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CNN
18-03-2025
- Automotive
- CNN
France unveils ‘incredible' new high-speed TGV trains with double-decker dining car
France's national railway operator has unveiled its next-generation high-speed trains, equipped with stylish interiors that are already causing a stir online. Branded INOUI (a play on the French word 'inouï,' meaning unprecedented or incredible), these will be the fifth generation of the country's TGV intercity service that has been at the forefront of high-speed rail travel since their launch nearly 45 years ago. After undergoing more than a million kilometers (over 620,000 miles) of test journeys, the new trains — manufactured entirely in France — were unveiled earlier this month by SNCF Voyageurs, the French national passenger rail operator, and manufacturer Alstom. '45 years after the first TGV, we're going to revolutionize high-speed travel once again,' Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, said in a press statement. The trains, which will travel at speeds of up to 320 kilometers an hour (nearly 200 mph) caused a stir online, with social media users praising the new designs. as 'incredible.' 'There's just something about these 70s space age vibes that make it feel modern and retro at the same time,' Jan Buis, who posts about technology and design, wrote on X. The first- and second-class carriages feature light interiors, complemented by statement yellow lamps. Table lamps have long been a staple on TGVs and the new generation are meant to look 'as round as the seats' while adding a touch of 'bright colour' and humor, according to SNCF's statement. The overall look of the project is the result of a collaboration between French engineering consultancy AREP and Japanese design agency NENDO. Comfort is the central theme, AREP said in a press release. 'The idea was to take a fresh look, to introduce a lasting break in the railway world and to re-enchant a technical and industrial environment,' it said, adding that the interiors are intended to provide a 'more personal bubble of comfort in a shared space.' France's famed cuisine and quality local ingredients will be showcased on the train's 'centrepiece' — a dining car spanning two floors. Passengers will be able to buy self-service items in the downstairs area, while the upstairs will be home to a 'convivial bistro' featuring seasonal French dishes and wines. For the first time in TGV's history, the entire train crew was involved in the design process, according to the press statement. Conductors, drivers and maintenance workers advised on designing layouts better suited to their daily tasks. The drivers used virtual reality technology to experience and choose between three different cab environments. Thoughtful design extends beyond the needs of those working on the train. Microwaves, extra changing tables and relaxation areas have been added to help families travelling with children. A new car has also been designed for wheelchair users, making it possible for them to board the train independently and order food to their seats. Journeys will start on the Paris-Lyon-Marseille line in 2026, taking travelers from the capital to the south coast in three hours.
CNN
18-03-2025
- Automotive
- CNN
France unveils ‘incredible' new high-speed TGV trains with double-decker dining car
France's national railway operator has unveiled its next-generation high-speed trains, equipped with stylish interiors that are already causing a stir online. Branded INOUI (a play on the French word 'inouï,' meaning unprecedented or incredible), these will be the fifth generation of the country's TGV intercity service that has been at the forefront of high-speed rail travel since their launch nearly 45 years ago. After undergoing more than a million kilometers (over 620,000 miles) of test journeys, the new trains — manufactured entirely in France — were unveiled earlier this month by SNCF Voyageurs, the French national passenger rail operator, and manufacturer Alstom. '45 years after the first TGV, we're going to revolutionize high-speed travel once again,' Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, said in a press statement. The trains, which will travel at speeds of up to 320 kilometers an hour (nearly 200 mph) caused a stir online, with social media users praising the new designs. as 'incredible.' 'There's just something about these 70s space age vibes that make it feel modern and retro at the same time,' Jan Buis, who posts about technology and design, wrote on X. The first- and second-class carriages feature light interiors, complemented by statement yellow lamps. Table lamps have long been a staple on TGVs and the new generation are meant to look 'as round as the seats' while adding a touch of 'bright colour' and humor, according to SNCF's statement. The overall look of the project is the result of a collaboration between French engineering consultancy AREP and Japanese design agency NENDO. Comfort is the central theme, AREP said in a press release. 'The idea was to take a fresh look, to introduce a lasting break in the railway world and to re-enchant a technical and industrial environment,' it said, adding that the interiors are intended to provide a 'more personal bubble of comfort in a shared space.' France's famed cuisine and quality local ingredients will be showcased on the train's 'centrepiece' — a dining car spanning two floors. Passengers will be able to buy self-service items in the downstairs area, while the upstairs will be home to a 'convivial bistro' featuring seasonal French dishes and wines. For the first time in TGV's history, the entire train crew was involved in the design process, according to the press statement. Conductors, drivers and maintenance workers advised on designing layouts better suited to their daily tasks. The drivers used virtual reality technology to experience and choose between three different cab environments. Thoughtful design extends beyond the needs of those working on the train. Microwaves, extra changing tables and relaxation areas have been added to help families travelling with children. A new car has also been designed for wheelchair users, making it possible for them to board the train independently and order food to their seats. Journeys will start on the Paris-Lyon-Marseille line in 2026, taking travelers from the capital to the south coast in three hours.
