There are 400,000 of them, people who choose the train trip after trip. The SNCF has always taken extra care of them and will pamper them even more from 7 October.

Any passenger who takes a TGV, Corail Téoz or Lunéa twice a month, will receive a whole bunch of appreciation from the SNCF in the form of the "Grand Voyageur" card. Membership entails a whole range of benefits, from a dedicated travel-planning hotline to print-at-home ticketing, from e-ticketing services to taxi-booking facilities.

It also operates as a loyalty card, enabling you to collect points (S'Miles) which you can trade in for free train tickets (subject to terms and conditions). And on 7 October the "Grand Voyageur" programme got even more generous for business travellers - €1 spent on Pro 1st Class fares now gets you 5 S’Miles. Now you only need to buy 3 Paris-to-Lyon singles at the TGV Pro 1st Class fare in order to get a free 2nd Class single (before you needed to buy 5 singles).

Frequent Travellers tend to be business travellers, and the SNCF's service has been tailored accordingly. Personalised services are available in the "Grand Voyageurs" lounges which offer comfort, hot drinks and newspapers to relax while you wait, and Internet connections, so you don't miss a thing. The lounges also have a small shop where you can purchase essential business accessories such as USB key, ties or umbrellas and access handy services such as couriers or shared taxis.

3-year membership, giving you access to all these benefits, will only cost you €30. Check out the programme at www.grandvoyageur-sncf.com