TGV

Introduction

photo:Daniel Elkan TGV on way t'slopes

The TGV (short for “train de grand vitesse”) is so named because it travels at high speeds of up to 320km per hour.

It does this very quietly, smoothly and comfortably and is a very pleasant way to travel – a much better experience generally than on British trains.

Seating

photo:Daniel Elkan Sitting comfortably

The seats on the TGV are comfortable, whether you are in standard or first class. There are plenty of table seats, and those without have a pulldown table where you can rest a book or laptop.

All first class carriages have powerpoints for laptops, as do some standard class carriages.

There is space to store skis and luggage in the overhead rack and space for larger case at the ends of carriages.

Every carriage is a “quiet carriage” and people generally only talk into their mobile phones in the corridor space between the carriages.

Cafe bar and food

photo:Daniel Elkan A TGV cafe bar

TGVs have cafe-bars that sell hot and cold drinks, hot snacks and sandwiches.

You can eat at one of the counters in the cafe-bar, or take items back to your seat.

And you can also bring a picnic with you and eat on the train.

Group and family facilities

photo:Daniel Elkan Look Daddy!

The TGV is particularly good for groups or families, especially if you book table seats.