TGV Lyria, a Franco-Swiss subsidiary of 2 railway companies: SNCF (Société Nationale de Chemin de Fer français) and CFF (Chemins de Fer Fédéraux suisses) operating high-speed trains between France and Switzerland, continues to innovate and modernise to offer its passengers an exceptional travel experience. Lyria's latest innovations include a new design, a new catering offer signed by the Michelin-starred duo, the chefs Michel Roth and Danny Khezzar.
Lyria has built a solid reputation on the quality of its services and its commitment to customer comfort and satisfaction. And it's going upmarket! Created in 2002, it is the result of a partnership between the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The aim of the partnership is to provide fast, efficient connections between cities such as Paris, Marseille, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich and Basel. Thanks to a modern fleet of high-speed trains, Lyria provides comfortable and fast journeys, considerably reducing journey times between these cities. The aim is to convince new travellers to use the train rather than the plane. Especially as the train arrives in the city centre.
From Switzerland to France in a flash
The company?s ambition is to offer a top-of-the-range experience that redefines the standards of rail catering. Lyria is offering three new travel classes, Standard, Première and Première Signature, with exclusive services.
A star-studded starter, main course and dessert by car. First signature (formerly Business 1ère), customers are entitled to the new gourmet menu "La Table" and a service at the seat (meal included in the price of the ticket) and? at the plate. With a hot dish. On the menu: orzo pasta salad (1) à la montagnarde, wild mushroom ravioli (celery coulis with tartuffon, roasted hazelnuts, roasted leek whistle). " The perfect bon chic cuisine "says my neighbour, who has chosen the spelt and soubise risotto with Swiss Gruyère cream, created by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roth from Metz and his protégé Danny Khezzar. Michel Roth was the chef at the Ritz and Lasserre in Paris and works at the Bayview in Geneva. " I'm all about tradition and local produce "explains Michel Roth. A glass of St-Saphorin-sur-Morges 2021 grand cru (canton of Vaud in Switzerland), owned by the de Mestral family, accompanies the cheese. The wine list, renewed every six months, is signed by the sommelier Antoine Petrus. Although he bears the name of a well-known wine, he is also a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (sommelier and maître d?hôtel). " Depending on the timetable, passengers can choose between breakfast, an afternoon snack or a real Michelin-starred meal for lunch and dinner," says Eric Dehlinger., Managing Director of TGV Lyria.
A single 38-seater coach with a fixed fare per destination. A steward or hostess is dedicated to this car. It's almost like being in a large, friendly dining room from a time that is not our own, while at the same time being part of it. " We will soon be offering our travellers a small comfort kit.added the hostess, and USBC sockets (classic plugs for the moment).
While there is only one Première Signature car, there are 2, sometimes 3, Première cars (formerly Business Standards) out of a total of 8 cars, including the bar car. They are also entitled to a service at the seat (not at the plate), which is new, but only for the "Bistrot" menu. You order the meal on the app or on the portal and it is delivered. This new table service for Première customers began in January 2025.
As for Standard customers, they can order their meal online but are not served at the table, they have to collect it from the bar. It's a bistro menu with local, seasonal produce. Come to think of it, I wonder if Michel Roth wouldn?t make a marvel of a McDonald?s...
(1) - Orzo is also called risoni (which means "big rice" in Italian) or bird?s tongue. It is a small pasta shaped like large grains of rice.
In practice
TGV Lyria
Carries 5.5 million passengers a year.
Transport plan (for the last 4 years) which has increased train frequencies and capacity:
Paris? Geneva? Lausanne
From the north: Paris? Basel? Zurich
Southbound: Marseille-Aix-en-Provence - Geneva
Paris-Lausanne Signature Premiere from 235? with service at the table and gourmet menu by Michelin-starred chefs Michel Roth and Danny Khezzar, from 179?
Please note: no Première Signature on the Marseille route
Only one Première Signature car, 2 or sometimes 3 Première cars (formerly "Standard 1ère") out of a total of 8 cars, including the bar car. They are also entitled to a service at the seat (but not at the plate), and only for the "Bistrot" menu available in the bar car. Order via the app or the portal.
This table service is brand new for Première customers and has just started in January 2025.
Wi-fi portal + press, films? Free and unlimited connection
Ergonomic, comfortable seats with extra legroom and better recline
Dedicated family area with children's kits and play areas.
Text : Michèle Lasseur
Photos : Sylvain Grandadam and DR
