The high speed TGV’s (Train à Grande Vitesse) are the pride of the French Railway (SNCF). The network of high-speed TGV trains, which have been in existence since 1981, connects over 230 destinations in both France and the rest of Europe. Running on specially designed and built high-speed rail tracks. The idea for these highly efficient transport links originated back in the 1960s when the growth of the airline industry was becoming ever more apparent. The environmentally preferable train links were therefore developed as an alternative. Smooth & quiet even at high speeds, they are a relaxing way to travel.
The latest TGV rolling stock to streak across the French countryside consists of double-decker trains. These double the carrying capacity of the trains whilst still maintaining the same speed and service. All TGV trains offer catering facilities, family carriages and private telephone areas to help make the journey even more convenient.
TGV trains have two service brands – TGV Lyria and iDTGV.
TGV Lyria is service brand used for TGV lines connecting France & Switzerland.
iDTGV is a TGV high speed train service aimed primarily at younger passengers. Carriages are separated into two zones: iDZen for customers wishing a quiet trip, where mobile phones and loud conversations are banned, and iDZap for customers looking for entertainment. Customers can rent DVDs and DVD players as well as board games, buy food, drinks or a sleep kit. The iDNight is a service with the same trains as the iDTGV during the night, but not at high speed and without beds, different to what one would expect by its name.
The night trains service with beds by SNCF is the Corail Lunea.