SNCF will introduce a new high-end class called Optimum on its TGV Inoui services starting January 2026. The announcement comes as the French rail operator faces growing competition from Italy’s Trenitalia, which is expanding its Paris-Lyon connections.
Optimum will be available Monday through Friday on all TGV Inoui trains departing from or arriving in Paris. A special version called Optimum+ will launch on the busy Paris-Lyon route, where Trenitalia will increase its service from 9 to 14 daily round-trips in December 2025.
Premium Services and Pricing
The new class is designed for passengers seeking a higher level of comfort, particularly business travelers. Among the added services are a new catering option featuring seasonal and locally sourced products served on porcelain dishes, replacing disposable tableware. Passengers will also have access to the Salon Grand Voyageur and the support of a dedicated host on board.
According to SNCF Voyageurs, Optimum+ fares will cost €108 for holders of the annual Liberté subscription card, an increase of about €20 compared to the existing Business Première class. For travelers without the Liberté card, the price is expected to be around €200 per trip.
Competitive Pressure From Trenitalia
SNCF’s move follows the entry of Trenitalia into the French high-speed rail market. The Italian operator promotes its Executive class as “unique in France,” with leather seats and meals designed by Italian chef Carlo Cracco. By December 2025, Trenitalia will increase capacity on the Paris-Lyon corridor, a direct challenge to SNCF’s dominant position.
“The Optimum class is aimed at travelers, especially professionals, looking for a high-quality experience,” said SNCF Voyageurs in its announcement on 23 September. The company stressed that the new offer would strengthen its premium services and respond to evolving passenger expectations.
The launch of Optimum highlights the intensifying competition in Europe’s high-speed rail sector, where operators are investing in upgraded services to capture business travelers. For SNCF, the new class represents both a defensive move against Trenitalia and an effort to enhance the value of its domestic and international network.
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