A tribute to SNCF – Ta taa taara…

Most people believe its too expensive. Journalists point out the complete monopoly it enjoys over transportation in France. My classmates used to sulk every month over the frequent strikes that take place in it. The French folk complain that the organization itself just sucks big time. Tourists brood over the sheer indifference and flat-faceted attitude they witness during their travels in these trains. Americans complain about the complete lack of English speaking staff or information. And then, there are those who hate it just for the heck of it. :P

But I, and at least 20 others like me, can swear by the name – SNCF, or the French Railways. Unmatched speeds, swanky carriages, beautifully designed interiors and the most elegant and helpful staff – so much so that right from the very first journey from Paris to Luxembourg to about a hundred till date, I have loved each and every moment spent onboard SNCF. And why??

1. They've got the TGV!

Suave and precise, the TGV just seems to tear through the endless fields and farms and takes you across 400 km from Paris to Lyon in less than two hours. Even at its peak speed touching 350km/h, one can just relax in the comfort of the colorful and aesthetically designed seats and sip the coffee, while the structures pass by with a whirlwind speed!

2. TER – the caterpillars

Every province of France has regional trains (the TERs) which stop at the smaller stations and connect them to larger towns. Although not as fast as the TGV, the TERs are simply too cute! The newer models look like caterpillars and have been designed in the most chique and sophisticated fashion, with great deal of care in the choice of lights, design of seats and the glass-decors. To top it all, the TER of each province has a different kind of design and color on its exterior – so you have the cherry-red TERs of Languedoc-Rousillon, the bright carroty ones of the sunny Cote-d’Azur and the turquoise of Rhone-Alpes. A student of design and décor can well indulge in fieldwork onboard these caterpillars!

3. A votre sérvice

Quite often, I have boarded the TERs and TGVs while on my way back from long exhausting journeys. In other countries, being woken up to show the ticket is such a nuisance – when you get up and give clueless, startled-owl like glances to the conductor for 5 minutes before being brutally reminded for the 10^th time that you have to show your ticket.

Things work differently in SNCF however.

A charming lady or a polished gentleman, dressed most elegantly, will come and request you for the ticket, and if you are too sleepy, they would just leave, and come back at some other time! And even while showing the ticket, you are greeted with such politeness and mannerism that half of the fatigue just goes up in the air!

4. Space and privacy

Invariably, the coupe or the cabin in which you sit will rarely have unknown persons inside, even at the peak hours! Strictly speaking, the number of seats can be reduced to a quarter or even less in the TERs without resulting in any passenger without a seat! Estimation and Optimization of highest quality at play, eh!

5. Youngistaan

Being aged below 25 entitles one to a lot of discounts on the tickets and passes of SNCF – the single fact which makes this n-star luxury affordable to students

like us. Moreover, SNCF happens to be one of the most Eurail-pass friendly railways of Europe. Consider this: a 700 km TGV journey from Lille in the north to Montpellier in the South costs a reservation of just 3 euros with the Eurail pass! A little optimization can make things further economical; hence more fun.

Travel with SNCF is unmatched with respect to speed, comfort and luxury. But as I retrospect, I realize that SNCF is just another representation of the French sense of sophistication and aesthetics of which I couldn't help becoming such a fan.

Perhaps the only thing missing on these trains is a feeling of being in a group – the silence and disinterest can be unnerving at first for people who are used to a lot of activity inside railway carriages. But then, that looks more like a by-product of French ‘sophistication’. ;-)

To end the saga, let me put this link containing the familiar and omnipresent jingle of SNCF: Ta ta taara…