The Independent
17-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
First glimpse inside France's new high-speed TGV trains designed to ‘flow like a river'
A two-storey bar, self-service grocery shop and retro-red seats with extra legroom – the sleek interiors for the latest high-speed fleet of French trains have been revealed. The TGV Inoui trains, the fifth generation of TGV, will take to the tracks on the route connecting Paris to Lyon and Marseille next year. Designers from the French agency AREP and Nendo, a Japanese agency, created the train to flow 'like a river' in a palette of red, blue, and yellow, with comfort at the forefront of interior planning. At the centre of the redesign, a two-floor bistro – Le Bistro – sits in carriage four, serving regional French dishes, fine wine and coquillettes jambon ham pasta with a self-service grocery shop downstairs. TGV drivers worked with designers to co-construct their driving cabs, introducing special lighting, safer air conditioning and better soundproofing. As for accessibility, this TGV will enable passengers in wheelchairs to board the train independently and have a larger capacity for wheelchair-dedicated areas. In a TGV first, the number of carriages on the train can be changed to meet requirements – for example, a first-class carriage can be converted into a second-class carriage – with luggage spaces adjustable according to the season or market. Fewer doors dividing carriages aim to make it easier for passengers to keep an eye on their luggage as they travel. TGVs will also be able to seat up to 740 passengers, 20 per cent more than TGVs today. On-board wifi, a new yellow lamp and space for eight bicycles await rail travellers on TGV Inoui trains. For first-class passengers, elevated comforts include a seat that are 5cm wider, an electric seat recline, a storage shelf and space for cabin luggage. In second-class seats, there's an adjustable-height headrest, individual sockets, a phone holder and 5cm more knee room than on existing TGV models. Families will also find a baby changing table, access to a microwave and larger platforms to move around with children during a journey. TGV Inoui trains plan to welcome their first passengers for service in 2026 with pre-operational trials across the network from summer 2025. The new generation of TGV claims to be 20 per cent more energy-efficient than trains today and 97 per cent recyclable. A partnership between experts at Alstom, a rail transport manufacturer, and SNCF Voyageurs, a subsidiary of the French National Railway Company (SNCF), has worked on the TGV M project since 2016. According to an SNCF press release: 'The arrival of the new TGV Inoui marks a new stage in terms of comfort and innovation, offering a new travel experience in France and beyond.'
Euronews
13-03-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Take a look inside France's newly designed TGV trains
A new fleet of TGV trains is set to hit the rails in France and the first images of their stylish interiors have been released. The TGV INOUI (previously called TGV-M) series is the fifth generation of the trains produced for national rail operator SNCF by manufacturer Alstom, and they will begin carrying passengers at the start of 2026. They will start circulating on the Paris-Lyon-Marseille route - the busiest high-speed line in the country - before being phased in across the rest of the network. The redesign includes a two-storey bar, extra legroom and improved access for disabled passengers. The new trains will have an extra carriage increasing capacity by up to 20 per cent compared to the current models - or a maximum of 740 passengers per train. Access for disabled travellers has been improved thanks to a dedicated coach with wheelchair-friendly facilities like a lift between its two floors and 'service at-the-seat' catering. Passengers with a 5G-compatible mobile contract will benefit from improved connectivity and stronger WiFi. There will be fewer doors dividing carriages, making it easier for passengers to keep an eye on their suitcases on luggage racks while they travel. These new trains will also be 20 per cent more energy-efficient due to their aerodynamic design, which will result in CO2 savings of 50 per cent compared with single-deck high-speed trains, SNCF says. A bonus emissions saving for anyone looking to travel by high-speed rail to avoid a short haul flight. On top of their aerodynamic, emissions-cutting design, the new fleet is made from 25 per cent recycled materials which will be 97 per cent recyclable, according to SNCF, making it the high-speed train with the lowest carbon footprint on the market. The interiors are the result of a collaboration between designers from the French agency AREP and the Japanese agency Nendo. The concept of the project was 'flow', and the designers 'played with the idea of depth inside, with a strong horizon line running through all the elements and giving the impression of the surface of water.' The details of the seats and the striking yellow table lamps draw inspiration from the soft shapes of pebbles and objects polished by water. Standard class seats now have individual plug sockets (currently one is shared between two passengers), a mini table, and up to 5cm of extra legroom. Seats in first class are 5cm wider, allowing you to place small personal belongings beside you, and have wrap-around, height-adjustable headrests and electric seat recline. One of the most exciting developments is the major redesign of the fleet's bar carriage. Named Le Bistro, its lower floor is given over to self-service fridges, coffee machines and microwaves with payment via self-service terminals. The upper storey is designed as a 'convivial' space for sit-down dining with seats for up to 28 passengers. The menu will feature typical French bistro dishes. 