A new high-speed train has launched, connecting two gorgeous European cities and offering tourists more opportunities to visit them. Europe has an impressive rail Network connecting many of its major cities, with interrailing being a popular tourist activity on the continent. In France, many cities are easily accessible to each other via rail lines, but a new service offers more connections between two iconic urban centres in the country. Trenitalia launched its high-speed Paris to Marseille service on June 15, offering trips between the two cities that take around three hours and 20 minutes. 

Four new daily round trips are on offer for tourists and locals, with tickets selling for as little as €23, which is around £19.60. The Italian company’s new service is a direct competitor with the route offered by SNCF, France’s national state-owned railway company. More competition could mean better prices and a more attractive excursion for visitors to France. Trenitalia aims to attract both business and leisure passengers on its new route. 

Paris and Marseille are located more than 480 miles from each other, and car journeys between the two iconic French cities take over seven hours. The new train route will run between Paris-Gare-de-Lyon and Marseille Saint-Charles with stops in Lyon Saint-Exupéry, Avignon TGV and Aix-en-Provence TGV. 

“The new Paris-Marseille connection further expands the Frecciarossa network in France, also meeting the needs of those looking for a fast, comfortable and more environmentally friendly way to travel,” said Mark Caposciutti, CEO of Trenitalia France. “Trenitalia France’s offer will increasingly satisfy the needs of those who choose the train for work, study and for leisure and tourism reasons.”

Paris is a hugely popular tourist destination, receiving an impressive more than 40 million visitors per year. Marseille is not quite as popular, but it is still considered a huge hotspot for tourism in France.

While Paris is a large city in the northern half of the country known for its history, food, culture and art, Marseille is located in the south of the country and attracts those seeking a sun-soaked trip away with its beautiful coastal scenes and great weather. 

Trains leaving from Paris will first depart at 5.55am and depart throughout the day until the last service at 7.04pm. Meanwhile, trains will begin departing from Marseille at 6.52am with the last one leaving at 6.49pm. 

This marks an expansion in France for Trenitalia as the operator already offers two other services in the country, one connecting Paris to Lyon and one connecting Paris to Milan, Italy.