After many twists and turns, SNCF Voyageurs has officially announced a Bordeaux-Lyon connection that completely bypasses Auvergne and the Massif Central. Presented as part of the development of Ouigo lines, the project was confirmed on Thursday, November 27, following revelations made by La Nouvelle République earlier in the month. And unsurprisingly, the controversy is back with a vengeance: a major east-west route that bypasses half the country is bound to create friction.
The choice of a route through the Paris region has sparked outrage among local officials and users from central France. Instead of connecting the Gironde capital directly to the capital of the Gauls by crossing under-served areas, SNCF prefers a passage via Massy TGV, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, Poitiers, and Angoulême. A loop gé
Geographically, it carefully avoids Auvergne, which is already accustomed to canceled routes, chronic slowdowns, and late investments.
Bordeaux-Lyon in 5 hours by 2027
The new connection promises, after all, a travel time of 5 hours with a daily round trip. Starting in mid-2027, Ouigo will operate the service between the two metropolises with a low-cost offer designed to attract a wide audience. However, the route raises questions: in its quest for speed and profitability, SNCF continues to sidestep entire regions, much to the dismay of their residents...
Source: L'Echo Touristique