Do people eat on French trains?

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Yes, food is available on French trains! Many long-distance trains feature a restaurant car or café offering snacks and meals. You're also welcome to bring your own food and drinks aboard, including wine – a perfectly acceptable way to enjoy your journey.

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Can you eat food on French trains?

Okay, so here’s my take on eating on French trains, from personal experience:

Yes, you can eat on French trains. Most long-distance trains have a restaurant car or cafe. You can buy snacks or meals there.

But like, honestly? I almost always pack my own food.

I remember this one time, traveling from Paris to Nice (around €80, I think?), and the train cafe was packed. And pricey. We are talking about mid range fare.

I’d brought a baguette, some Comté cheese (from that awesome market near Notre Dame, before, uh, you know), and a bottle of wine – okay, maybe two small bottles. No judging.

The joy? Sitting back, watching the French countryside blur by, snacking away. Perfect!

There are no rules forbidding you to bring your own food and drinks. Even wine. I’ve never had anyone bat an eye. Just be respectful, yeah? Clean up after yourself. Don’t be that tourist.

Honestly, the French practically encourage it. I saw a whole family pull out a full-on picnic basket once. It was beautiful.

Do French trains sell food?

French train food? Oh honey, it’s way beyond a sad ham sandwich. Think less lukewarm airline meal, more culinary adventure.

Nos Territoires Gourmands is the name of the game. It’s like a Michelin-starred restaurant, but instead of a stuffy atmosphere, you get the glorious swaying of a train.

They’ve got it all:

  • Breakfast, obviously. Think less greasy spoon, more Parisian chic.
  • Gourmet breaks? Yes please. Imagine a perfectly crafted cheese plate appearing magically.
  • Full-blown menus! Seasonal ingredients, locally sourced – the whole shebang.

Daytime trains? A salesman, bless his cotton socks, will personally bring the gastronomic goodness to you. Seriously, it’s like a food-themed parade just for you.

It’s not just food; it’s a performance, a whole experience, darling. A culinary ballet. Don’t be a sad sack; treat yourself. My last trip involved a divine goat cheese tart, I’m still dreaming of it. Seriously. This year, 2024, it’s even better. I heard rumors of truffle oil on everything. Maybe I’ll find that out myself this fall. It’s not just food. It’s an event. A delicious, delicious event.

Can you eat food on the train?

Ugh, trains. Eating on them? Generally, yes. But don’t be a slob, okay? My aunt Susan spilled curry all over a guy once. Never forget that. He was NOT amused.

Taking your own food? Of course! Why wouldn’t you? Saves a fortune. My packed lunch yesterday: a delicious ham and pickle sandwich, crisps – cheese and onion, obviously, and an apple.

Rude? Depends. Loud chewing? Yeah, kinda rude. Leaving a trail of crumbs? Beyond rude. It’s just common decency, people!

UK trains? Same rules apply. No one wants to sit next to someone eating stinky fish. Seriously, who does that? And don’t even get me started on those people who leave their half-eaten sandwich wrapped in a newspaper… just…ew.

  • Food allowed: Yes, generally.
  • Exceptions: Avoid overly smelly food. Clean up after yourself!
  • UK-specific rules: Essentially the same as everywhere else.
  • Manners matter: Don’t be a pig. Seriously.

Today, I’m having a banana for lunch on the train. Hoping to avoid any curry-related incidents this time. Maybe some almonds too. Yeah, almonds sound good. What was I saying? Oh, the train. Gotta run. Catch it.

Is it OK to eat on trains in Germany?

Ugh, Germany train food. So expensive! My last trip, the bratwurst was…okay. But 20 euros?! Robbery! Better to pack your own stuff. Seriously.

Honestly, bringing my own sandwiches saves tons. I always do. Pretzels are amazing though. Should buy more pretzels next time.

Eating on German trains? Totally fine. No rules against it. People do it all the time. Saw a family with a mountain of Currywurst last month. Impressive.

You can bring your own food and drinks. It’s not a problem at all.

  • Pack your own: Save money. Avoid ridiculously priced train food.
  • Bistro cars exist: But they’re pricey.
  • Toilets are everywhere: Essential info. Always needed.

My friend got sick on the ICE once, though. Not from the food, thankfully. Just motion sickness. Drama.

All trains have restrooms. That’s a fact. I’m not sure about every single regional train, but definitely the main lines.

Remember that time I spilled my coffee? A whole fiasco. Should’ve used a lid. Never again.

Can you eat on European trains?

Can you eat on European trains? Oh honey, are you planning a movable feast?

  • Yes, darling, you can eat on European trains. Mostly.

  • Think of it: Europe, but make it a picnic. Like, BYOF (bring your own food) is a thing.

  • Booze too! Though, maybe pace yourself. Unless you want to miss that stunning Swiss view, or end up accidentally serenading strangers in German. Don’t ask.

  • But wait, there’s more! Many trains are practically rolling restaurants. Food and drinks are often served, either for a fee or already baked into that ticket price. Fancy!

