German/French Rail

I assume you mean traveling in 1st vs 2nd class. When I first went to Europe the company I worked for was footing the bill. They put me in 1st class. Later I went on my own with a 2nd class rail pass. The only difference to me was that there was no one to talk to in 1st class. In the last 9 years (almost 120 days of travel in Germany I've never even considered 1st class.

First class has fewer people, wider seats, and somewhat better upholstery, and, as you probably know, costs 50% more.

Thanks for your this information. The reason we are considering 1st class, is that we are travelling exclusively through Germany and France by train. We have a couple of long hauls (6-9 hours). We had a couple of less than pleasant experiences with 'yobbo' behaviour in the UK last year when travelling 2nd class. We are not 'precious' by any means, but at our time in life, and considering the cost for us to travel to Europe, we would like to relax and enjoy this time.

I always travel 2nd class and really don't see that much of a difference between that and 1st class to make it worth my extra money.

Judy,

Given a choice between riding a 1st or 2nd class TGV, I much prefer the 1st class, mainly because of the leg space, if this is important to you. TGV 2nd class is a bit lacking in leg space. Leg space is not an issue riding the ICE. Aside from the comfort factors on a ICE, the 2nd class ICE is spacious enough. Between the two, I prefer the ICE over the TGV. Because of the high speed at which the TGV travels, seat reservations are mandatory, and they are CHECKED more than once on the platform as you are trying to find your train number. On an ICE you can just hop on, just as it was in the old days with your pass.