65 per cent of suppliers are French and 100 per cent of the meat on the menu is of French origin. There will be three different seasonal menus during the year and each will include a 'dish of the month'. Most UK travellers are influenced by special offers and pricing when booking a holiday, according to a new report. Advertising platform Teads compiled data from multiple surveys of British holidaymakers and found that 80 per cent of respondents said deals and prices in travel adverts were their main inspiration when choosing where to go. The Teads Travel Compass report found that cost was similarly the primary factor for accommodation and flight choices for those surveyed, cited by 60 per cent and 54 per cent of respondents respectively. With money a major factor in many people's holiday booking choices, where in Europe will your budget go furthest? Here are the best value destinations across the continent. The UK Post Office's annual money report for 2024 found that prices for meals, drinks and other tourist items have fallen in over 60 per cent of the resorts and cities surveyed compared to the previous year. Portugal's Algarve was the highest placed of 15 European destinations surveyed, holding on to fifth place with a 1.2 per cent drop in prices. In doing so, it has overtaken Turkey and Bulgaria, where price rises have seen Marmaris and Sunny Beach fall in the rankings. Out of all the destinations surveyed, the Algarve had the cheapest coffee at £0.88 (€1.05) and wine at £1.76 (€2.10). Items like suncream and insect repellent were on the costlier end compared to other places in the top five. Bulgaria's Sunny Beach made the seventh spot. Prices for beer, a bottle of Coca-Cola or Pepsi and a bottle of water are all relatively low. A three-course evening meal for two with a bottle of house wine costs £39.31 (€46.90), which is the fourth cheapest in the top 10. However, make sure you buy suncream before you go because a last minute purchase while you're there will cost you £9.30 (€11.10), the second most expensive in the top 10. Coming in ninth place was Marmaris in Turkey. Despite the downward spiral of the Turkish lira, local prices in restaurants and bars have more than doubled as owners try to overcome the challenge of inflation. A three-course evening meal for two with a bottle of house wine costs £48.89 (€58.30), the second highest in the top 10. On the other hand, supermarket purchases of suncream, insect repellent and a bottle of water won't break the bank.
Euronews
13-03-2025
- Business
- Euronews
A two-storey bar and more leg room: Inside France's new high-speed TGV trains
The TGV INOUI, run by national operator SNCF, will launch at the start of 2026. ADVERTISEMENT A new fleet of TGV trains is set to hit the rails in France and the first images of their stylish interiors have been released. The TGV INOUI (previously called TGV-M) series is the fifth generation of the trains produced for national rail operator SNCF by manufacturer Alstom, and they will begin carrying passengers at the start of 2026. They will start circulating on the Paris-Lyon-Marseille route - the busiest high-speed line in the country - before being phased in across the rest of the network. The redesign includes a two-storey bar, extra legroom and improved access for disabled passengers. New TGV trains will have better WiFi and bigger capacity The new trains will have an extra carriage increasing capacity by up to 20 per cent compared to the current models - or a maximum of 740 passengers per train. Access for disabled travellers has been improved thanks to a dedicated coach with wheelchair-friendly facilities like a lift between its two floors and 'service at-the-seat' catering. Passengers with a 5G-compatible mobile contract will benefit from improved connectivity and stronger WiFi. Seats in first class are 5cm wider, allowing you to place small personal belongings beside you, and have wrap-around, height-adjustable headrests and electric seat recline. Yann Audic/SNCF There will be fewer doors dividing carriages, making it easier for passengers to keep an eye on their suitcases on luggage racks while they travel. These new trains will also be 20 per cent more energy-efficient due to their aerodynamic design, which will result in CO2 savings of 50 per cent compared with single-deck high-speed trains, SNCF says. A bonus emissions saving for anyone looking to travel by high-speed rail to avoid a short haul flight. New TGV interiors made from recyclable materials On top of their aerodynamic, emissions-cutting design, the new fleet is made from 25 per cent recycled materials which will be 97 per cent recyclable, according to SNCF, making it the high-speed train with the lowest carbon footprint on the market. The interiors are the result of a collaboration between designers from the French agency AREP and the Japanese agency Nendo. The concept of the project was 'flow', and the designers 'played with the idea of depth inside, with a strong horizon line running through all the elements and giving the impression of the surface of water.' The details of the seats and the striking yellow table lamps draw inspiration from the soft shapes of pebbles and objects polished by water. Standard class seats now have individual plug sockets (currently one is shared between two passengers), a mini table, and up to 5cm of extra legroom. Seats in first class are 5cm wider, allowing you to place small personal belongings beside you, and have wrap-around, height-adjustable headrests and electric seat recline. ADVERTISEMENT New TGV trains will have a two-storey bar One of the most exciting developments is the major redesign of the fleet's bar carriage. Named Le Bistro, its lower floor is given over to self-service fridges, coffee machines and microwaves with payment via self-service terminals. The upper storey is designed as a 'convivial' space for sit-down dining with seats for up to 28 passengers. One of the most exciting developments is the major redesign of the fleet's bar carriage. Yann Audic/SNCF The menu will feature typical French bistro dishes. 65 per cent of suppliers are French and 100 per cent of the meat on the menu is of French origin. There will be three different seasonal menus during the year and each will include a 'dish of the month'.
