Music and wine training


Wine walking involves lots of train travel, for me at least, and thus lots of waiting at train stations.  In France, you are never bored at train stations, because there is always lots of activity.  And now, since 2012 the major train stations in France all have pianos where locals and travellers can provide entertainment.

This idea was inspired by British artist Luke Jerram, who came up with the Play me, I’m yours idea. The original concept was to make 1300 pianos available to the general public in 45 cities across the world.

The French train company, SNCF, installed its first piano in the Paris-Montparnasse station in 2012.  And today, we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of pianos in train stations, with more than 60 stations now having a piano.  All sorts of people now play piano at French railway stations, from professionals to amateurs.  The quality I have experienced has always been excellent.  Sometimes I feel like staying for the concert, rather than going wine walking.

Yesterday was a delight for me as I travelled from the Alps through Grenoble to Paris.  The first three photos are from the Paris Gare de Lyon station, while the latter two are from the Grenoble station.


Logistics

TGV train from Grenoble to Paris Gare de Lyon.  But if you want to listen to some music, just go to any major railway station in France.


Map