06/09/2026 - 11:06 GMT+2
France’s high-speed rail network could soon have a new name on departure boards, as a homegrown start-up prepares to take on state-owned SNCF.
Velvet, founded by a former SNCF executive, says it has secured an initial licence to operate high-speed trains on routes linking Paris with cities including Bordeaux, Nantes and Angers, with services planned from 2028.
On its website, the company says it wants to add 10 million seats between Paris and destinations along France’s Atlantic coast, with direct journeys averaging around two hours.
For travellers, that could mean more choice – and potentially more competitive fares – on some of the country’s busiest rail routes.
