Velvet, the first private TGV made in France: a revolution in rail travel?

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published today

VelVet. Remember that name: it’s the first independent French company set to operate high-speed trains across the country. Its ambition? To reinvent the high-speed travel experience by addressing the current shortage of seats and the explosive growth in demand, with 10 million additional seats per year. On July 1st, 2025, Proxima revealed its new name — replacing the temporary “Projet Proxima” — along with its new trains, in green and lilac livery.

Here’s everything you need to know about these new private TGVs, which are scheduled to begin commercial service in 2028 between Paris, Bordeaux, Nantes, Rennes, and Angers.

A Private Company to Meet Surging Demand

To understand the birth of VelVet (formerly known as “Projet Proxima”), let’s rewind a few years. Since 1981, one player has dominated the high-speed rail sector in France: SNCF. The TGV is its flagship. For a long time, no other company could legally offer high-speed services on the French network.

But in 2018, a major shift occurred with the adoption of the new railway reform law, which opened long-distance rail services to competition. Since then, the high-speed rail landscape in France has gradually diversified.

Following the arrival of Trenitalia’s Frecciaro Paris-Lyon and Paris-Marseille lines, a new milestone has been reached with VelVet — the first independent French railway company to enter the high-speed market.

“Rail competition is progressing in France, and VelVet is a concrete example — just like the launch yesterday of the first competitive regional TER line between Marseille, Toulon and Nice. I have always supported this, first as Vice-President of the PACA Region and now as Minister of Transport. With rail demand rising sharply, competition enhances the offer, optimizes prices, and provides a real diversity of travel experiences — a key issue for improving service quality for passengers, the guiding thread of my work.”
Philippe Tabarot – Minister of Transport

Private TGVs: How VelVet Plans to Change the Way We Travel

Behind this made-in-France private high-speed train project are two familiar names in the transport world: Rachel Picard, former Director of SNCF Mobilités, and Timothy Jackson, a seasoned transport entrepreneur. On June 6th, 2024, the Proxima name hit the headlines for the first time following a €1 billion fundraising round, with €850 million allocated to ordering 12 Avelia Horizon trains from Alstom. The rest will fund operations and the construction of a maintenance depot in Marcheprime (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), in collaboration with partners Alstom and Lisea. Maintenance will be handled for 15 years — a key difference from SNCF Voyageurs, which maintains its own fleet.

© Velvet

Their goal? To relieve growing pressure on the network: 15% of potential passengers already fail to find a seat, and that number could rise to 25% by 2030. VelVet aims to help ease congestion while encouraging modal shift from car and air travel to rail.

When it comes to equipment, VelVet is going big. The 12 Alstom trains ordered are identical to the future TGV M: double-decker, modular, energy-efficient, with larger windows and more spacious interiors. But beyond tech specs, passenger experience is at the heart of the project.

Design inspiration was drawn from sectors beyond rail: hospitality for onboard service, theatre and aviation for seating comfort… resulting in a three-word promise: pleasure, simplicity, novelty.

From Proxima to VelVet: A Brand That Blends Tech and Softness

So long, Proxima. Hello, VelVet. With slanted lettering echoing the aerodynamic shape and motion of the train, VelVet evokes both speed (velocity) and velvet, promising a gentler, more human travel experience. This idea of contrast and rupture runs through the entire brand strategy.

© Velvet

Julien Feré, spokesperson for Proxima, explains:

“We chose forest green to convey speed and technology, and lilac — a color never used in the rail industry — for care and softness. Passenger attention is central to VelVet’s values.”

VelVet aims to be instantly recognizable, both in stations and on the tracks. The trains themselves reflect this identity: a forest green nose symbolizing innovation, mostly white carriages (an eco-smart choice — lighter colors reduce heat, cutting air conditioning needs), and a lilac ribbon running elegantly along the side, like a moving wave.

The very first Velvet trainsets unveiled in Belfort - © Velvet

VelVet High-Speed Trains: A Project Moving at Full Speed

In just 12 months, the project has gone from idea to reality. After the funding, train orders, and branding decisions, production is now underway: passenger cars are being assembled in La Rochelle, a first motor unit is already on display in Belfort, and construction of the Marcheprime maintenance facility will soon begin.

According to Tim Jackson, VelVet’s co-founder:

“I’ve never seen a rail project move this fast. We’re working hand in hand with Alstom, like one team.”

For Alstom, it’s a showcase of innovation and strategic partnership, as Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France, highlights:

“VelVet is a cutting-edge high-speed train designed for comfort and accessibility.”

Conférence de presse - Présentation de Velvet ce 1er juillet 2025 à Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine - ©HOURRAIL !

Timeline, Routes, Booking Info: What You Need to Know

When will VelVet trains start running?
→ First commercial services are expected in 2028.

Which cities will be served?
→ Initially, VelVet will focus on major Atlantic routes from Paris Montparnasse to Nantes, Bordeaux, Rennes, and Angers.

How much will tickets cost?
→ Pricing details remain limited for now, but co-founder Rachel Picard recently stated that the service would be neither low-cost nor luxury, aiming instead for accessible fares to attract a broad customer base.

Where can I book tickets?
→ No official announcement yet, but it’s highly likely that tickets will be sold on multiple platforms, as is common for new operators.

You get the idea: VelVet could significantly shake up rail travel between Paris and the Atlantic coast — and perhaps beyond. With 10 million extra seats per year added where capacity is already tight, this new private TGV operator checks several boxes: more seats, more comfort, more options… and a real opportunity to fast-track the shift to rail.

Of course, we’ll have to wait until 2028 to see if it lives up to expectations. But with heatwaves pushing temperatures close to 40°C, the promise of fast, comfortable, and thoughtful rail travel already sounds like great news.

We’ll keep you updated on VelVet’s progress. To stay in the loop (and know when to book your first VelVet ticket), sign up for our newsletter — landing in your inbox every other Thursday.