
|-
| Rhône-Alpes Région
| Thiers - Montbrison
| service withdrawn (part possibly temporarily) - see General Information section
|}--->


=See also=
=See also=
*[[France]]
{{Navbox France}}
*[[France - General Information]]


[[Category:Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services]]
[[Category:Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services]]

Latest revision as of 16:56, 18 February 2024

Introduction

Timetable Information

It has not been possible to obtain access to the working timetable in recent years. The entries in this list therefore derive from:

  • services which can be adduced from public timetable information (such as occasional pre-planned engineering diversions where these are shown in the journey planners) for which an explanation is given
  • services where the same train / timings apply as in the last accessed working timetable and where it may therefore be assumed that the same "obscure" routing applies
  • services for which the routing has been confirmed subsequently.

For some entries where the service is particularly sparse or difficult to deduce, individual trains are listed and the compilers will endeavour to update these entries with each timetable change. Entries marked FR24/ are based on the timetable 10 December 2023 to 14 December 2024, unless otherwise stated. Standard abbreviations are explained here.

Regions

From 1982 the Départements in metropolitan France were grouped into 16 Régions, which were merged and renamed into 13 metropolitan Régions in 2016. SNCF continued to use the 1982 names for a while after 2016, but now use the new names.

Regions are listed geographically, north to south, and there is a separate page giving details of obscure services in each.

Hauts de France Includes Lille and Amiens Entries referenced from FRxx/001
Normandie Includes Caen and Rouen Entries referenced from FRxx/051
Île-de-France Includes Paris Entries referenced from FRxx/151
Grand Est Includes Metz, Strasbourg and Mulhouse Entries referenced from FRxx/201
Pays de Loire Includes Le Mans and Nantes Entries referenced from FRxx/251
Centre - Val de Loire Includes Orléans and Tours Entries referenced from FRxx/301
Bourgogne Franche Comté Includes Besançon and Dijon Entries referenced from FRxx/351
Nouvelle Aquitaine Includes Poitiers and Bordeaux Entries referenced from FRxx/401
Auvergne Rhône Alpes Includes Lyon, Chambéry and Valence Entries referenced from FRxx/451
Occitanie Includes Toulouse and Perpignan Entries referenced from FRxx/501
Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur Includes Avignon and Marseille Entries referenced from FRxx/551
(Lignes à Grande Vitesse) Lignes à Grande Vitesse clockwise from north to west Entries referenced from FRxx/601

The following regions currently have no Obscure Services: Bretagne and Corse (Corsica)

Dates of Running

SNCF has one of the most complex patterns in Europe of dates on which some trains run, such that they can be very cumbersome to express in words. The entries thus show just the basic pattern, such as weekdays only or weekends only. The letter 'D' denotes a train whose dates of operation are seasonal or variable. Users should use the SNCF journey planner to determine on which dates a train runs.

The timetable fiches do not normally cover the whole year. A new series usually comes into force in July, but not all régions seem to adhere to the same July date. These summer/autumn fiches are not normally available until June. Check also when reading the timetable fiches for dated entries, fiches being reissued after they have come into force (and hence not necessarily available at the time of compiling details of obscure services) and gaps in the period covered (which can give rise to a 'hidden' suspension of service). Owing to this complex situation users should not rely on details herein being up to date at all times and should check on the SNCF journey planner. Check for alterations in consequence of strikes, engineering works and of service reductions at holiday periods at SNCF Grandes lignes, Île de France or the TER regional websites.

LGVs

Detailed schematic plans of all LGVs can be found via this list; these plans should be consulted to identify all the various spurs on and off LGVs. TGVs normally make maximum use of LGVs on their line of route, but overnight services may use classic lines for part of the journey, in order to allow for infrastructure maintenance. A TGV calling at two stations reasonably close together on a classic line may not use a parallel LGV.

Where reference is made to TGV services, this should be taken to include Eurostar, Thalys and Ouigo trains as appropriate, where the context so permits and unless otherwise indicated (but remember that Ouigo trains may not show up on Voyages-SNCF or HAFAS-related on-line journey planners - only on their dedicated websites). In lists of trains herein, TGV Inoui services are shown as TGV and TGV Ouigo as TGO.

Table Numbers/Fiches

No overall French public timetable in tabular form is now issued, so table numbers cannot be quoted. Lines are listed by local government Région so, for local services, the number of the TER fiche is quoted. These can be downloaded through the TER regional websites: select the relevant Région and follow Horaires & Trafic then Fiches Horaires or Votre Fiche Horaires or Fiches Horaires à télécharger or Horaires / Travauz / Grèves.

Where a service is shown in the European Rail Timetable this is indicated by 'ERT' and the table number.

Maps

Map references for each route entry are given in parentheses ( ). References prefixed "ERA-E" refer to the European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition) by M.G. Ball. References prefixed "ERA-R" refer to the European Railway Atlas (Regional Series: Book 1) by M.G. Ball.” References prefixed "S+W", or in italic, refer to Eisenbahnatlas Frankreich Band 1: Nord by Schweers + Wall.

SNCF's most recent on-line passenger destinations map is diagrammatic and does not show lines used only by local trains: see the General Information Maps page for mapping information.

Trams

See France - Tram services over obscure routes

Other sparse services

Away from the LGVs and main lines to and from Paris, SNCF provide some of the least frequent services in Europe on their cross-country, secondary and tertiary lines. To list those with a poorer frequency than might be expected elsewhere would be tedious. However, the following lines have - on several working days of the week - no more than a single round trip, or have no service on some working days, or are restricted to seasonal or "dated" service. Careful study of the Régional TER fiches is therefore strongly recommended. "Better service" may still be limited compared to standards elsewhere.

Readers should also take particular notice of lines listed as Particularly Threatened.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

ERT 332, fiche 81 Neussargues - St Chély-d'Apcher

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

fiche ** Clamecy - Corbigny ** (fiche CORBIGNY/CLAMECY/AVALLON-AUXERRE-PARIS BERCY)

Bretagne

ERT 285 Auray - Quiberon Summer service only. Details are found in the Les Trains Touristiques section of the TER Bretagne website.

Grand Est

ERT 915, fiche L02 Thionville – Apach – frontier (– Perl [Germany]) Weekend service only

Normandie

ERT 276a, fiche ** Trouville-Deauville - Dives-Cabourg ** (fiche Dives Cabourg-Trouville Deauville-Paris). Daily in July and August; more limited, mostly at weekends, in spring and autumn; no winter service
fiche ** Beauvais - Le Treport ** Only three round train trips a day from 1 September 2020, with the rest buses.


Nouvelle-Aquitaine

ERT 307, fiche 42 Le Verdon - Pointe-de-Grave Summer service only; Pointe-de-Grave does not appear on the fiche outside the summer
fiche 25 Busseau-sur-Creuse - Felletin Limited weekday service; Since 10 December 2023, on Saturday three trains run through to Limoges with two returning. On Sunday there is a service in both directions.

Occitanie

ERT 332, fiche 31 Mende - Le Monastier-Pin-Moriès [ - Marvejols]

Pays de Loire

fiche 14 Chantonnay - Bressuire Better service on summer weekends

Deletions since previous edition

Obscure services

FR19/455 Montmélian avoiding line - Raccordement de Montmélian There has been no use of this route since summer 2018

Other sparse services

Bretagne Retiers - Châteaubriant Bus service pending track renewals
Grand Est Saales - St Dié-des-Vosges A reasonable train service was reinstated in November 2019 or earlier
Nouvelle Acquitaine Hendaye - Irun (Spain) Now included in Obscure Services


See also