France is back!
Rail Europe reports 50% increase in 2004 sales of france products vs 2003

White Plains, NY, February 15, 2005 -- Rail Europe, leading North American distributor of European rail and related travel products, reports a dramatic increase of more than 50% in 2004 sales of its France products, including France Railpass, France Rail ‘n Drive and tour products, compared to 2003 sales. French domestic routes were among the top 10 best-selling point-to-point rail tickets last year.

“This clearly indicates the full recovery of France as a travel destination,” says Fabrice Morel, President and CEO of Rail Europe Group.

The company's best-selling rail route in France is Paris-Avignon along the new TGV Méditerranée high-speed line. Second is Paris-Nice and third is Paris-Lyon.

Save money by buying here

Morel points out that the way to save money in these days of the rising Euro is to purchase rail tickets and passes here before departing for Europe: “That's because 2005 dollar prices of tickets and passes were set in 2004, so the prices on those purchased here in North America will remain unchanged all year long. If you wait and pay in Euros over there, then you have to worry about the worsening exchange rate. Also, remember - most railpasses are not available in Europe, so those you must buy here,” he explains.

Rail Europe has point-to-point rail tickets, reservations, and France Railpasses with discounts for couples, groups, seniors and youth, plus France Rail ‘n Drive passes combining rail and rental car travel. The company's informative Web site (www.raileurope.com ) makes it easy for North American travelers to get the most for their money on France's excellent rail system.

For more information on rail travel anywhere in Europe or the U.K., contact a travel agent or Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 in the U.S. or 1-800-361-7245 in Canada or log on to www.raileurope.com

Photos: members of the press may download high-res photos of Eurostar and other European trains at www.raileurope.com/presspix