TGV Lyria: The Future of Train Travel

I attended a press event at Gare de Lyon in Paris, where TGV Lyria unveiled its new travel experience. As is common with press trips, transportation was arranged by the hosts or the PR agency. They provided me with a ticket for the TGV from Zurich to Paris. However, since I had always travelled by car to Paris to maintain flexibility when visiting family, this was my first time on the TGV. Upon checking my seating details, I made my way to my assigned carriage, only to discover that my seat did not exist. I approached fellow passengers for assistance, but they were unable to help. Left without a solution, I decided to wait for the train staff, who would be coming through shortly to check the tickets.

When a staff member finally arrived at my carriage and saw my predicament, she was more than happy to assist me. To my surprise, she relocated me from Première to Première Signature. While I would have been perfectly comfortable remaining in the seat I had initially taken, she insisted that my assigned seat came with additional amenities and meal service. I followed her, and shortly after, I found myself  settled into a spacious single seat by the window.

As a first-time TGV rider, I was immediately struck by the similarities between the train and an airplane. The seats were adjustable, with movable trays for laptops or dining. However, unlike airplane seating – whether in economy or business class – the chairs, in both my previous and current seat, were exceptionally comfortable.

Shortly after, another staff member approached, asking if I would like lunch. Most passengers accepted, and before long, she returned with warm towels, laid a white tablecloth on my tray, and asked for my meal preference – meat, fish, or vegetarian. The meal was served warm and was delicious. Afterward, I settled back into work, easily connected to the onboard WiFi, and explored the entertainment options, which ranged from films to podcasts. Conveniently, there were power outlets for charging my devices. The train’s atmosphere was quiet – creating the perfect setting for working or simply enjoying the ride.

An Unexpected Preview of the New TGV Lyria Experience 
Upon arriving in Paris for the reveal of TGV Lyria’s new travel experience, I realized that, without even knowing it, I had already gotten a taste of their upgraded services – both figuratively and literally. And I loved it. I had often dreaded the long car journeys to Paris, with multiple stops along the way. But after this smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable train ride, I am certain Paris will be seeing much more of me. Whether for business or leisure, TGV Lyria offers an excellent travel option between Zurich and Paris, and I look forward to my next trip.

TGV Lyria’s New Era: “Ici Commence Demain”
With its concept “Ici Commence Demain” (translated as “Here Begins Tomorrow”), TGV Lyria, the leading provider of train travel between France and Switzerland, is ushering in a new era of train travel. With a comprehensive upgrade in comfort, service, and experience, TGV Lyria is setting new standards to meet the expectations of today’s modern travelers. 

During the “ICI COMMENCE DEMAIN” event on January 30 at Gare de Lyon, TGV Lyria unveiled its vision for the future of train travel, to be fully implemented by 2030. The new experience revolves around four key pillars: enhanced comfort and personalization, digital innovations, an elevated culinary offering and seamless travel. TGV Lyria aims to go beyond its already impressive 83% customer satisfaction rate, reinforcing its French-Swiss heritage with exceptional gastronomy and a broader selection of entertainment.

New Travel Classes 
TGV Lyria introduces three new travel classes: Standard, Première and Première Signature, each inspired by luxury hospitality from around the world. Standard Class offers ergonomic seating and an affordable yet comfortable travel experience. Première Class provides a quieter ambiance and first-class seating for a more relaxing journey. Première Signature represents the pinnacle of service, featuring a dedicated carriage, an exclusive gastronomic experience and a personal welcome – along with hand massages and manicures. Families traveling with children will appreciate a newly designed family area, offering a playful and cozy environment. Additionally, the train interiors and restrooms have been modernized, with clear signage for improved navigation. By the end of 2025, all 15 TGV Lyria trains will feature this refreshed identity.

Digital Innovations
To enhance connectivity, TGV Lyria is launching an upgraded WiFi portal with over 150 entertainment options, including movies, series, podcasts and digital newspapers in French, German and English. A dedicated press catalog will be available exclusively for Première Signature passengers. TGV Lyria is also introducing  USB-C charging ports, a real-time chatbot assistant named Franz, and augmented reality experiences through (“Lyria Augmenté”). Additionally, immersive cockpit videos will give  passengers a unique opportunity to explore train operations like never before.

A Redesigned Station Experience
TGV Lyria is also enhancing pre-departure services to ensure a seamless journey. Express boarding for Première Signature passengers  offers faster,  more efficient access to the train. Modern coworking spaces at or near stations are designed to cater to business travelers, while optimized parking solutions, digital tax refunds and simplified hotel bookings further streamline the travel experience.

A New Culinary Experience 
TGV Lyria’s onboard dining is reaching new heights with Atelier Lyria Gourmet, created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs Michel Roth and Danny Khezzar. The menu celebrates French-Swiss culinary traditions, offering two exclusive dining experiences: Le Bistrot, a selection of regional and seasonal specialties available at the bar carriage, and La Table, a fine-dining experience in Première Signature,  where gourmet meals are served directly at the seat. Since January 2025, passengers have been able to pre-order meals from Le Bistrot via Click & Collect or have them delivered directly to their seats  in Première and Première Signature.

The launch event was a celebration of travel and culture, featuring a live cooking demonstration by chefs Michel Roth and Danny Khezzar, who showcased their exclusive onboard menus. Additionally, artists BLEG (Benoit Legendre) from France and JO MO (Joakim Monnier) from Switzerland created a live painting representing the movement and dynamism of train travel, symbolizing the deep connection between France and Switzerland.

A New Standard for Train Travel
TGV Lyria’s ambitious upgrades mark a new chapter in European train travel. By enhancing comfort, digital services, dining and overall convenience, the company is redefining the journey between France and Switzerland, bringing a nostalgic romance back to train travel. Inspired by the past, the future of train travel is here.