TGV service from Paris to Handaye overnight

My husband and I are considering traveling from Paris to San Sebastian via train. We would like to take the overnight TGV connecting us with Paris and Hendaye and were wondering what type of accomadatioins were available on the TGV service. Is there a sleeper car available? If not, is first class sufficiently comfortable to have nights rest?

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I don%26#39;t know about service to this particular location (KDKSail is our resident transit expert!) but I will give you some feedback about sleeping on trains.

I have done it a number of times and it%26#39;s really not that comfortable. It can be noisy and the beds can be cramped. If you are a really deep sleeper you will do fine. But if you are a light sleeper or have any physical issues (ie. bad back, joint issues, etc.) then the train won%26#39;t be very comfortable for you.

I would also encourage you to take the train during the day just because the scenery between Paris and Spain in SW France is really beautiful.

I have taken the TGV several times from Paris to Toulouse and it is a really nice trip. I have gone first class all times and it is very relaxing.

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There are basically two types of SNCF train service between PARIS and HENDAYE: one is high-speed, TGV %26#39;day train%26#39; from PARIS-Gare Montparnasse, which makes the trip in approx 5:15 hrs. These trains consist of ordinary 1st and 2nd Class Coach accommodations--there are NO private, sleeping compartment/cabin accommodations available on these trains The second type is a conventional, %26#39;overnight%26#39; train from PARIS-Gare Austerlitz, which make the trip in approx 8:10 hrs. (departing Paris sometime between 11 PM-midnight) This train offers ordinary coach %26#39;sleeper seats%26#39; and couchettes---but I don%26#39;t believe any private sleeping compartments/cabins.

The last TGV of the day departs Paris-Gare Montparnasse at 18:25 (6:25 PM) arriving in Heddaye at 23:42 (11:42 PM) so special %26#39;sleeping%26#39; accommodations are not generally necessary for the 5:17 hr. evening trip.

SNCF TRAIN INFO--

www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvHomePage…

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Thank you for the advice. We will probably take the high speed day service to Spain and then take the overnight back.

Kara

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