How fast french trains

You can choose seating options if you book at www. On double-deck TGV Duplex , ask for an upper deck seat for the best views. Stairs to the upper deck are wide and easy so not a problem, only choose the lower deck if you have serious mobility impairment. You can select upper or lower deck if you book online at www. It is not possible to specify a forward-facing seat on a TGV Duplex, as the unit could be running either way round, you cant tell which way round it will be running.

Forward-facing seats: It's possible to specify forward-facing seats on a handful of TGV routes which have the Christian Lacroix interiors which feature variable illuminated seat numbers - the correct set of seat numbers illuminate depending which way round the TGV unit enters service. You'll only be given the option to specify forward facing seats if a you book using www. Remember to validate French train tickets by putting them into the slot on the orange or yellow Compostez machines at the entrance to each platform.

Obviously, you don't need to validate print-your-own or e-tickets! Where on the platform to wait for your train? At most main stations, you can see where on the platform your carriage will stop by consulting a 'Composition des Trains' chart showing the train formation with coach numbers.

Taking your bike: See the bikes by train page. Taking your dog: See the dogs by train page. Back to top. Incidentally, SNCF's in-house designer still hasn't forgiven Christian Lacroix for breaking the long-standing unwritten 'rules' and using warm colours in 2nd class, cooler colours in 1st class, so see what you think Seat numbering plans: There are various types of TGV, you can find plans of the seating layouts on the train seat numbering page.

Food from the cafe bar Panorama photo. See sample TGV bar menu The latest interior TGV 1st class latest interior colour scheme. TGV 2nd class , latest interior colour scheme. Older interiors There are still some unrefurbished TGVs knocking about, and these older interiors often don't have power sockets in 2nd class. TGV 2nd class. Most seats are face-to-back, but there are some bays of 4 face-to-face seats, ask when booking. On what routes do they operate? On board the train You board the train through a wide sliding external door into a small hall at one end of the lower deck.

Upper or lower deck? When reserving, you can usually choose a seat on either upper or lower decks if you buy online at www. If you have major problems climbing stairs the lower deck might be best, but for anyone else the top deck is strongly recommended for the best views of the scenery, as you'll be able to see over the top of the occasional sound barrier along the high speed lines.

For couples, an upper deck first class table for two shown variously as Club duo or Dual face to face is as good as it gets. Seat numbering plan: TGV Duplex seating plan. Select any fare, click the Seating link and click the drop down box that says No preference.

If the options include upstairs and downstairs , it's a Duplex! There are power sockets at all 1st class seats, but usually not in 2nd class on these first-generation trains.

The first-generation trains are not equipped to run on international routes. Cafe-bar , upper deck in car 4. The same applies to the interior of the cars, where the spaces can be quickly reconfigured.

The "TGV M" will be 97 per cent recyclable, compared with 90 per cent for current generations. The SNCF, which participated in its development, also estimates that its maintenance costs will be 30 per cent lower. The first trains will be operational at the end of the first quarter of Deliveries will be made until However, this new high-speed train will be able to carry 20 per cent more passengers, accommodating up to people per train in its maximum configuration, compared with today.

In all, four power cars are being assembled in the Belfort factory. The first cars, which will be coupled between two power cars just like the current generation, are being assembled at another of the manufacturer's sites at La Rochelle in the west of the country.

Rail travel is having somewhat of a renaissance in France just now. Previously unprofitable night trains are making a comeback, with the service between Paris and Nice have, for instance, returning in May after a three-year absence. There are also significant new high-speed rail projects progressing in tandem with the TGV M's manufacture.

Funding for two new lines, Bordeaux-Toulouse and Marseille-Nice, has recently been agreed upon, but no delivery date has been given. Its designers at Alstom hope to see it run one day in other European countries where open competition between operators is at full throttle.

As for Alstom, the company previously sold a past evolution of the TGV to a private Italian operator. See also: Canada's most famous train is leaving the country for the first time. See also: Vegemite and chutney: The overnight train from Sydney to Melbourne. Home Destinations. Search Site. Previous slide Next slide. Thailand is open to Australians, but good luck clearing the entry rules Contains:. Onsens: The most civilised place to get naked with strangers Contains:. How a small NZ town's burgers became world famous Contains:.

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