FREE France Railpass for Battle of Normandy veterans; special 3-day France Railpass for others this summer to commemorate 60th anniversary of D-Day

White Plains, New York, February 17, 2004 - To honor those who risked their lives in the heroic D-Day landings of World War II, Rail Europe is offering a free France Railpass this summer to veterans of the Battle of Normandy. For family, friends and others visiting Normandy and all of France during this summer's celebration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day, Rail Europe is also offering a special 3-day France Railpasses for $199 US/$273 CAD, valid for travel between June 1-August 31. Available starting April 15, both the free veterans' railpass and 3-day special railpass are for residents of the U.S. and Canada only and must be obtained prior to departure for Europe; they are not available in Europe.

Veterans are eligible to receive a regular France Railpass, providing 4 days of unlimited 1st class rail travel throughout France on any 4 days within a one-month period. Normally selling for $252 US/$346 CAD, this pass is valid for 6 months after issue from Rail Europe.

To obtain their free railpass, veterans need to log onto www.normandiememoire.com where they register for a 60th anniversary commemorative badge. They will then receive an email providing information on how to request their free France Railpass.

The special 3-day France Railpass for other North American visitors provides 3 days of unlimited 1st class rail travel within France during a one-month period anytime between June 1 and August 31. It may be booked between April 15 and August 15.

There are 11 daily train departures in each direction between Paris and Caen, closest city to the landing beaches and home to the Caen Memorial to World War II. The Paris-Caen rail journey takes 2 hours 10 minutes.

The 3-day France Railpass may be booked with a travel agent or online at www.raileurope.com or by calling 1-888-382-7245 in the U.S. or 1-800-361-7245 in Canada. Rail Europe is the leading North American supplier of European rail products and is a subsidiary of the French National Railroads.

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