ParisLyon

ParisLyon refers to the Paris–Lyon high-speed rail corridor in France, a core section of the Ligne à Grande Vitesse Sud-Est (LGV Sud-Est). It connects Paris with Lyon via dedicated high-speed rail and is primarily operated by SNCF under the TGV brand. The line opened in 1981, and it has since become one of France’s busiest long-distance routes.

Development of the corridor began in the late 1970s as part of France’s program to modernize intercity travel and relieve congestion on conventional lines. The LGV Sud-Est was the first purpose-built high-speed line in France, and its success spurred further high-speed projects across Europe. The Paris–Lyon segment established new standards for speed and travel time in rail service.

Route and infrastructure: The line starts at Paris Gare de Lyon and travels southeast to Lyon Part-Dieu, largely along an exclusive high-speed alignment that bypasses many towns. It traverses the Île-de-France, Burgundy (Bourgogne), and Rhône Valley regions. The corridor is electrified and designed for sustained high-speed operation, enabling trains to operate at speeds well above conventional rail lines.

Operations and impact: Today, ParisLyon is served primarily by TGV high-speed trains linking Paris and Lyon, with additional connections to other French destinations. Intercités and freight traffic also use portions of the corridor. The service has dramatically reduced travel times between the two cities—roughly from about four hours to around two hours—strengthening economic ties and regional accessibility. Ongoing upgrades focus on capacity, signaling, and station enhancements to accommodate growing demand.