Is upstairs or downstairs better on French trains?

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. There are toilets & luggage racks both upstairs and downstairs, the bar car & access between cars are upstairs.



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Trains à Grande Vitesse (TGV) TGVs or Trains à Grande Vitesse are SNCF's premier high-speed trains. They run on major routes covering most of France at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).

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There is no difference in the on-board service as no food or drink is included in 1st class on most French domestic TGVs. 1st class is just nicer seating, with the option of solo seats or a face to face table for two.

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First class cabins tend to have more comfortable seats which are reclinable, larger and have extra legroom. These features will be a godsend if you are making a long journey and travelling on a route where it can occasionally be difficult to find a seat during peak times.

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Exclusive to First-Class Passengers Once onboard, you'll enjoy complimentary at-seat meal and beverage service provided by our onboard staff of First Class attendants. Selections include freshly prepared chef inspired entrees as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

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You can select seats from a seat map when booking a 1st class ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com.

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When choosing a seat on a train, try to get one in the center-most car, or one of the central cars. This will put you as far as possible from the most common points of issue for collisions or derailment, namely the front and end of the train. Also, when possible, sit in a rear-facing seat.

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Cars in the front of the train are usually more steady feeling than the cars near the end. The optimal seat to prevent motion sickness is a seat in the middle of one of the first train cars. Be sure to choose a forward-facing seat, and if you're riding a double-decker train, stay on the bottom level.

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Trainline shows various date options side-by-side with their costs. So if you're flexible on dates and willing to travel on whichever day is cheapest, you are able to get some great savings. This is not possible with the SNCF (though their older site used to do it) or other platforms.

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On SNCF trains, First Class seats are more spaced out than in Second Class, although they follow the same arrangement on either sitting at a table of four or two seats next to each other.

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Only if the train guard opens first class for second class passengers. Otherwise you must pay the surcharge to travel in first class.

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Flying first class can be an amazing experience, especially if you're traveling internationally. Along with premium treatment in the airport, you can expect better seats, better food and better service onboard. However, first class tickets can also be expensive.

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