Letters | 14 August 2010

Vive le TGV

Sir: I was surprised to read about the vexations of Ross Clark on the TGV (‘Train à Grande Vexation’, 7 August). My experiences on this train have always been excellent. Last winter I was able to buy a return ticket between London and Avignon for only £110. Changing trains in Lille was perfectly easy, as the platforms were adjacent. And I find it a particular blessing that passengers are not allowed to use mobile telephones in the carriages.

Rail passengers are far more likely to encounter problems in France when they are using ordinary trains, particularly those travelling from east to west or vice versa. It is as well for Ross Clark’s temper that he has never been stuck for two hours at a station along the lines of the legendary Farfouilly-les-oies. Then he might have discovered the full measure of French indifference.

Marie-Christine Bellando
London W11



Sir: Readers should not be put off travelling on the marvellous TGV by Ross Clark’s one bad experience. My wife and I have travelled to the Côte d’Azur by Eurostar/TGV for years, with one easy same-station change at Lille Europe. At £109 return from London, the fare is hardly a ‘rip-off’, and almost invariably the journey is trouble-free, exhilarating, relaxing, comfortable and much more pleasant than flying. The conductors can be a bit unforthcoming, but the buffet staff are normally charming.

David Reed
Huddersfield



Politics and the press

Sir: Jonathan Foreman’s article (‘Crisis in Kashmir’, 7 August) suggests that press coverage can make a noticeable difference to political situations. I disagree. He regularly quotes the Israeli/Palestinian situation, which has not changed one tiny bit over several decades despite extensive press coverage. Why can’t we accept that the press is primarily for entertainment (which The Spectator does particularly well) and leave it at that? The Kashmiris need to look for another route to improve their situation.