A breath of novelty blows over the French rails! The first passengers of the Paris-Marseille operated by Trenitalia savor the freedom of choice, with affordable tickets and a service on board that delights even the earliest risers. Between the appeal of the complimentary snacks and the comfort of the generous seats, Italian charm is making waves on the Mediterranean, transforming a simple journey into a real little experience.
Want to join the Mediterranean by high-speed train without breaking the bank? That’s the promise Trenitalia makes since the opening of competition on the Paris-Marseille line. With ultra-attractive ticket prices, attentive onboard service, and an Italian spirit of innovation, thousands of travelers are won over. Here’s why the Italian company is already establishing itself on a legendary railway route.
The Italian charm is invited onto the French rails
At dawn, on the platform of the Paris-Lyon station, the scene is atypical: a Ouigo TGV and an elegant Frecciarossa train stand ready to slice through the Hexagon. Since Trenitalia arrived on the Paris-Marseille line, travelers have discovered a new way to travel at high speed, offering the choice of another experience, flavorful and comfortable. Already present on the Paris-Lyon-Milan route, the Italian company has set its sights on the Mediterranean, serving Lyon Saint-Exupéry, Avignon TGV, and Aix-en-Provence TGV, all the way to Marseille.
Prices that defy all competition
The strong argument of Trenitalia? It’s primarily its unbeatable starting price: just €27 for a one-way ticket! A price rarely seen on this stretch, attracting curious customers as well as rail regulars in search of good deals. While some travelers opt for more comfortable options, such as Business class (equivalent to first class), the ticket remains much more affordable than those of SNCF. On the menu in certain classes: coffee, pastries, a bottle of water, or even an Italian prosecco for the earliest risers – the experience then takes on the airs of dolce vita at 300 km/h.
A new beneficial competition
The end of the monopoly on the Paris-Marseille line was awaited like the release of an overloaded carriage. The arrival of the Italian company breathes life into the market and provides a quality alternative. While SNCF maintains its sixteen daily round trips in TGV inOui and Ouigo, Trenitalia is ramping up its communication campaigns, and the public is responding, especially during the major summer departures. The growing choice between two travel experiences fosters innovation and price reductions. For an overview of train destinations from Paris, it’s right here: discover more destinations.
An onboard service designed for the traveler
What also distinguishes Trenitalia is its attention to detail and hospitality: a multilingual train manager, spacious carriages, three classes (including a 100% silence zone), and personalized considerations. Even in Standard class, passengers enjoy optimized space, large luggage storage, and comfort praised by many users. Some frequent travelers, holders of SNCF loyalty cards, admit to have tried it “just to see” and leave captivated by this breath of fresh air on the hexagonal railways.
A choice of services for everyone
With the Executive, Business, Standard Allegro, and Standard Silenzio classes, every profile finds its place. Want to travel in a cocoon of silence or enjoy a friendly journey? The Frecciarossa adapts to all desires. For those curious to learn more about the most important criterion for train travelers, an interesting article awaits you here: learn more.
Trenitalia is already looking beyond the Mediterranean
After conquering the Paris-Marseille route, the Italian company has no intention of stopping there. While for now, the aim is to consolidate the French offer with nine state-of-the-art trains, the ambition to compete with Eurostar between Paris and London, and then between Paris and Madrid via Barcelona, is already whetting the appetite of grand travel enthusiasts. Of course, it will require patience: the opening of the Paris-London line is not expected before 2029, an adventure that will require rolling stock compatible with the Channel Tunnel.
Toward new European railway adventures
Want to explore other mythical destinations or even night train journeys with an adventurous flavor? Discover here the dream routes across Europe: the most beautiful night journeys or the all-new tourist train that connects the Côte d’Azur to the Italian Riviera: guaranteed spectacular journey. And for those who are already dreaming of an Italian Paris-Milan: jump on board here.
