The first French high speed line, LGV Sud-Est, was opened to the public on 27 September 1981. It was an instant success, ten million passengers were recorded as travelling on the line within its first ten months.[1] Furthermore, its operations validated the functionality and effectiveness of the new high speed rail technology available to SNCF, as well as the financing model for its deployment, which was via debt held by SNCF and did not depend upon any subsidies. The positive results of LGV Sud Est encouraged the French government to pursue the construction of additional high speed lines.[2][3] LGV Atlantique would be the second high speed line to open in France.
Timeline
1 January 1983: creation of SNCFnew line no. 2 committee
French TGV network, with the LGV Atlantique in yellow running south-west from Paris
The line leaves Gare Montparnasse to cross Paris's southern suburbs, partly under the Coulée Verte. This is a tunnel above which footpaths and recreational areas have been created, to reduce the effect of the LGV running through the area. The line at this point follows the route of the former railway line from Paris to Chartres. TGVs coming from the north or southeast of France via the LGV Interconnexion Est join the line at Massy. After the new Massy TGV station, the line passes through the Villejust tunnel and then follows the A10 motorway. Near the Saint-Arnoulttoll plaza, the LGV turns south and leaves the motorway. The line then follows the ligne classique from Paris to Vendôme until the junction at Courtalain.
1 Le Mans is located on the western branch of the LGV Atlantique.
Extensions
Extensions to both branches have been built. The western branch is augmented by the LGV Bretagne-Pays de la Loire project, resulting in a reduction of 37 minutes between Paris and Rennes.[4] The Southern branch is augmented by the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique project, resulting in a reduction of around 50 minutes to Tours and Bordeaux.[5] Both lines entered service in July 2017.
