What must you not forget to do before you board a train in France?
At large train stations in France you'll scan the barcode or QR code on your ticket (paper, or smartphone e-ticket) to pass the fare gates and board the train; but in some smaller stations you may have a paper ticket which you must validate before boarding.
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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.
In its terms and conditions, SNCF makes it clear that “the passenger in whose name the e-ticket is issued must be able to present a valid identity document with a photo: either an identity card, a passport or a carte de séjour (residence permit)”.
When should I arrive at the station? Unless you're taking the Auto Train, plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you need assistance with baggage and/or ticketing, we recommend you arrive 60 minutes early.
The Paris Est Train Station now provides train transportation to major cities in Central Europe such as Zurich, Switzerland; Munich, Germany and Vienna, Austria. For assistance boarding the train, arrive to the platform at least 30 minutes before the train departure time.
Most TGV trains have a bar car serving snacks, sandwiches, coffee and beer and wine. TER trains do not have a bar car. You can bring any food and drink on to the train with you, and many people do this.