French trains -- is 1st class worth it?
 

Will be taking the train from Paris to St. Raphael (St. Tropez) with husband, nanny and 2 year old. Does anyone have any experience with 1st class v. 2nd class? Any recommendations?

Never felt that the price diffrence was worth the big price difference. 2nd class on French trains, especially TGV, is very comfortable.

the difference between first class and second class is very small- the difference is nothing like first class/coach on airlines. At best, you will be served a better meal and slightly more leg room. But there is added comfort in full class, and given the nominal price differnce and your travel companions, I would suggest that you choose first class.

There's somewhat more room in first class and the seats are *supposed* to be slightly more comfortable. You can't be served a meal at your seat in second class.<BR><BR><BR>Personnally, I don't think it's worth the price difference, and I only travelled in first class when the second class was fully reserved.

Just to add that the difference between the classes are more significant on night trains. Though it's probably irrelevant for you..

First class tends to be frequented but more business types and fewer screaming kids and loud tourists. Depends if you prefer listening to kids and tourists or overhearing the mobile phone conversations the business types have... : )

Francesca gave me EXACT answer! On the last trip I found it to be worth the price difference.

I think it is very worth it to do first class...we took the TGV from Paris to Avignon...very comfortable...just be sure you book a seat going in the right direction...we didn't know and got 2 seats going backwards..not bad at all, but would have preferred the other way. In the first class car the seating is 2 together and then one across the aisle.