Can't beat 19 Euros in 'first' on idTGV. I love travelling TGV, to be honest, and find it better than Germany and light years ahead of what any company in the UK can offer.

Trenitalia business isn't bad either.

Obviously I have no language issue in France, but can't see where that would be a problem. And they pay out for delays; I've never actually had a pay out in the last three years.