What is the difference between first and second class on French trains?
 

Is it worth it to spend more to go first class (will be travling Nice to Avignon, and Avignon to Paris)

The short answer is: space and comfort. First class cars have more space and fewer people. I wouldn't bother on a trip from Nice to Avignon, but you might want to do 1st for Paris-Avignon, especially if you're travelling at a busy time (summer).<BR>Nancy

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I agree with Nancy 100%. The value of the difference in comfort is of course a function of how you perceive the situation. As a young man, I never felt like I had the money for first class. At my present age, I sometimes feel that a little more space and comfort make a long trip more fun. <BR>The one exception is Switzerland. I find second class there acceptable.<BR>In Austria, a long trip is nicer in a situation where I can recline.<BR>In France, I find the extra space beneficial.<BR>

It all depends on the type of train. On the older trains, the difference is almost imperceptible sometimes. <BR><BR>On the TGV, which is I assume what you're taking from Avignon to Paris, the difference is more space and slightly more comfortable seats, though there are no uncomfortable seats on the TGV, and the voyage passes quickly (a little under 3 hours).<BR><BR>I don't know what the trains are between Avignon and Nice, but I imagine - since I think they are extending the TGV line to Nice - that they are newer trains and that therefore the difference between 1st and 2nd class might be noticeable. <BR><BR>Me, I always travel in 2nd class because the difference has never been so great that I thought it justified the price. Others might disagree.

Spoil yourself. 1st class on a train isn't that much more. I've travelled Paris to Lyon TGV numerous times & Paris to Tour TGV. Always 1st class - always a real treat.

always first class<BR><BR>That's what ian says at the local mcdonald's every happy meal

Are there any problems in getting no-smoking cars in second class?

Jim - NO. unless you're on a very tiny train with one or two cars and they divide a car into smoking and nonsmoking, in which case the nonsmoking has to deal with thhe smoke from the nonsmoking.