# Velvet high-speed rail entry in France

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/velvet-high-speed-rail-entry-in-france
> Updated: 2026-09-04T16:46:08.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Private railway company Velvet has secured an operating license from the French Ministry of Transport, positioning itself to compete with the state-owned SNCF on high-speed routes. The company intends to launch services around 2028, targeting connections between Paris and Angers, Nantes, Rennes, and Bordeaux.

Velvet President Rachel Picard has stated that the company will not adopt a low-cost model, but will instead focus on a strategy of complementarity to address capacity shortages. The company aims to provide up to 10 million additional seats per year, noting that approximately 15% of travelers seeking TGV services are currently unable to secure seats. While the operating license has been granted, Velvet must still obtain a Unique Safety Certificate (CSU) to begin commercial operations.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Velvet to launch high-speed rail services in France by 2028

Velvet plans to launch high-speed rail services in France by 2028, adding 10 million annual seats on routes between Paris and western cities to complement SNCF's existing network.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/velvet-to-launch-high-speed-rail-services-in-france-by-2028

### 2026-09-01: Velvet secures French operating license for high-speed rail

Private rail operator Velvet has secured an operating license in France, aiming to compete with SNCF on high-speed routes including Paris-Angers and Paris-Bordeaux starting in 2028.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/velvet-secures-french-operating-license-for-high-speed-rail

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Cite as: Velvet high-speed rail entry in France. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/velvet-high-speed-rail-entry-in-france