The new INTERCITÉS Oxygène trains: more comfort and more inclusiveness

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on April 29, 2025

Fewer delays, more seats, greater comfort, more on-board services... It's definitely time to modernize our trains! After the new TGV (TGV M)) and OUIGO trains, we're now introducing the new INTERCITÉS daytime trains. A few days ago, our team attended the inauguration of the new “Oxygène” trainset, destined to gradually replace the older generations on the Paris-Clermont Ferrand and Paris-Orléans-Limoges-Toulouse (POLT) lines in 2027, and on the Bordeaux-Marseille lines in 2028 and 2029. In concrete terms, what can we expect? We explain everything.

50 new trains by 2029

Three lines concerned

Financed by the French government, the new trainsets will replace the “Corail” trains currently operating on the Paris-Limoges-Toulouse and Paris-Clermont-Ferrand lines (28 trainsets) in 2027, and on the Bordeaux-Marseille line (22 trainsets) in 2028 and 2029.

In addition to these new trains, SNCF Réseau and the French government are investing nearly €2.5 billion in the infrastructure work required to regenerate the network (€1.6 billion for Paris-Limoges-Toulouse and €0.76 billion for Paris-Clermont).

Alexis Calvignac - New first-class seats unveiled at inauguration ceremony

Fewer delays

These new trains will replace aging equipment (the old “Corail” trains) on the 3 lines that are probably the most delayed in France!

Of course, this won't be enough as long as the State continues to under-invest in the regeneration of the rail network (yes, if you drive a Porsche on a road full of potholes, you won't go any faster...). But it should still help limit rolling stock-related delays.

New Oxygene trains : what will change

More seats AND more comfort on board

Beyond the reduction in delays, we can also expect more capacity (420 seats - compared with 396 for Corail trains - and up to 840 in the case of double trains), and above all greater comfort on board.

In concrete terms? Much more ergonomic and adjustable seats (electrically adjustable in first class, manually adjustable in second class), and more comfort for all: electrical sockets, USB ports, Wi-Fi, footrests, tablets... The little bonus: a screen display of the driver's vision.

Alexis Calvignac - An electrical outlet for every seat, even in second place!

More inclusiveness

Another great new feature: people with reduced mobility will be able to access the train and move around completely independently. Inside, they will be able to remain in their wheelchair or transfer to a seat, securing their folded wheelchair with a belt. A pull-up bar will also make it easier to get up, with “SOS” buttons to call for help.

For the first time in France, they and their companions will also be able to choose between first and second class. The dedicated carriages will be equipped with adapted toilets and an ARP system (door locating aid).

10 bicycle parking spaces

There's good news for bike lovers too: a reserved area will be able to accommodate up to 10 bikes (numbered spaces so that you can reserve your space). And the icing on the cake: sockets for recharging electric bikes!

© Alexis Calvignac - Bike racks on the new trains

What's next?

In practical terms, two new Oxygène trainsets will begin homologation tests on the national rail network in the second half of 2025. Until 2026, robustness and reliability tests will verify the train's operation in real-life conditions, and ensure the availability and reliability of the trainsets.

Once these stages have been completed, a Type Authorization can be issued to begin commercial service, scheduled for the end of the 1st quarter of 2027 (initially on the Paris-Clermont and Paris-Limoges-Toulouse lines, then in 2028 and 2029 on the Bordeaux-Marseille line). In the meantime, we'll have to be patient and keep up the pressure on our leaders to invest more in railways. To be continued...

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.