SNCF Voyageurs has announced the launch of a new premium class for its TGV INOUI services. From January 2026, passengers will be able to travel in the new OPTIMUM class, designed to offer a high-quality, flexible, and comfortable travel experience across France.
The initiative, which replaces the existing Business Première offer, aims to create a more consistent and recognisable premium product for frequent and professional travellers.
Two levels of service will be available: OPTIMUM, accessible nationwide, and OPTIMUM PLUS, an enhanced version offered exclusively on the Paris–Lyon corridor.
OPTIMUM: Flexibility and Comfort
The standard OPTIMUM class is built around three pillars: flexibility, comfort, and continuous support. It is available on all trains arriving or departing from central Paris, Monday to Friday.
Passengers booking OPTIMUM will benefit from a fully flexible ticketing policy, with tickets exchangeable or refundable without fees. Changes can be made until 30 minutes after departure at no extra cost. Even when a train is full, exchanges are guaranteed, though without an assured seat. The same policy also applies when exchanging to an OUIGO service, provided the change is made through the TGV INOUI PRO app.
To ensure transparency, OPTIMUM fares remain fixed regardless of when the booking is made—whether two months in advance or the day before departure.
In addition to ticketing advantages, OPTIMUM passengers will have access to a range of upgraded services:
- Grand Voyageur Lounges in major stations, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, a wide choice of drinks, entertainment options, and a selection of press titles.
- Dedicated quiet spaces on board, with layouts designed to preserve privacy for working or resting.
- Over 500 entertainment options via the TGV INOUI portal, including films, series, podcasts, games, and international press, with exclusive content accessible through a dedicated OPTIMUM menu.
- The TGV INOUI PRO app, providing streamlined booking management and customer support.
- A dedicated customer service team, available before, during, and after the journey for personalised assistance.
OPTIMUM PLUS: Enhanced premium experience
OPTIMUM PLUS, available solely on the high-demand Paris–Lyon line, is tailored for the most discerning travellers. It builds on the OPTIMUM offer while adding exclusive features.
Passengers in OPTIMUM PLUS will benefit from:
- A dedicated onboard host, available throughout the journey to provide personalised service.
- At-seat dining, featuring French bistronomic cuisine prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Options will vary according to the time of day, from breakfast to dinner, and meals will be served with porcelain tableware to reflect SNCF Voyageurs’ sustainability commitments.
- Enhanced customer support, with a dedicated team available from 07:00 to 22:00 daily, ensuring priority treatment for all requests.
The Paris–Lyon route currently offers 18 daily return services, reinforcing the importance of this corridor for SNCF’s premium strategy.
Access and Eligibility
The new premium classes will be available to:
- Passengers purchasing tickets at OPTIMUM or OPTIMUM PLUS fares on eligible routes, including Paris–Le Creusot and Paris–Lyon.
- Holders of the Liberté card, with access to OPTIMUM and OPTIMUM PLUS fares on selected routes.
- Corporate customers travelling on negotiated or discounted OPTIMUM fares.
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