top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

Rail operators called to bid for Nantes-Lyon and Nantes-Bordeaux lines

A new line between Nantes and Lille may also be created, depending on the proposal

The government is hoping to attract offers from companies to take on Intercité train services between Nantes and Lyon and Bordeaux Pic: Photoagriculture / Shutterstock

The French government has reopened the tender process for the Intercité train services on the Nantes-Lyon and Nantes-Bordeaux routes as part of its gradual liberalisation of the rail market. 

The chosen candidate is projected to start services from 2027, the French Ministry of Transport stated. 

These routes were previously opened for tender by the government but that process was dropped in December 2020, stymied by the Covid pandemic and the fact that the SNCF was the only candidate. 

The government said at the time that these factors prevented “fair and equitable competition”. 

Previously, Arriva, a British company and subsidiary of the national railway company of Germany, Deutsche Bahn, expressed an interest in taking on the services but did not in the end place a bid. 

This was the same for Transdev and Eurorail. 

The new call for tenders includes an option for candidates to develop a link between Nantes and Lille that would pass through Angers, Le Mans, Caen, Rouen and Amiens. 

This new line would depend on the bids, the Ministry of Transport stated. 

Related articles

Will privatisation improve SNCF services in France?

SNCF in ‘historic’ loss of Marseille-Nice route to private competitor

New low-cost TGV routes, Irish flights: Eight France travel updates

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France