‘Family discount cards’: what deals exist in France
Eligible families can apply for the card and access discounts on transport and leisure sites, but criteria apply
Families with three or more children, with at least one minor, can benefit from the card
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Did you know that France has a ‘carte famille nombreuse’, which entitles large families to discounts from transport operators - including SNCF and RATP - and leisure sites? Here is how it works.
What is the ‘carte famille nombreuse’?
The large family card is a scheme set up to help families with several children to reduce their costs on transport and certain services.
It entitles the holder to significant reductions on public transport fares, particularly for SNCF trains, but also sometimes for other forms of transport, including buses and even flights.
Each member of the family - whether adult and child - must have their own card to benefit from the reductions.
What is considered to be a ‘large family’?
In France, a family is considered to be ‘large’ when it has three or more dependent children, with at least one minor child. If you qualify, you can apply for the large family card.
Blended families can also benefit, while parents with joint custody can also have their own card, which they can use when they are caring for their children.
What are the advantages of having a large family card?
Discounts on trains and other transport (bus, tram, etc.). Up to 75% off on standard fares.
Access to special offers. Some companies offer reduced rates for holders.
Savings on holidays. Tour operator and travel agency discounts including for hotel stays, holiday rentals and leisure activities.
Savings on days out. Reduce entry for some museums, theme parks and similar sites.
What transport discounts does the large family card offer?
On SNCF trains, the discount rate depends on the number of children in the household:
The discount is calculated based on the basic second-class fare, even if it can be used for first-class travel. In this case, it is calculated based on the standard leisure fare.
Bus and tram travel is also available at a discount in some areas. For example:
What other discounts are available to cardholders?
Some commercial partners offer special deals on presentation of the card, across many types of services in sectors such as:
To view the list of participating companies, head to the card’s official website.
Where can I apply for a large family card?
You can apply for the card:
Since January 2023 the card has been available in digital format although there is also a ‘paper’ version that is sent to your address once the card has been approved.
What documents do I need to apply?
To apply for a card, parents, carers, minors, and adult children must show proof of your situation, such as:
Proof of identity (identity card or passport)
Proof of cohabitation for couples if applicable, showing the names of both parents (certificate of social benefits/tax notice/proof of address, or separate addresses if parents live separately).
Proof of parentage for each minor and adult child (birth certificate, adoption certificate or guardianship decree).
Any extra proof of residency or nationality if needed (see below)
How much does a large family card cost?
Each application costs €19 regardless of the number of cards ordered. It is due for
How long does it take to receive the card after application?
Once the application has been approved on the platform, an email will be sent to the applicant confirming that it has been issued.
At this point, the cards can be downloaded and printed immediately from your personal account on the website.
The cards are also sent in paper format within a maximum of three weeks.
Do you have to be a French citizen to get the card?
No, it is also available to French residents of foreign nationality, and to citizens of the European Union.
To get one, you will need to provide:
Is the card means tested?
No, it is not means-tested, although applications and the information on the card is double checked by the Direction de l'information légale et administrative.
How long is the card valid for?
There are exceptions:
If one of the children turns 18 during this period, their birthday is the cut-off date for the validity of that card.
If the cardholder is a foreign resident, the card’s validity only lasts as long as their residence permit.
Renewing the card is done via the same process as applying for the card the first time round.
What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?
Notify the card platform immediately by telephone or email using the details given in the ‘Contact’ section of the website. This will cancel the card and allow you to get a new one.
You will need to make a new application and pay €19 again to obtain a new card, even if the old one was stolen.
