France's new TGV M makes its first Paris–Marseille run, and the bar car is the worry

The TGV M has finally carried paying passengers. On Friday 6 November, France's new high-speed train made its first commercial run from Paris to Marseille, and a reporter on board says it feels like a different train altogether.

What happened?

SNCF Voyageurs (the national rail operator) put the train into service on the Paris–Marseille line. Alstom built it in co-production with SNCF. Staff were visibly proud: the driver, Daniel, called it a big day after months of training.

It has been a long wait. SNCF ordered 100 of these trains in 2018, and testing and certification overruns delayed them in 2024.

What's it like on board?

Comfort is the clear win. Seats are wider, with a mesh fabric that follows the shape of your back: blue-grey in second class, burgundy in first. There is more legroom, an adjustable headrest in both classes and a tray table you can partly use just for your phone.

The bulky air-conditioning grille by the window is gone, so you can finally rest your elbow. Air now flows from the top of the window and can be adjusted to passenger numbers, saving about 5% energy on average, according to project manager David Goeres.

Luggage racks, toilets and bike spaces are bigger, and the cabin seems quieter, with fewer vibrations. Wheelchair users can board alone using lifting platforms in some cars. One passenger, Danielle, said it "changes everything".

What could go wrong?

The narrow stairs between the lower and upper decks could clog up. So could the bike areas, which sit right by the doors. Seat numbers stick out from the seat sides, so you may catch your shoulder on them.

The biggest worry is the two-storey bar car. It looks spectacular, but it is self-service, with a narrow staircase down to the shop. SNCF says two baristas will always be on duty. Yet the star product, the croque-monsieur, can only be heated on a grill that only a barista may use. At peak holiday departures, queues seem likely.

What's next?

SNCF Voyageurs currently has six TGV M trains running direct to Marseille. More arrive around the end of the year and will continue to Nice on the Côte d'Azur. In early 2027, the trains will serve the Alps.