Despite the rail strike by train drivers union GDL, the Intercity to Paris arrives on time at the station of Saarbrücken. We bought a Renfe Spain Pass which allows us to travel around with the high-speed trains in Spain. Therefore we have decided to take the train already from Germany to Spain. We booked the tickets via Internet with Voyages-SNCF. A decision that we do not regret.
High speed train ride – 4k UHD video
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More InformationWe are nevertheless annoyed about the railroad strike in Germany since we had to make an extra night in Saarbrücken in order to catch the train to Paris. We do not know yet that the next strike of the GDL will surprise us on return.
On the first kilometers from Saarbrücken to neighboring France, the train goes leisurely. It was only when the train leaves the narrow valleys behind, it accelerated to 320 km / h. A speed which it keeps almost the whole way to Paris. Large agricultural areas and forests fly past our eye. For focusing on a particular highlight, a castle, we only have a few seconds until it’s disappeared from the historical district. Time passes quickly, and after approximately 2 hours we reach Paris punctual to the minute.
Paris
In Paris, we arrive at the Gare de l’Est. On the forecourt amazed us an exhibition of three Trabants and paintings that dealt with the former East Germany and the fall of the Wall.
To continue our journey with the TGV to Barcelona we have to change the railway station in Paris. So we take the metro from Gare de l’Est to Gare de Lyon. We were able to buy tickets for the metro from the train conductor. Of course we also could take the taxi but we have 4 hours time. As we have to change the metro at the Bastille, we enjoy another cup of coffee at Place de la Bastille.
We took the opportunity to look around on the Place de la Bastille. Besides a triumphal column, here is a modern opera was built. From here you have a beautiful sight on the river Seine.
The Gare de Lyon is divided into two halls. The first hall is for the normal train traffic within France, the second hall is for the long-distance transport. The second hall is modern and flooded with bright light. In the middle of the hall stands a piano and everyone may play on it. Two young men who play excellent provide the waiting people a successful concert, which is rewarded with applause.
A TGV of the French railway company SNCF runs from Paris to Barcelona. It is a double-deck high-speed train and we have reserved two seats on the top floor, so that we enjoy a great view. Immediately after leaving the station, the TGV reaches a speed of 300 km/h, which it keeps with few exceptions up to Valence. After 2 hours we are already in the south of France.
After leaving Paris, the terrain is very flat and covered by large agricultural areas. Afterwards it is slightly hilly and the forested areas are increasing. Only upon reaching the Rhone Valley, it is more diversified. The landscape and plants already have a Mediterranean flair. First rock walls can be seen in the distance and one can recognize the snow-covered Alps in the distance; We cross the Rhone river several times, which each time releases the look to the distance.
Nimes – Sete
After Nimes the train goes more slowly, but this is not a disadvantage. From the town of Sete, the train travels directly through the lagoons landscape. We can take a look Canal of Sete.
Between Sete and Cap d’Agde, as well as from Narbonne, the railway embankment was laid directly along the seashore and in the marshland.
Pyrenees
In the Pyrenees, the weather is overcast, but it’s enough cast an eye over the snow-capped peaks. We cross the border between France and Spain via a tunnel.
Actually we intended to take a picture of Girona out of the train, but our train passes through the complete municipal area underground. Only the regional traffic leads over a high bridge.
Barcelona
With the setting sun, we reach Barcelona. From Paris, we traveled almost six hours, but the time had passed quickly.
We went relaxed to our hotel and enjoyed our first Spanish dinner in Barcelona.
Please read on > With High Speed Train from Girona to Madrid – Spain
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