This document summarizes lessons learned from interviews with 60 individuals in France and Germany about high-speed rail (HSR) development. Key lessons include: 1) HSR stations should be located in dense urban areas that are destinations and central to transit networks; 2) there are tradeoffs between travel speed and number of stops; and 3) innovative payment systems can enhance the competitiveness of non-auto modes. Additional lessons relate to station design, intermodal connections, and the potential for HSR to spur development. The author concludes that California's HSR system will take decades to mature and decisions should not be made that may be regretted in the long run.