We love rail. We can’t get enough of it (and in some places there isn’t enough of it.) Technology has gotten to the point where it not only makes sense, but also transcends sense and becomes a thrill, especially if it’s your first time. The first high-speed rail system, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, began operations in Japan in 1964. The first high-speed rail system, the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, began operations in Japan in 1964. But France’s TGV is probably the best-known, as it received the most fanfare when it first went into operation opened to the public between Paris and Lyon on 27 September 1981. Your editor was fortunate enough to be able to take the TGV many times for work, between London and Paris. There’s nothing like it.
How fast is TGV? TGVs – Trains à Grande Vitesse – are the pride of SNCF (French railways), running at up to 300 km/h (186 mph) on a network linking towns and cities across much of France. In fact, trains reach 320 km/h (199 mph) on the newer TGV-Est & TGV-Rhin-Rhone routes. But, what does actually TGV feel like when you’re rocketing down the track?
Click here to be a TGV driver. Today we travel from Paris EST à Strasbourg en TGV 2N2.
When you do decide to go, Reservations on TGV trains are mandatory, so whenever you buy your ticket, you’ll need to also book your seat.
The Trainline have your tickets for TGV. Click here to find your seats.