Alsace tourism to get boost from TGV EST Europeén high-speed line
12 October 2006
The region of Alsace is set to receive a major tourism boost next year when the €5 billion TGV EST Européen high speed train route is launched. The new service, which opens in June, will cut the travel time from Paris to Strasbourg by nearly half.

The new link will reduce the current four hour journey to two hours and 20 minutes, 24 times a day. The new link will also benefit the regions other main holiday centres, Colmar and Mulhouse, with journey times also reduced by almost half.

The magnificent Strasbourg train station is currently undergoing major refurbishment and development work in order to accommodate the anticipated extra 20,000 passengers a day. The most striking feature will be a huge glass canopy that will buttress the historic station façade, creating a 2,000m² interchange hall. Traffic levels around the station will be reduced with the creation of a large pedestrianised area, improved tram links and France’s largest underground bicycle storage park.

The trains themselves will be state of the art and will travel faster (320 km/hr) than any other TGV in Europe. Journeys will be made in luxury and comfort with interiors designed by Christian Lacroix, increased leg room throughout, family areas (with built-in board games), business areas (with spaces for lap-tops and wireless internet) and a variety of dining options. The level of service is also being improved, from buying tickets online to arranging taxis through the conductor.

For further details on the TGV Est Europeén, please visit tgvesteuropeen.com.
For details on what is happening in the region of Alsace visit tourisme-alsace.com.

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