By 2028, France’s high-speed rail system is set for a major transformation with the introduction of Avelia Horizon high-speed trains. French rail company Proxima, which entered the market in June 2024, has signed a significant contract with Alstom to bring 12 cutting-edge trains into service. These trains will operate between Paris and key cities such as Bordeaux, Rennes, Nantes, and Angers, marking a pivotal moment in the future of travel across the region.
Capable of reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h and accommodating 740 passengers, the Avelia Horizon trains will be among the fastest and most efficient in Europe. Their introduction represents a major step in the liberalization of France’s rail network, which, after decades of state control under SNCF, is now opening to private operators like Proxima.
New Era for High-Speed Rail Travel
For both travelers and the wider travel industry, the arrival of Avelia Horizon trains brings opportunities and challenges. With improved connectivity, increased comfort, and enhanced competition, these developments will significantly reshape rail travel across France.
Proxima’s entry into France’s high-speed rail market has been both swift and ambitious. Backed by a €1 billion investment from Antin Infrastructure Partners, the company is leveraging its extensive experience in European railways to become a major competitor. The Avelia Horizon trains will serve some of the busiest routes in the country, offering a faster and more comfortable alternative for long-distance travel.
Avelia Horizon – A New Competitor in a Liberalized Market
Proxima is the second private operator to gain access to France’s high-speed rail network, following the government’s 2023 decision to liberalize the sector. Historically dominated by SNCF, the market is now seeing increased competition, with companies like Kevin Speed also entering the fray. Kevin Speed, approved in early 2024, will operate single-deck Alstom trains between Paris and northern cities like Lille and Strasbourg, further intensifying competition.
Proxima’s Avelia Horizon trains will feature eight passenger cars and two motor cars, complementing France’s expanding rail services. This addition is expected to boost trip frequency, improve travel times, and elevate passenger comfort. Travelers on routes between Paris and regional cities such as Bordeaux and Rennes will enjoy more options, potentially increasing the demand for rail travel as a viable alternative to domestic flights.
With this ambitious expansion, Proxima is poised to play a key role in redefining the future of French rail travel, offering faster, more efficient, and competitive services across the country.