The first TGV started in the 1980s and since then I’ve really fancied a ride on one. But, y’know, life, work, stuff it all got in the way. But in March 2023 I finally got to ride the original high speed line from Paris to Lyon and then continue on to Marseille. This was a blast!

CORRECTION:
At 10:04 the aqueduct I saw is the Aqueduc de Roquefavour, built in the 1840s

Departure: Paris Gare de Lyon, France
Destination: Marseille Saint-Charles, France
Distance: 658 km / 409 miles
Duration: 3 hrs 22 mins
Cost: 1st Class €60 / £52.70. 2nd Class €49 / £43.00
Date of Travel: March 2023
Operator: SNCF (Société nationale des chemins de fer français)
Motive power: Réseau Duplex 2 power cars + 8 double-deck coaches. Power cars built GEC/Alsthom 1993

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15 Comments

  1. Another brilliant video, Johnny! Out of interest, would the €60 1st class fare apply to both the upper and lower decks? Interesting how SNCF call the train sheds at Paris Gare de Lyon as Halls. Was this also the case in Marseilles ? Your bucket list for train travel journeys must be diminishing slowly!

  2. Great video…have done this journey many times, living close to Marseille. Just a small correction…at 10:04 the aqueduct you saw is the Aqueduc de Roquefavour, built in the 1840s. The magnificent Pont de Gard is some 80km to the west near Nîmes.

  3. Another marvellous synopsis of a trully inspirational route. I am astounded to think it is almost fifty years since I first covered the same ground. I took the late night departure from Gare de Lyon. Consider yourself fortunate in 21st century first class bliss !! My 29 pound inter rail card left me standing in the corridor for most of the night .Is looking back in envy part of the aging process ? Keep up the great work . I enjoyed every minute .

  4. Nice review but this TGV ran faster and longer than you said. 658 km was the distance between Paris GdL and Avignon-TGV. From there, you traveled another 94 km to St Charles.

  5. The first time I ever tried to get a TGV didn’t go well as our connection from CDG was late we arrived just as the doors where shutting. Despite us standing at the door the guard wouldn’t open it and it say there for a further 10 mins!! Our second attempt to get too Cannes was much more enjoyable

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