Taking the TVG, Intercité & regional servcies
TGV (France)
France’s sleek Trains à Grande Vitesse (TGV) are well known and well liked. They commonly race across the French countryside at a top speed of 186mph, but on the line across eastern France into Germany they can reach an impressive 198mph. We always book seats for you, in your choice of second or first class – by upgrading, you benefit from more space and reclining seats.
On TGV there is plenty of room for luggage, with generous overhead racks, plus space at the end of each carriage for larger cases. All but the shortest-distance of the TGVs have buffet cars where you can purchase (either with cash or credit card) sandwiches and light, hot dishes such as quiche, plus a selection of hot and cold drinks including alcoholic beverages. You can take your purchases back to your seat or, for a break, you can eat them in the standing area near the counter. Of course, you can bring your own picnic if you prefer, including some wine to sip as the countryside slips by outside.
Intercité (France)
Intercité trains are similar to British Intercity trains. Refurbished to offer comfort for longer journeys (not to mention ample space to stow luggage), these trains run at up to 125mph and have a buffet car. Again, we reserve seats for you on these services. Prices for first class compare very favourably to those for second class, and give you the benefit of reclining leather seats and a power socket.
French regional rail services
Just as in the UK, trains that run on local lines are functional first and foremost. Luggage space is more limited, on-board catering is rare, and, on trains operating on shorter lines, there may not be any toilets, so please bear this in mind before boarding. We cannot reserve seats on these services, but it is unlikely that you’ll struggle to find somewhere to sit.