Speed is deceptive and while it feels as if you're travelling very slowly, my gps revealed speeds of up to 100k/62mph on the curving single track sections.The TGV seats are extremely comfortable and have power sockets. Seats and windows are efficiently aligned, allowing for good views on both sides of the carriage. Having stopped in Dijon, capital of Burgundy, we continued to thread our way on "classic" lines before sliding onto the high speed line. We reached Paris Gare du Lyon promptly at 1603 and then headed for the RER train on Line D which was running directly to Paris Nord. next>

Sion and Martigny are the next stops (the latter is the town from where the famous Grand San Bernardo pass to Italy originates) and the stunning vista of Lake Leman announces the next stop, Montreaux, and home of the famous music festival. After the Montreaux stop, there was an incident on the train where a gentleman's laptop bag was stolen, the thief intending to leave the train at the last minute but was prevented from doing so by prompt closure of the doors. I'm happy to relate that the gentleman chased the thief and recovered his property - I don't know if he reported the thief to the rail police or other officials.

The striking scenery continues after Montreaux and the line hugs the lake as far as Lausanne. Reluctantly, we left the EuroCity train and looked for our next train (train 2), a TGV Lyris from Lausannce to Paris Gare de Lyon, where we had about 40 minutes to wait.

he TGV arrived a good 20 minutes before departure which allowed everyone to board with ease since it was starting at Lausanne. It departed promptly at 1223 and we were in for another scenic treat in crossing the Jura mountains between Switzerland and France. Having left the banks of Lac Leman, the rail line climbs into the mountains and there are some hugely impressive views.