The TGV is France's long-distance rail service. Itwas developed during the 1970s by GEC-Alsthomand SNCIF, the French national rail operator, andis now operated primarily by SNCF. Following theinaugural TGV service between Paris and Lyon, in1981, the TGV network, centered on Paris, hasexpanded to connect cities across France and inadjacent countries. It set the record for thefastest wheeled train, having reached 574.8 km/hon 3 April 2007, and also holds the world's highestaverage speed for a regular passenger service. TGVis a registered trademark of SNCF.

A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along a track to transport freight or passengers from one place to another. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway. Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate locomotive, or from individual motors in self-propelled multiple units. Most modern trains are powered by diesel locomotives or by electricity supplied by overhead wires or additional rails, although historically the steam locomotive was the dominant form of locomotive power. possible.

The idea of the TGV was first proposed in the 1960s, after Japan had begun construction of the Shinkansen in 1959. At the time the French government favored new technologies, exploring the production of hovercraft and maglev trains such as Aérotrain. Simultaneously, SNCF began researching high speed trains that would operate on conventional track.It was originally planned that the TGV, then standing for there grande vitesse or turbine grande vitesse, would be propelled by gas turbine-electric locomotives. Gas turbines were selected for their small size, good power-to-weight ratio, and ability to deliver high power over an extended period. The first prototype, TGV 001, was the only TGV constructed with this engine - following the increase in the price of oil during the 1973 energy crisis, gas turbines were deemed impractical and the project turned to electricity from overhead lines. The electricity was to be generated by France's new nuclear power stations.

The TGV service opened to the public between Paris and Lyon on 27 September 1981. The initial target customers were businesspeople travelling between those two cities. The TGV was considerably faster than normal trains, cars, or airplanes. The trains became popular outside their target market, the public welcoming fast and practical travel between cities.

SNCF operates a fleet of about 400 TGVs. Seven types of TGVor TGV derivative currently operate on the French network;these are:

TGV Sud-Est and TGV La PosteTGV AtlantiqueTGV RéseauEurostarTGV DuplexThalys PBA and PBKATGV POS