The Paris transport system has, like most, enforcement agents to make sure that the people taking the transportation system pay their tickets accordingly. They wear a colored armband.
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Yes, they do check tickets. On some lines they even ticket you for not sitting up straight or other infractions as they see fit if they need to make quota. A fair number of people do ride without them though.
If you forget to validate your ticket before you begin your journey, SNCF says that you should let the train controller know to avoid a potential fine. You have to do this immediately on boarding rather than wait to be approached. Failing to stamp your ticket can result in a fine of up to €50 - see SNCF.
For long-distance trains including all TGV, Intercités & Intercités de Nuit overnight trains, reservation is compulsory, but there are usually seats available even on the day of travel and you can buy a ticket immediately before the train departs. But there are much cheaper fares if you pre-book.
In most circumstances, you must purchase a ticket before you board a train. Most trains require reservations and you should not board reserved trains without a reservation. Passengers who do so are not guaranteed a seat and may be instructed to get off the train at the next station stop.
If you're European, your identity card is sufficient.If you're a non-European citizen, you'll need to travel with your passport. Baggage checks are carried out at all Spanish stations before boarding the train. Make sure you're ready to show your ticket when needed if there's a ticket inspector or member of staff.
Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes. Use tote bags or earth-toned simplistic bags if you really want to dress in France to fit in with the locals.
You should arrive at the train station from 30 – 60 minutes before the departure time of your train. In Gare Bordeaux-Saint-Jean, arriving 30 minutes prior to your train's departure is plenty.
For your Paris Visite travel pass to be valid, you must write your first and last name on the travel pass, along with the starting and ending dates of validity. The travel pass is activated the first time you validate it....
These tickets must still be validated using the machines typically found inside the station or on the platforms. This validation must take place before you board the train - there's nowhere to validate a ticket on the train, and you'll incur a fine if your ticket isn't validated.