Notes Culturelles le 7 juin Le TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) The TGV is the pride of the French railway system. First put into service in 1981, the TGV network has greatly expanded throughout France and into other European countries. It operates on modified tracks when running at high speeds. It regularly travels at nearly 300 kilometers per hour (200 mph). It has gone as fast as 575 kph ( 357 mph) during tests!

Measurements in Europe France, as do most European nations and elsewhere in the world, uses the metric system. The basic unit of measurement for length and distance is the meter, which is slightly longer than 39 inches. Longer distances are measured in kilometers: 1km ≈ 0.62 miles. Speed is measured in kilometers per hour. 100kph = 62 mph

The basic unit of weight is the kilogram. One kilogram equals 2.2 pounds. Most products are sold in gram amounts.

The basic unit of volume is the liter liters = 1 US gallon. One liter of pure water weighs one kilogram.

Temperature is measured using the Celsius scale. The Celsius scale is based on the freezing point of water (0° C) and the boiling point of water (100° C) at sea level. Room temperature is about 20° C.