"France's national rail service, SNCF, has announced it will launch a new, ultra-premium class starting in January 2026. SNCF's new "Optimum Class" will be launched on TGV Inoui (high-speed) trains departing from or arriving in Paris on weekdays, the French national rail service announced in a press release on Tuesday. The announcement came after competitor Trenitalia announced that starting in December, it would be increasing its daily Paris to Lyon round-trips from nine to 14, Franceinfo reported."
"Passengers with Optimum will be allowed to exchange their ticket (or cancel and request a refund) free of charge up to 30 minutes after the train has departed. They will gain access to the lounges, known as the Salons Grand Voyageur, which are currently only available to people who hold a train card (e.g. the Liberté annual card) and have paid a minimum amount in tickets per year."
"Along the Paris to Lyon line, passengers will be able to select the special Optimum Plus service, which comes with a meal, notably with "local and seasonal products" and served on "non-disposable porcelain tableware." The Optimum Plus service will also have a dedicated host on board, as well as a customer service team available from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week."
SNCF will introduce Optimum Class on TGV Inoui high-speed trains serving Paris on weekdays beginning January 2026. Optimum will sit alongside first class and is expected to replace the existing business class on some routes. Optimum tickets permit free exchanges or refunds up to 30 minutes after departure and include access to the Salons Grand Voyageur lounges for eligible passengers. On the Paris–Lyon route, Optimum Plus adds a meal featuring local, seasonal products served on non-disposable porcelain, a dedicated onboard host, and extended customer service hours. Optimum Plus fares are expected to start at €108 for Liberté card holders.
Read at The Local France
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