Global warming and massive C02 emissions have been an ongoing hot topic for the last decade. To cut carbon emissions, France has introduced a new law that bans domestic short-haul flights. With so many train alternatives existing, the ban dictates that any trips possible in 2.5 hours by train can’t be taken as flights.
With this ban in effect, how does it affect you, as a traveller? What routes are cut and how does this affect your upcoming trips? What are the alternatives to the affected destinations other than travelling by train? In this blog, all these questions and more are answered, so read on!
Why introduce the ban?
France’s ban on domestic short-haul flights is part of a law that was passed in 2021 to fight climate change. The government’s goal is to cut the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in 2030. The initial proposal hoped to stop flights that had train alternatives of under four hours, but this was reduced to 2.5 hours after opposition from certain regions and airlines.
But according to official statistics, domestic flights only accounted for 4% of C02 emissions produced by the country’s transportation industry. It’s reported that the routes cut due to the ban only reduces C02 emissions by about 55,000 tons per year.
How does it affect you?
Although it may sound like a wide ban, the ban only concerns three routes from Paris-Orly Airport to:
- Nantes
- Bordeaux
- Lyon
The ban also consists of many exceptions; connecting flights are not affected, and the Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe, has been excluded. The ban also only applies to cities connected by direct train service that has runs regularly.
Did you know Spain is also considering a similar ban? Stay protected from last-minute trip interruptions with Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption Insurance.
Getting to Nantes, Bordeaux, or Lyon from Paris without flying
Nantes
The easiest way to get to Nantes from Paris is by train, which takes roughly around two hours, with the cheapest ticket being around $28 CAD.
If you like road trips, consider renting a car and taking a 4-hour scenic drive from Paris to Nantes. Be sure to get Rental Car Protection Insurance so you’re protected against damage or loss to your rental vehicle.
Missed the last train or don’t like driving? The last option is the night bus, which takes 5 hours and costs between $49-65 CAD.
Bordeaux
The train from Paris to Bordeaux is a little over 2 hours and lowest-priced ticket costs around $14 CAD.
Driving, however, takes longer, amounting to almost 6.5 hours. But if you’re keen, be sure to take the A10 Highway to enjoy the immensely scenic Loire Valley that features picturesque castles, fields, and traditional villages and markets. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site if you’re a culture and history buff!
The last option to get to Bordeaux from Paris is by bus, which takes seven to eight hours and priced between $16 – $28 USD.
Lyon
By train, it takes around 2-3.5 hours to get to Lyon from Paris, with the cheapest tickets priced at around $14 CAD.
By car, it takes around 5 hours. You can take the A6 Highway to traverse the beautiful Burgundy region and visit its surrounding charming towns.
By bus, the ride is around 5-6.5 hours and costs between $9 – $13 USD—making it super budget friendly!
If you’re in the midst of planning your French getaway, we hope this blog clears up any confusion around about France’s ban on domestic short-haul flights. Remember, provincial healthcare doesn’t cover much outside of Canada, so always consider getting Emergency Medical Travel Insurance for your journeys.
Safe travels,
Suki
