The week in travel: February 16 France launches €10 cross-country train service The French national rail operator SNCF is offering a new low-cost long-distance service to passengers, in a bid to compete with budget airlines and cars. Trains depart from Marne-la-Vallée to the east of the French capital - almost 20 miles away from central Paris. Services will connect Paris to Lyon, Marseille and Montpellier on the south coast, with tickets starting from €10/ £8.70, significantly cheaper than tickets for the normal TGV train.