In terms of transfer time, the train easily wins over a similar journey by plane. The departure of my TGV to Paris is at 16:34, which means I don‘t have to leave my flat until 16:20. I make the short walk across the square and into Basel’s main station. Although there is a French sector in the main railway station, the TGV departs from the Swiss sector, presumably because the service originates in Zürich.
The Cabin & Seat
High speed services between Switzerland and France are operated by a company called TGV Lyria, which is a joint venture between the French SNCF railways and the Swiss SBB railways. Since last year, services are operated exclusively with double-decked rolling stock.
There are three First Class coaches in a standard TGV Lyria composition. Of the three, the upper floor of the last/first coach is reserved for the Business Première product. It‘s the same cabin and seat as the other First Class coaches. The only difference is that in Business Première complimentary food and drinks are served. Today’s service is rather quiet. I’d say that occupancy is not even 50%.
Seating is in a three abreast layout, with seats available facing forward or backward. However, it‘s not always that easy to tell on the seatmap when you reserve your seat which way is forward. Also, quite often the train is brought to the platform standing the wrong way around. So that what was originally a forward facing seat turns out to be rear facing. By the way, in France seat reservations are mandatory on all TGV lines. The seat itself is comfortable, with good pitch. The net at the back of each seat is convenient and large enough to store a laptop. There’s also an electric power socket at every seat. The recline button is in the arm rest and electrically operated. The tray table is large enough to comfortably place a laptop on it. There is also plenty of storage space for larger items and suitcases at both ends of the cabin.
The Crew
The train crew is composed of both Swiss and French staff. In charge of the Business Première cabin is a pleasant young Frenchman. The service begins with a scented hot towel.
Next, the table is set and menus are distributed as the attendant makes a first drinks round.
Between meal times, a small snack is served. Today’s offering is menu 3.
The meal is served with real metal cutlery on a large tray. It consists of a savoury profiterole filled with vegetables and fresh cheese, and a pear and prune compote.
The tray is quickly removed after the meal, so I can get back to work on my laptop. Wifi is available throughout the train. However, I’d say it probably doesn’t work quite so good as the wifi on the German ICE trains.
Arrival
We departed from Basel with a delay of fifteen minutes to await a group of connecting passengers. On our journey to Paris we manage to make up five minutes, so that eventually we arrive at Gare de Lyon ten minutes behind schedule. That’s not bad at all. Surprisingly, the station is rather quiet.
Conclusion
This was another very pleasant journey on the TGV. The service is very reliable and the trip passes quickly. It’s only three hours from Basel to Paris. Apart from the fact that taking a plane on this route is hardly faster but likely longer, on the train you can just park yourself in your seat and start working immediately until it‘s time to disembark.