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Valence TGV Railway Station

About the Station

Valence TGV Station. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
The Valence TGV railway station (Gare de Valence TGV) is a modern and architecturally impressive transport hub located a few kilometres from the city centre of Valence, in the commune of Alixan. Opened in 2001, it serves as an important gateway to the Drôme and Ardèche regions, connecting the south of France with Paris and Lyon. The station building features a futuristic design with tilted glass walls that fill the space with natural light and offer views of the surrounding landscapes.

CityValence
CountryFrance
TypeRailway station

It is important for passengers to know that this station is not located in the city centre (unlike the Valence-Ville station). The station has multiple levels: the upper level for TGV trains and the lower level for regional TER express trains, so please pay close attention to the navigational signs when transferring. The spacious halls and clear layout of exits make orientation here quite simple, even for those visiting France for the first time.

Contact Information

  • Official website: Station page on the SNCF Gares & Connexions website.
  • Information hotline: 3635 (general SNCF number, call charges apply).
  • Address: Gare de Valence TGV, 26300 Alixan, France.
  • Opening hours: The station is usually open from 05:15 to 23:00 (times may vary on public holidays).
  • Luggage storage: Service may be limited; it is recommended to check the availability of automatic lockers at the information desk.
  • Accessibility: Accès Plus service to assist passengers with reduced mobility (booking 48 hours in advance is recommended).

How to Get There

There are several ways to get to Valence TGV station from the city centre or the surrounding areas. The most popular option is the regional TER trains that run between the central Valence-Ville station and the TGV station; the journey takes only about 8–10 minutes.

Bus services are also well-developed: routes of the Citéa network (for example, the InterCitéa line) connect the station with the centre of Valence and the town of Romans-sur-Isère. For motorists, there are several spacious parking lots (P1, P2, P3, P4) with options for short-term and long-term parking. A taxi ride from the centre of Valence will take approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

Services and Amenities

Valence TGV station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait for your train. The building features a spacious waiting area with seating where passengers can rest before their journey. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises (network _SNCF Gare Gratuit_), and charging stations for mobile devices are installed.

For the convenience of travellers, ticket counters and self-service machines are available for purchasing TGV and TER tickets. The station also has paid restrooms, a mailbox, a photo booth, and a piano that anyone is welcome to play. For citizens with reduced mobility, elevators, ramps, and specialized staff assistance are provided.

Where to Eat

At Valence TGV station, the choice of dining establishments is limited but sufficient for a quick snack. The main food outlet is a bakery-café (usually of the Paul chain or similar), where you can purchase fresh sandwiches, pastries, salads, and hot coffee. This is an excellent option for breakfast or a light lunch before boarding.

There is also a Relay store for press and travel essentials, selling snacks, chocolate, water, and soft drinks. If you require a full meal in a restaurant, it is better to eat in the city before departing for the station, as the choice of establishments in the immediate vicinity of the station (which is located in the countryside) is small.

Station History

The history of Valence TGV station is inextricably linked to the construction of the high-speed LGV Méditerranée line. The station was inaugurated in 2001, significantly reducing travel time between Paris and Marseille. The unique architecture of the building, designed by Jean-Marie Duthilleul, has become a symbol of modernity in the region.

The construction of this facility was of strategic importance, turning Valence into a key transport hub of the Rhône Valley. A distinct feature of the project is the two-level layout of the tracks, allowing the integration of high-speed trains with the regional network, which significantly improved transport accessibility for the Drôme department.

Passenger Tips

When planning a trip via Valence TGV, it is recommended to arrive at the station at least 20–30 minutes before the train departs. This will allow time to calmly find the correct platform (Voie), as the station has two levels and transfers may take time. Do not forget about security: never leave your luggage unattended for even a minute to avoid triggering a security alert.

If you have a paper ticket, be sure to validate it in the yellow machines before entering the platform; for electronic tickets (e-billet), the barcode on your smartphone is sufficient. Please note that the station closes at night, so long overnight layovers are not provided for here.

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