SNCF manages around 3,000 stations in France, the Deutsche Bahn around 6,500 and Swiss SBB just over 800. But what is surprising is the extremely small number of baggage lockers offered by the French operator inside stations. And while almost all DB stations offer lockers - generally automatic lockers - even in small towns, and CFF in Switzerland has equipped 115 stations, France is a pale shadow. Until this summer, only 13 stations offered this service.
In Paris, all stations offer lockers, with the notable exceptions of Saint-Lazare and Bercy. Outside the Paris region, station lockers are only available at Bordeaux, Dijon, Lille-Europe, Lyon-Part Dieu, Marne-la-Vallée, Marseille, Montpellier and Strasbourg.
When asked about SNCF about this strange absence, the latter generally took refuge behind the safety argument. With good reason. Indeed, the 1996 Vigipirate plan, following attacks, sounded the death knell for automatic lockers. They must be located away from passenger flows and must be equipped with an electronic surveillance system approved by the prefecture.
Local instructions
However, the national rail company has decided to take action, as it is aware of the usefulness of such a service. It has therefore reinstalled luggage lockers... but outside stations. A formula that Trenitalia has been applying for several years in Italy. 14 Italian towns have a local operator who acts as a left-luggage office.
Since the summer, 43 destinations have made it possible to leave luggage with a partnerin this case Nannybag. A specialist in this field, the French start-up has built up a network of "Nannies" through partnerships with retail chains such as Carrefour, Casino and Franprix, as well as hotels. Accor or Louvre Hotels. Relays must be located approximately 5 minutes' walk from the station itself. This time, the destinations concerned also include smaller stations such as Bayonne, Colmar, La Rochelle and Quimper. In short, destinations with a high volume of visitors. Saint-Lazare, Bercy and Roissy-CDG now have their own locker service.. The rates are similar to those for lockers. Around €5.50 or €6 for one day's storage of a normal-sized item of luggage. A full list of stations that accept baggage can be found at this link.
