TGV first class - what are the advantages over 2nd?

[PolkerrisBeach]

We're planning a holiday next summer and will be travelling around 3 hours by TGV from south of France to Paris. Pleasantly surprised how cheap long distance rail travel is compared to UK. First class appears to be just a little more expensive than 2nd.

What is the difference between the two - is it just a bit more spacious in first?

Yes, it's a bit more spacious and is a 2:1 seat configuration vs 2:2 in 2nd class - so for people travelling alone they can get a single seat as one side of the aisle is single seats and the other side is doubles. Slightly wider seats, slightly more legroom, but overall it's not a massive difference.

Having travelled in both I would say only worth it if the price difference is minor as 2nd class is pretty good anyway.

You don't get free food and drink in 1st class like you do on some UK lines.

Whichever you choose the upstairs seats on the double deckers give a better view.

You can see the difference in the photos and description here:
en.oui.sncf/en/tgv/services

I don't think you can book for next summer yet, think it's only 90 days before departure? But if not then check when tickets go on sale and book when they do for best prices. Although that said I booked last minute several times even on the day once due to a mix up and prices were still reasonable if you were a bit flexible on times. Trains were seldom crowded either so I always ended up with an empty seat next to me even when in standard class. If it's not busy they don't seem bothered about you sitting in your booked seat so you can pick a different one.

The cheapest tickets are non refundable : en.oui.sncf/en/tgv/fares

You can also download the SNCF app on your phone and buy tickets on that.

As Waffles says, it's basically just a bit more room. For our journey from the South to Paris this year I booked 1st class - but that was mainly because it actually came out cheaper than 2nd class!

We're just planning ahead - getting an idea of prices to see that train travel is more practical and cost-effective than flying or hiring a car. Which it appeared to be. Pricing up two adults and three kids one way from Marseille to Paris on a random Saturday in November was about 160 euros second class, or 170 euros first class. For an extra 10 euros I think it would probably worth it.

Although the kids appear more excited by the fact most french TGVs appear to be double decker, they've never been on a train like that before.

Yes, if the price difference is minor then no reason not too. First class may also work better in terms of the 2:1 seating for 5 people as you can have 3 people in one 'row' and another 2 behind or in front of them.

Whereas in with 2:2 seating in second class you have 4 people in a row, leaving one person on their own in the row behind or in front.

Otherwise the facing (table) options are Carré: 4 seats face-to-face (2nd class) and Club 4: 4 seats face-to-face (1st class) which is one seat too few.

uk.voyages-sncf.eu/sites/uk.voyages-sncf.eu/files/Seat%20map%20-%20TGV%20Duplex%20%28TGD%29%20%28generation%201%20%26%202%29.pdf

You could also look at Ouigo - it's the 'budget' version of the TGV service - all second class and uses refurbished older trains, but it's still fine.

www.sncf.com/sncv1/en/trains/ouigo

Luggage is restricted (like a budget airline) but I think it's only 5 euros for a bigger bag if you book when buying tickets. Adult fares are from 10 Euros and children are from 5 euros, depending on age. So for a family of 5 you could go from Marseille to Paris for a total cost of 35 to 49 Euros total for all of you - quite a big saving.

www.ouigo.com/

Just be aware that these trains go to Paris marne-la-vallée-chessy-Disneyland or Paris roissy CDG airport - NOT central Paris - so factor in the extra cost/inconvenience when comparing with standard TGV services., depending where in Paris your destination is of course...

There is also a Oui Go App separate to the Oui SNCF App