Article starts "It isn’t just YOU that is confused by the multiple tariffs offered by the SNCF, the French rail system. A recent survey shows that the majority of French people are just as lost! Journalist Pascal Frasnetti shares a few tips on how to score lower prices on your train tickets."
http://plus.lefigaro.fr/note/how-to-pay-less-and-understand-the-french-rail-system-20120209-718110