When most travelers think about train travel in France, the iconic TGV immediately comes to mind. These sleek, high-speed trains have become synonymous with French rail travel, whisking passengers between major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille at speeds up to 320 km/h. But here’s what many visitors don’t realize: France has an entire parallel rail network that’s been quietly serving travelers with remarkable efficiency.

Meet the Intercités: France’s Best-Kept Travel Secret

While everyone’s booking TGV tickets, savvy travelers are discovering the Intercités network – a comprehensive system of trains that covers far more of France than the TGV ever could. These trains may not break speed records, but they offer something equally valuable: extensive reach and impressive pace.

Speed That Surprises

Don’t let the “intercity” label fool you into thinking these are slow, regional trains. Intercités trains maintain speeds that will get you to your destination remarkably quickly – often nearly matching TGV times on certain routes, especially when you factor in the TGV’s limited station stops. While a TGV might save you 30 minutes on paper, an Intercités train might actually get you closer to your final destination without the need for additional connections.

Going Where TGVs Fear to Tread

Here’s where Intercités truly shine: accessibility. While TGV routes connect major metropolitan hubs, the Intercités network reaches into France’s heartland, serving medium-sized cities, coastal towns, and regional centers that the high-speed network bypasses entirely. Want to explore Normandy’s coast, discover the Loire Valley’s châteaux, or venture into the French Alps? Intercités trains are often your best – and sometimes only – direct rail option.

The Smart Traveler’s Choice

Next time you’re planning French rail travel, don’t automatically default to the TGV. Check the Intercités options. You might find a train that leaves more frequently, costs significantly less, and delivers you exactly where you need to be – all while moving at speeds that will still impress. Sometimes the best way to travel isn’t the fastest on paper, but the most practical in reality.

In first class you get cafe service, in seat power, free fast WiFi, a fold out table, a seat that’s more comfortable that any airline seat and more.

France’s rail network is far richer than just its famous high-speed trains. The Intercités system represents the perfect blend of speed, coverage, and convenience that makes French train travel truly exceptional.