I missed all my connecting flights, I couldn’t get taxis to drive me in snowy weather, and I often got lost when I travelled by foot. It seems the only trouble-free travel I experienced was by train. Now that I’m an expert in French train-travel, I’m happy to be able to share my advice with you!

Step One: Buy a ticket. You can usually buy tickets over the internet from Canada (and even if you have a train pass, you’ll need to buy reservations before you leave for the high-speed trains). If you’re buying a ticket in France, you have two options: you can buy a ticket at a ticket booth, or you can use one of their automatic ticket machines. If your French isn’t very good, go with the machine because it has an English option.

Step Two:  Twenty minutes before your train departs, the platform number will appear on the departure board in the train station. Find your platform, and wait for your train (but be sure to listen to the announcements in case they switch platforms at the last minute).

Step Three: Punch your ticket at one of the little yellow machines.

Step Four: If you have a specific seat reserved, check the “Composition de train” sign to determine where your car will be along the platform. The train cars won’t necessarily be in numerical order, so you’ll want to know ahead of time where you’re supposed to be.

Step Five: Board your train, stow your luggage, and enjoy the ride. But be sure to pay attention so you don’t miss your stop!