  • Consider LNER in the UK. Sandwiches, snacks, coffee – basically, everything you need for a civilized journey. Or a slightly tipsy one. It all depends.

  • Imagine: sipping coffee, gazing at French countryside, all while hurtling towards your next adventure. Romantic, right? Just, you know, try not to spill.

Here’s the real tea. Some trains, especially high-speed ones, have proper dining cars. Like, white tablecloths. Others have trolleys that cruise the aisles, bearing the gift of overpriced crisps. And some? Well, some just have vending machines. It’s a gamble, really.

But always, always double-check the specific train line and ticket details. Because, surprises! Sometimes delightful, sometimes… less so. Think mystery meat. You’ve been warned. Did I mention I once tried to eat a croissant on a high speed train? Epic fail.

Can I eat my food on the train?

Man, that time on the 8:15 am train to Geelong last Tuesday… The smell of my sausage roll was amazing, seriously. I felt guilty though, because the woman opposite, she gave me this look. Like, what the heck is this peasant doing? It was a proper sausage roll, from that bakery near my place, Greg’s. Best sausage rolls in town.

Honestly, nobody said anything. But her stare… I swear it could curdle milk. I quickly finished it, feeling a bit self-conscious. Next time, maybe a less messy snack. A banana perhaps? Yeah, a banana would be less… offensive.

Eating on the train is fine, by the way. Public transport rules in Victoria, I’m pretty sure, don’t explicitly forbid it. Although, certain stations, like Flinders Street, do have their own food outlets. I prefer Greg’s though. Way better.

Chewing on the train wheel? Are you kidding me? That’s insane! Don’t even think about it. That’s vandalism, mate. Criminal damage. Seriously, don’t do it.

  • Key takeaway: Eating your own food on Victorian trains is perfectly acceptable.
  • Important note: Do not damage train property. That’s a no-no. Big time trouble.
  • Personal preference: Greg’s bakery near my place makes the best sausage rolls. Seriously. Try them.

I mean, seriously. Who would even think about chewing on a train wheel? I’d rather eat a thousand sausage rolls. Or maybe just one, at Greg’s bakery. That’s my favorite bakery.

Is there food on the TGV train?

TGV food? Yeah, there’s grub. Think airplane food, but with slightly less of a chance you’ll need a hazmat suit afterward. It’s not exactly a Michelin star experience, more like a slightly-above-average gas station sandwich, but hey, you’re on a fancy train!

Key things to know:

  • Pricey: Prepare to mortgage your firstborn for a decent meal. Seriously, it’s not cheap. Think paying for a small car, then buying a single, slightly sad-looking croissant.
  • Menus Change: The menu is about as stable as a Jenga tower in a hurricane. Expect the unexpected. One day it’s gourmet, the next it’s mystery meat. Don’t ask questions.
  • Service Varies: The service is… well, it’s French. Sometimes delightful, sometimes like wrestling a grumpy badger for your baguette. Patience, my friend, patience. And maybe some strong coffee.
  • Alternatives Exist: Pack snacks, especially if you’re a picky eater or value your life savings. Trust me on this one. My friend, Dave, learned this the hard way last year, and he’s still recovering emotionally (and financially).
  • Don’t Expect Miracles: Let’s be realistic. This is train food. Don’t expect culinary nirvana. Think of it as sustenance, not a culinary journey. It’s fuel, not fine dining, capiche?

My buddy, Mark, swore he once found a hair in his soup. A very long, suspiciously curly hair. I still don’t know if he was joking. It’s best to err on the side of caution, always. Bring your own snacks. Really. Do it.

Can you take food in your suitcase to Europe?

Taking food to Europe… it’s complicated. Solid stuff, like granola bars, maybe okay. But forget the fresh stuff. Seriously, don’t risk it. My aunt got stopped, a whole drama.

  • Customs declarations: Absolutely essential. Don’t even think about skipping this. Be honest.

  • Fruits, veggies, meats, dairy: Forget about it. These are big problems. The rules are tight. I learned that the hard way. Lost some delicious cheese on my last trip.

  • Dried fruits, packaged snacks: these usually pass. But check the regulations. Each country’s different.

I’m still bummed about that cheese. Man. This is depressing. It was aged cheddar. Imported. The good stuff. 2023 really sucked sometimes.

Can you drink on the train in Spain?

Spain…trains…wine. God, I miss Spain.

The cafe car, yeah, I remember that. Red wine, mostly. Watching the landscape blur. Always felt…lonely, somehow. Even surrounded by people.

Long-distance trains? Absolutely. Bars are there. You can buy drinks directly on board. Easy enough.

But on the locals…nah. No bars. Bring your own. It’s perfectly fine. I did. Many times. A cheap Rioja, mostly.

  • Long distance trains: Onboard bar service
  • Local trains: BYOB (Bring your own bottle). I always did.

That’s how it was. 2023, anyway. Things might change. I hope not.

My last trip… was just… sad. Empty bottle. Empty feeling. The train rattled on.

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