TGV Duplex

Most Paris to Lyon / Marseille / Nice, and some Lille - Marseille services are now done by impressive 186 mph TGV Duplex, a rather grand high-speed double-decker train.

Second Class The TGV Duplex lower deck provides comfortable seats with armrests with a mixture of face-to-back seats with fold down tables as well as fixed table seats shared with adjacent passengers. Two toilets are available for each pair of coaches and baby change facilities can be found at the end of the train.

First Class Boarding the train on the lower deck, you can only transfer from car to car via the upper deck. The upper deck features spacious power-recline seating with armrests and the best views from your window seat. The 'Club duo' ('Duel face to face') table for two is ideal for couples. All first class seats have 220v 2-pin power sockets for laptops and mobiles.

Cafe-bar On the upper deck in car 4 is where the Cafe-bar can be found, serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, a few hot dishes, small bottle of wines and spirits. Payment is by cash or credit card. There is standing space with tables in the Cafe-bar area, or you can take your food and drink back to your seat. European trains including the TGV allow you bring your own food and drink onto the train (including beer and wine) if you like.

Bicycles

Any bicycle that can be folded into a bag with the maximum dimensions of 120 x 90cm can be taken onto the TGV free of charge as this counts towards your luggage allowance. Some TGVs have carriage space to store fully assembled bikes. You'll need to book a bike spot when you buy your tickets, which usually costs around £10.

Pets

Domestic pets can travel with you for a fee of £10 per animal providing the following guidelines are adhered to:

• You are required to book out an entire compartment
• Your pet must stay with you the entire journey
• Dogs must kept on a muzzle and lead at all times.
• Carriers must be used for all small pets
• Guide dogs travel for free
• Each passenger is restricted to a maximum of two pets.

Booking horizon

The TGV can usually be booked 90 days in advance. 'Prems' or 'Leisure' fares are the cheapest available for TGV trains. They are limited in number and once purchased are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.

For more information on trains to destinations within France, see our Trains to France pages.