Behold: France’s New High-Speed Rail Interior Design Is Perfect, Of Course
The new line, which will run between Paris and Marseilles, is a retro-futurist dreamscape.
Why can’t we have nice things?
Simply existing would be enough. France’s super efficient high-speed rail system, or TGV, is already the envy of the world (or at least the U.S.) for its speedy service and tiny bottles of weirdly good wine. But now the country that invented the word chic (this feels true, anyway) has debuted the first images of its new TGV-M line, which looks like the setting for a Wes Anderson retro-futurist comedy, or the inside of a thick furniture catalog we cannot afford and thereby toss. The muted color palette? Supreme. The edges? Soft and rounded. The bar? Two glorious stories.
According to the SNCF, France’s state-owned railway company, the trains are made out of 90% recyclable material, carry up to 20% more passengers, feature extra leg room and electrical outlets for all service levels, and contain a mezzanine bistro with full sit-down service.
The TGV-M cars will begin service in early 2026, according to SNCF, and run exclusively on the busy Paris-Lyon-Marseille corridor to start.
There is no world in which this lamp needs to look this good.
These cool blue curves on a sloping banquette are fully unnecessary.
Is this a wine fridge on the way up to the mezzanine bistro? Let's just say yes.
All aboard.