One benefit of first class rail travel (that the railroads don't advertise much) is that many stations have a lounge for first class passengers. They usually feature refreshments and current periodicals and newspapers, all provided gratis. They're also quiet, being away from the main halls.

We have used the facilities in the UK and Germany, but never managed to find one in France. Do any stations there have them? How about Switzerland?

We have found first-class waiting rooms (seating only; no perks) at some train stations in France, but I suspect they're being gradually phased out.

Robespierre,

Unfortunately, the only lounge you can get into in France with a first class ticket is the Eurostar lounge at Gare du Nord - and that's only for full fare 1st class tickets to the UK.

Otherwise, SNCF offers a frequent traveller and lounge program called "Grand Voyageur", which costs EUR 20 for a 3-year membership. There are lounges in the following stations: Paris Gare de Lyon, Paris Montparnasse, Paris Gare de l'Est, Paris Gare du Nord, Lyon Part-Dieu, Bordeaux, Nantes, Marseille, Lille-Flandres, Dijon. Further details (in French) at:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/grands_v.../avantages.htm
You might need a french mailing address to apply though.

In Switzerland, there are unfortunately no lounges of any kind, but train service is quite frequent (at least hourly), so you never spend much time at the station anyway.

Hope this helps,
Andre