At first, I was nervous because I was not sure exactly how to find my train, but then I noticed there are signs which make it very clear which train leaves from which platform. The inside of the station looked similar to an airport terminal, except there was no security checkpoint and no planes! Once I got on the train, I was happy to find that my assigned seat was a window seat. I looked out the window nearly the entire ride and did not get bored because the French countryside is very pretty. Now that I know how taking the train works, I prefer this mode of transportation to flying!
Because French society is very eco-conscious, taking the train rather than driving or flying is highly connected to their overall cultural attitude towards the environment. Trains are a part of French culture because they are environmentally friendly, which is a major value in French society. Additionally, everyone is aware of train ettiquette which includes being quiet, respectful and keeping your space clean. Experiencing the train system in France is a good way to connect with French culture and society.
