Velvet défie la SNCF sur l'axe Atlantique : Rachel Picard dévoile son premier train grande vitesse pour 2028

Velvet officially enters the high-speed rail arena with ambitions to break the SNCF's monopoly on the Atlantic corridor. The company, led by Rachel Picard—a former senior executive at the state rail operator—just unveiled its first train set, marking a concrete step toward commercial operations planned for 2028. The move signals a direct competitive challenge in a sector historically dominated by the public carrier.

Rachel Picard, who previously served as director of Voyages-sncf.com and held senior positions within the SNCF group, now spearheads this private venture into France's lucrative high-speed market. The Atlantic corridor—connecting Paris to cities like Bordeaux, Nantes, Rennes, and Toulouse—represents one of the most frequented routes in France's TGV network. By targeting this specific axis, Velvet positions itself where demand density could support competitive pricing and frequency.

The unveiling raises questions about regulatory approvals, infrastructure access, and slot allocation on a network still heavily managed by SNCF Réseau. Incumbent operators typically control access to tracks, stations, and maintenance facilities—creating structural barriers that new entrants must navigate. Whether Velvet can secure fair access, meet certification requirements, and build a viable commercial model within three years will determine whether this challenge remains symbolic or becomes a structural disruption to French rail transport.