SNCF Societé Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais (France)

Advantages: [below]
Disadvantages: [below]

...the ridiculous system in Britain, SNCF is nationalised, so provides rail services for the entire country. Whether it is the nationalisation, or just the way in which SNCF is run, the train network in France is fantastic. Without doubt I can say that it certainly fulfils its aim stated on its website (www.sncf.com - it helpfully has an English version, just click the Union Jack in the top right hand corner): SNCF’s ambition is to become the ...
...opinion to a conclusion. SNCF provide a fantastic service, they actually care about their customers, and their trains are punctual, clean and safe (there have been very few, if any, major rail crashes in France in the history of SNCF). May nationalisation survive in France, so that their system is not wrecked by silly Conservative ideas as in Britain. ... Read review

Advantages: Efficiency is superb.
Disadvantages: None.

...area, it was interesting that SNCF (which actually stands for National Society of Iron Roads) even serve smaller communities in France, and what they do is have a network of coaches that link small towns like the one in which I live to mainline stations, so that the whole of France is adequately served by the railway network. STARTING OUT THE SEARCH FOR THE RIGHT SERVICE. SNCF now have a superb website, and compared with other French companies, ...
...France in general applies to SNCF too because in general the people are generous to a tee, and SNCF do not just accept the dates you put into the computer, they tell you online how you can get a cheaper voyage, simply by varying your leaving or arrival time. When you search, they give a list of alternatives and the price difference between what you searched for and the choice available can sometimes mean a lot of money, so they are actually client ... Read review

Advantages: Extensive network, fast trains
Disadvantages: Costly, Inter-Railers must pay supplements

...But the French state owned SNCF is.... ...Well, just... Better! In fact, the French boast the best railway in Europe, and much of the network is covered by TGV (Trains Grande Vitesse) high speed trains, capable of eating 200 miles in an hour. Yep, these are comfortable, quiet and safe trains that travel at incredible speed. Expensive to use they may be, but they do compete very well with travelling by air. I needed to travel from Paris to Poitiers ...
...a the SNCF website. The site is very well laid out, with a choice of European languages, marked with flags on the home page. Booking is straightforward, and the site will display all the options available, and allow for personal preferences. Don't worry if you are unsure about your Paris departure... Instead of typing "Gare de Nord", "Austerlitz" or "Montparnasse", just enter "Paris", and it will work it out for you! After the initial search, ... Read review

Advantages: Fast and effiecient service
Disadvantages: Be early - the TGV waits for no man

...you can even use the SNCF website to order and pay for TGV tickets which will be posted to your home in the UK. You will need to pay using a credit card. Alternatively, you can pay sterling in cash but you must pick up the tickets in person from their offices in London. SNCF Website: http://voyages.sncf.fr/hsreservation?urlaction=choixhorairesseulsreservation&langue=GB London Office: RAIL EUROPE TRAVEL CENTRE 179 Picadilly LONDON WI Tel: 08 ... Read review

Advantages: Fast, Reliable
Disadvantages: They had a pretty limited food selection

...only operates in France but SNCF hope to have it in Italy, Belgium, Holland and other European countries by 2020. There are 2 types of TGV trains. The original 80s' trains, with their square and blocky interiors that inspired the interiors of Eurostar trains, and the new, double-decker trains. The trains are also extremely fast. They have their own purpose built lines to carry them at fast speeds. One minute you're looking at hilltop towns in Provence, ...
...connection to Marseille St. Charles Gare only opened in 2001, so stations between Marseille and Euro Disney are all modern and flash looking. - My TGV Experience - Boarding TGV is simple. Just go to the station with your ticket (or buy one while your there) Put your ticket in this machine that clips a corner off to show you're going on a train, find the right platform, and get on. Seats are comfy and adjustable (unlike any English trains) so you ... Read review