 Poster: A snowHead
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My OH and son are travelling on the Corail sleeper from Austerlitz on Fri 18 Feb (1st class couchette). Anyone know of somewhere OK to eat on Fri evening nearby or at station? (not fussy eaters - just need fuel really) They'll have backpacks and probably won't want to venture far. Haven't travelled in couchettes before so others' experiences would be interesting to hear about. Any recommendations/tips gratefully received 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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AW, my kids ate in the station restaurant. beer, Steak Frites and Chocolate Mousse.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I think we looked outside and ended up back in the station restaurant. It is too much hassle to find left luggage etc. Station restaurant was adequate I think.
The first class sleeper is fine in terms of bed and storage space. we were a family of four in 4 berth sleeper. Children enjoyed it and slept well. The worst part is hanging around on the station waiting for it to roll in. We probably allowed too long. Wrap up warm for the station wait.
Loos on french trains are horrid whichever class you are in not that english ones are much better. I now take a pack of parazone wipes to clean the loo seat before sitting my daughter on it! I also find it handy to take a nice white andrex loo roll in a poly bag  . We recently travelled on a tgv in france and after trying about six loos there wasn't one loo that had water for the basin and soap and loo paper. I also carry one of those hand sanitiser things in case of lack of soap.
I think the only refreshments they supply are a couple of mints and possibly water. Don't think there is a buffet. So take water and a few snacks with you.
I'm sure your son will enjoy the journey. We had to get off one stop before briancon so I was worried we wouldn't wake up. It must be more relaxing to travel to the end of the line!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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apologies for thread hijack but what is the situation for luggage storage? i'll be travelling on the couchette (2nd class) in a couple of weeks and expect to have a lot of gear with me...
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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There is a shelf at top bunk level across the couchette at head and feet end (I think). Then there is the floor between the two bottom bunks. We easily fitted 3 cases 2 boot bags and a maclaren buggy in the compartment for four. In the second class couchettes the space is the same but six berths so it might get more squashed if all six were to bring skis. I think you would just have to put the skis on the high shelves and possibly a case on the floor.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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snowymum, hmmm - sounds like i might have to snuggle up with my skis in bed 
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Arno, there is a consigne at the station by where the taxis pull in (which is to the right - round the corner from the front)
I'll be there this Friday too (23.02 train) with GrahamN. How about you AW?
Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Thu 10-02-11 17:17; edited 1 time in total
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Arno, seem to recall an EOSB thread where Axsman slept in a baggage compartment after being evicted from his couchette for snoring. Probably not somewhere to leave your skis though.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Oh OK, thought you meant at the station Arno.
Stand your skis up by the window and there is usually enough space otherwise (am I remembering wrong or is there also a bit of space under the bottom bunk?)
There are restaurants close by at the Northern end of the Boulevard de l'Hopital (intersects with road at front of station to the right of station)
Last edited by You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net. on Thu 10-02-11 17:48; edited 2 times in total
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Thanks for info Hells Bells, and snowymum, I suspect steak frites will do fine for them . And thanks for tips on loos! My son's brace is slightly complicated at the moment so I'll suggest he does the tooth brushing stuff at the station. Sounds like more room for luggage than I thought - they'll only have a rucksack each so no probs. They are on the 22.36 - is the Corail any different from the 23.02 Lunéa? I guessed it was just an extra train for Parisian half term. I think you get a sort of sleeping bag thing - will that be warm enough? They both snore a bit so hope they don't suffer the same fate as Axsman.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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You normally get a sort of skimpy folded-over-and-partly-sewn sheet you can slide into plus a blanket and smallish pillow. If anything the compartments tend to be too warm.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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We've travelled on the corail lunea sleeper quite a few times. Usually, we leave our luggage and venture a bit further afield for food.
There are left luggage lockers at Gare Australiz which are coin operated (will easily take a decent sized rucksack) and in the same place is left luggage for larger pieces (snowboard bag). We tend to head up to Rue de Mouffetard, (south / south west of the station - 10/15 minute walk) to eat. There are lots of restaurants which are pretty reasonable in price and generally provide good food. We've had a 2 course meal with wine for around €20 per person. The area is quite pleasant (much more so that outside Gare Australiz) and waiters tend to be friendly.
Luggage space on the trains - we've had 6 people plus luggage, including 2 snowboard bags, in a 6 person compartment. It was a squeeze but once we were organised it was quite comfortable. Snowboard bags go underneath the bunks. There is loads of space above the corridor and also you can stack stuff up at the window end of the compartment.
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You know it makes sense.
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Thanks snowball too.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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It is a few years since I took the sleeper so memory a little fuzzy but maybe there is a seperate wash basin compartment per carriage (not in with loo)? probably still best to sort the brace out before getting on the train.
I think the bedding was sufficient. We were only cold whilst waiting on the station.
I think you can adjust the temp within your compartment.
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Poster: A snowHead
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snowymum, Long time since I was on one (about 30 years), but even then there was a wash basin bit.
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FAQ
Just had a look at Rue de Mouffetard on Google maps - seems nice area. Will have more time in the summer to explore Paris and its restaurants 