The first images of the interior of the new high-speed TGV trains that are set to start circulating in France soon have been released, showcasing a sleek design.
The TGV-M series, the fifth generation of TGV trains produced for French rail operator SNCF by manufacturer Alstom, are set to begin carrying passengers at the start of 2026.
Initially they will be used on the Paris-Lyon-Marseille corridor (the busiest high-speed line in France) before being phased in across the rest of the network.
Yann Audic/SNCF Voyageurs
Older fourth-generation trains are likely to be re-used by the low-cost arm of the SNCF ‘OuiGo’.
The trains will be able to carry up to 20% more passengers than current models thanks to an extra carriage, increasing numbers per train to 740.
They will provide increased accessibility for disabled travellers with a dedicated coach that is fully compatible for wheelchair users and includes a lift between the two floors of the train.
Ticketing will also be different – tickets for the new train will show three digits instead of two, showing the carriage your seat is in to minimise confusion.
WiFi capabilities will also be strengthened, allowing passengers with a 5G compatible mobile contract to benefit from improved connectivity.
Fewer doors will also be installed between carriages, allowing passengers extra visibility of their suitcases on luggage racks.
One possible downside of these changes is that the train will only be able to carry eight bikes overall (two in first-class, six in second-class). The SNCF however states this is more than the law requires (six) and is made up for with the other benefits of the trains.
Sleek new design
The trains are made out of 90% recyclable material, states the SNCF, which has helped contribute to the total redesign of the train’s interior. The structural elements of the seats are said to be designed and dimensioned to last 30 years.
The design itself has a retro-futuristic feel, sleek and laid back, with colours that are prominent but not garish.
A red-blue colour scheme is in place for seats, with red being used for first class and blue standard class seats.
Yann Audic/SNCF Voyageurs
Seats in standard class will have individual plug sockets (currently sockets are shared between two passengers), a mini table, and up to 5cm of extra legroom.
Improvements to bar
A major overhaul of the train’s bar carriage has been carried out.
The bar – to be referred to as ‘le bistrot’ for now on – covers two floors as opposed to the current single-story bar.
The bottom floor is reserved for self-service, including self-service fridges and coffee machines as well as microwaves, paid for via self-service checkouts.
The upper section is a mezzanine fully reserved for sit-down dining and will seat up to 28 passengers.
