jumping in here rather than starting a new thread as closely related to the above topic.
Robgul Im going in circles too trying to find a way via rail to get from Vannes to Paris then on to Utrecht for an event.
The bikes fitted with fenders and rear panniers, dynamo lights etc so unbroken down and rideable across Paris etc is a must.
Seems the SNCF to Paris is doable, but then the Thalys trains need bikes boxed up.
Anyone know of a work around or is it a case of give up and fly/drive.
It's possible! Just depends how many days** you want to take over the journey. (** May be a slight exaggeration, but sadly only slight!)
Ferreting around in the SNCF Connect app, there are *some* TER trains to Aulnoye (near Valenciennes) which have connections through to Erquelinnes in Belgium.
From there, you'd be in the hands of SNCB/NMBS via Charleroi and Brussels, but I think you'd be OK with a bike. Checking the NS website, reveals that it is permissible to take a bike on the Intercity Direct International service from Brussels, presumably changing at Rotterdam Centraal for Utrecht.
The downsides with this route:
- There's only 3 TER services a day from Paris Nord to Aulnoye - welcome to SNCF's attitude to non-TGV services!
- There's a lot of changes along the way, increasing the possibility of missed connections.
- Needing to deal with 3 different train operators and their ticketing systems as the only international tickets assume the use of a TGV/Thalys service.
Another alternative I can think of is to take the TER from Paris Nord to Calais Ville (some direct, some changing at Amiens or Le Touquet),
the TER connection to Dunkerque,
cycle across the border to De Panne in Belgium (uses a cycle route laid on the route of the former railway line between the two!),
train from De Panne to Antwerpen Centraal,
change to the IC-Direct to Rotterdam,
thence to Utrecht.