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Despite already having a well-developed high speed train (TGV) network, the French have plans to double the length of the special TGV lines by 2020 from the current 1750km. Trains a Grand Vitesse (TGVs) do run on on many major routes, but not all the line is a dedicated TGV track which permits speeds of up to 320km/hr (200mph) - e.g. the TGV Atlantique to Bordeaux is only high speed track as far as Tours.
Several major extensions of the network include:-
Tours to Bordeaux via Poitiers and Angouleme, bringing Bordeaux within 2 hours of Paris. Utlimately the high speed line will extend south to Bayonne and into Spain!
Le Mans to Rennes in Brittany - bringing Brest within 3 hours of Paris!
Bordeaux to Toulouse in South West France, reducing the travel time to 1 hour!
Marseille to Nice will complete the line to Provence and the Côte d’Azur
Montpellier to Perpignan and on to Barcelona in Spain!
It’s a great example of why domestic air travel in France becomes less and less viable with city centre to city centre times such as these in the offing - speedy and green!
You can book any train journey to and within France including Eurostar, TGV and local lines through RailEurope
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| July 12, 2008 |
The South West of France has strong connections with its Spanish neighbours on the other side of the Pyrenees.
These links were strengthened during the Spanish Civil War when many refugees sought sanctuary in the region and were welcomed. The traditions of bull-fighting, music and dance were keenly integrated in different areas. The Basque country traditions naturally span the border on the Atlantic side, but also Catalan and other influences have spread to the east.
Mont-de-Marsan (40 Landes, Aquitaine) holds its Arte Flamenco Festival from 7–12 July 2008.
