Lounge Access on the TGV
 

Given the number of trainy types here, I wonder if someone knows the answer to this: I have a couple of TGV trips next week, booked as 1st class "Loisir" tickets. I can't find any info about what is included with these - does anyone know if they include food/drink and lounge access, or are these restricted to full fare 1st class?

It's not a big issue either way, but it would be nice to know.

There is no complimentary at-seat food and drink service in First Class on TGVs. Not even a free cup of tea. Some TGVs may not even have a buffet onboard. I believe the lounges such as the Grand Salon Voyager in Paris are only accessible if you have a RailTeam frequent traveller card.

Ah well, I rather suspected as much. I dare say I'll survive! Thanks, though.

I thought French trains were supposed to be better than ours?

Slightly OT - but I believe that for Eurostar that 1st class does not get you lounge access, but that business class does... :confused:

Not quite, Eurostar have split their First Class in to two separate cabins - Leisure Select and Business Premier.

The on-train product is exactly the same, a 1st Class seat and a complimentary meal.

What differs is that the BP fare are fully flexible (and more expensive), grant you lounge access and check-in time is just 10 minutes beforehand.

The idea is that the important cash-rich time-poor business people don't have to sit next to people on holiday who don't want to travel in Standard.

They are. They run faster. ;) Sans tea gratuit.

But nothing beats the experience of an InterCity 125 High-Speed-Train. A pity the noise of the Paxman Valenta is now relinquished to history. :( :p

Don't start that again!

Eurostar Carte Blanche now gives access to train lounges across Europe Eurostar told me in a recent letter. Or maybe it is planned for the future.

Except for the TGV-Est international services to Germany, on which a meal and drink is included in the price of a 1st class ticket.

According to the railteam website, this is already in operation:

"Currently, our most frequent travellers already have access to all lounges on the Railteam network whilst on a Railteam journey."

Railteam members are: Eurostar, DB, SNCF, SNCB, OeBB (Austrian), SBB (Swiss), and from next year NS Hispeed (to AMS).

Have the Paxman Valentas totally gone now?

No, there is one power car still left with East Midland Trains that will be converted some time next year.

My anorak is nice and warm thanks. :D