45 years of high-speed travel and still one step ahead

    Ever since its first commercial journey between Paris and Lyon, the TGV has been part of our departures, our reunions – in short, the moments that make up our lives. To mark its 45th anniversary, SNCF Voyageurs is celebrating this shared journey and inviting you to experience it in a different way, away from the train.

    Updated on 7 October 2026

    For 45 years, the TGV has been bringing travellers and regions closer together, facilitating exchanges and helping to boost the appeal of the regions it serves. To mark this anniversary, SNCF Voyageurs is inviting the public to discover this journey through an immersive exhibition in Paris.

    Three days to experience the TGV in a different way

    From 25 to 27 September 2026, SNCF Voyageurs invites you to the free exhibition ‘45 Years of the TGV: Always a Step Ahead’ at the Espace Commines in Paris.

    Photographs, videos and iconic artefacts punctuate a journey dedicated to trains, records, professions and the evolution of travel. A driving simulator and a virtual reality experience also offer a different perspective. Games, reading, knitting, tastings, personalised items and a photo studio round off the programme.

    A charity auction

    On Sunday 27 September, a charity auction brought together 45 items salvaged from a decommissioned TGV and reimagined by designers, as well as numbered photographs. All proceeds will be donated to the charity Vacances Ouvertes, which is committed to ensuring that people who are otherwise excluded have access to holidays.

    45 years of wonderful stories

    Since 27 September 1981, the TGV has not only saved time: it has also given us more of it for the moments that matter.

    Throughout its journeys, the TGV is there for the moments that matter: a business appointment, a crucial meeting, a regular journey between two cities, a family holiday or a reunion with friends. Behind every journey lies not only a destination, but also a personal or professional story. More than 3 billion passengers have travelled on TGVs operated by SNCF Voyageurs since 1981.

    “The TGV reminds us that innovation only makes sense if it benefits passengers, local communities and the planet.”

    Jean-Aimé Mougenot, Chief Executive of SNCF Voyageurs

    Unique expertise, constantly evolving 

    These stories come to life thanks to the day-to-day dedication of the people who prepare the trains, drive them, maintain them, and welcome and assist passengers. Whether at stations, on board trains, in maintenance centres or operations centres, the teams at SNCF Voyageurs bring high-speed rail to life, both in France and across Europe.

    Over the past 45 years, their roles and expertise have evolved alongside trains and changing travel habits. One ambition remains the same: to offer everyone a safe, reliable and comfortable journey.

    More than 3 billion passengers have travelled on the TGV since the first service in 1981.

    45 years of high-speed progress

    1981
    The TGV begins commercial service between Paris and Lyon.
    1994
    Eurostar connects Paris to London and brings a European dimension to high-speed rail.
    1994
    The TGV Duplex accommodates passengers on two levels.
    2007
    The TGV has set a new record of 574.8 km/h; the LGV Est high-speed line is bringing Paris and Strasbourg closer together.
    2013
    OUIGO, the first low-cost high-speed rail service, is opening up high-speed travel to new ways of travelling and new passengers.

    And the story continues

    Celebrating this anniversary means looking back at how far we have come, whilst keeping our eyes firmly fixed on the future. More versatile, more accessible and more energy-efficient, the new generation of TGV INOUI trains will embody the continuation of this history of innovation in the service of passengers.

    For after 45 years, the essence remains the same: connecting destinations, regions and, above all, the stories of those who travel with us.

    See also

    The future TGV INOUI unveiled

    Read more

    With TGV INOUI

    Read more

    With OUIGO

    Read more

    Header : © SNCF Médiathèque / Paul Billet

    Three days to experience the TGV in a different way : © SNCF médiathèque - Bruno Vignal

    Paragraph : © SNCF Voyageurs

    45 years of wonderful stories : © SNCF médiathèque / Patrick Oliviain

    Unique expertise, constantly evolving  : © SNCF Médiathèque - Patrick Olivain

    And the story continues : © Julien Golsteim pour Alstom

    See also : © Yann Audic -SNCF Voyageurs / Com à l'écran / Com à l'écran