Travel France By Train

The French high-speed rail, TGV (train a grande vitesse), service was developed by GEC-Alsthom (now Alstom) and SNCF, the French national rail operator, and is chiefly operated by SNCF. It began its operation in 1981 between Paris and Lyon but soon expanded to connect cities across France and the neighboring countries with its center remaining in Paris. Having reached speeds of 357 miles per hour, the TGV holds the record as the fastest wheeled train in the world as well as the world’s highest average speed for a regular passenger service.

The tremendous success of the TGV lines connecting to Paris led to the building of new lines in the south, west, and northeast of the country. Nearby countries such as Belgium, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom, were eager to follow the French lead and built their own high-speed rail lines. Thus the “TGV Commuter Belt” was established.

The TGV high speed is achieved by utilizing the specially-designed LGVs (lignes à grande vitesse or high speed lines) that have no sharp curves, high-powered electric motors, low axle weight, articulated carriages and in-cab signaling that makes it unnecessary for drivers to note lineside signals at high speed.

Traveling by TGV has virtually replaced air travel between connected cities especially for trips that take less than three hours travel time. TGV does not require the check-in, security and boarding formalities that are required in air travel. Furthermore, their stations are located in the center of cities which makes them much more conveniently accessible, and they are an extraordinarily safe mode of transportation.

The idea of the TGV was first suggested in the 1960s, after Japan had begun construction of the Shinkansen in 1959. The French government at the time was considering the production of hovercraft and maglev trains such as Aérotrain, while SNCF began delving into high speed trains that would operate on conventional tracks.

It was initially planned that the TGV would be propelled by gas turbine-electric locomotives. Gas turbines were chosen for their small size, good power-to-weight ratio, and ability to deliver high power over an extended period. During the 1973 energy crisis the gas turbines were regarded as impractical and the TGV project veered toward electricity from overhead lines to be generated by France’s new nuclear power stations.

Changing the TGV to electric power involved major redesigning and the first prototype, nicknamed Zébulon, was completed in 1974. The French government funded the project to its completion.

Track construction for the TGV is similar to that of normal railway lines, but with a few major differences. The radii of curves are larger so that trains can negotiate them at higher speeds without increasing the centrifugal force felt by passengers. The radii of LGV curves have in the past been greater than two and a half miles but new lines have minimum radii of four miles to allow for future increases in speed. The substantial force of TGVs at high speed allows them to climb steep slopes without increasing their use of energy and they are able to coast on downward slopes, which further increases efficiency.

Due to the size of the trains, the diameters of the tunnels through which TGVs pass are greater than normal, especially at their entrances. This decreases the effects of air pressure changes inside the cabins, which could be problematic at such high speeds.
To increase passenger capacity from 512 to 1,024 without lengthening the trains, two level carriages were developed in 1988 and are used on the busiest routes such as Paris-Marseille.

One cannot, one must not visit France without experiencing this amazing mode of transport.

Posted in France Vacation Guide