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Train travel is a highly preferred mode of transportation for millions of people around the world. Its popularity is growing year by year, especially with the younger generation. To cater to this demand and to encourage train travel between France and Germany, the French Transport Minister, Clément Beaune, and his German counterpart, Volker Wissing, recently announced a joint initiative that promises to be one of 2023’s top travel trends.
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Élysée Treaty of friendship between the two countries, the ministers announced that 60,000 free train tickets will be made available to young citizens of France and Germany under the age of 27 this summer. The initiative is aimed at promoting train travel between the two countries and encouraging the younger generation to explore and discover the rich cultural heritage of both nations.
Eligibility Criteria and Ticket Allocation
Only French and German citizens under the age of 27 are eligible to participate in this scheme. The tickets will only be valid for rail journeys between France and Germany and will be allocated in a fifty-fifty split between the two countries. The exact allocation method is yet to be finalized, but it is expected to be determined through a lottery system. This is a “one-off” initiative for now, but if it proves to be a success, it could be repeated every year.
Promoting Mobility between France and Germany
In addition to the free ticket scheme, the French and German Transport Ministers announced two more commitments aimed at promoting mobility between the two countries. In 2024, a direct high-speed train line linking Paris and Berlin will be opened, while a night train connecting the two capitals will be launched at the end of this year.
Summer Travel Itineraries for France and Germany
So, what could summer travels look like for those eligible for the free tickets? Jennifer Scales, a German-based photo artist and train travel enthusiast, offers her advice. She says that the train is a fantastic way to discover Germany and France, as both countries have fast trains connecting larger cities and a dense network of regional lines in rural areas.
For those coming from Germany, Jennifer recommends taking advantage of the TGV network and starting with the TGV connection that links Strasbourg to Paris in less than two-and-a-half hours. For scenic route enthusiasts, she highly recommends the Intercités regional train from Bordeaux to Arles. The tracks follow the Canal du Midi, the technical marvel of the 17th century that first connected the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean, and the coastline between Narbonne and Montpellier, amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
From Arles, travelers can stop at the windswept Camargue wetlands and then proceed to Marseille. If tired of spending all day on trains, Jennifer suggests that the connection back to Paris is also possible via the night train that starts in Nice.
For those traveling from France, Jennifer suggests Munich as a great jumping-off point for German rail adventures. From the Bavarian capital, travelers can easily take trains to rural and beautiful alpine landscapes, such as the Bavarian Alps and the Zugspitze.
In conclusion, the joint initiative by the French and German governments to encourage young people to travel by train is a fantastic opportunity for the younger generation to explore the rich cultural heritage of both countries. With 60,000 free tickets up for grabs and a dense network of regional lines connecting larger cities, train travel is on track to be one of 2023’s top travel trends
