France withdraws from Eurail Select Pass program

Rail Europe Inc. has announced that as of Jan. 1, 2013, France will withdraw as a participating country from the Eurail Select Pass, but will still remain part of the Eurail Global Pass. All Eurail Select Passes purchased now through Dec. 31 that include France will be honoured in 2013. Eurail Select Pass holders have six months from the date of issue to start using their pass and another two months from the date the pass is activated to complete their travel. “France is among our top three rail destinations and it is therefore important that it remains within the larger Eurail Global Pass,”says president and CEO Frederic Langlois. “We are happy that the French National Railroads have chosen to keep France part of a flagship product like the Eurail Global Pass. This strategic move allows us to continue to meet the needs of travellers who want to experience all of Europe with the Eurail Global Pass; while better serving those who want to travel to one country at a time with a national rail pass such as the France Rail Pass, as well as travellers who wish to take a few quick rail journeys and only need city centre to city centre e-tickets.”(http://www.agent.raileurope.com)