The country that operates the high-speed train known as the TGV is France. TGV stands for Train à Grande Vitesse, French for “high-speed train,” and the system is operated primarily by France’s national railway, SNCF.
The first TGV service began in 1981 on the route between Paris and Lyon. Its success encouraged France to build a nationwide network of dedicated high-speed lines, known as lignes à grande vitesse, or LGV. TGV trains also use conventional tracks when approaching city centres and smaller destinations.
The TGV became famous for combining high speed with long-distance electric railway operation. In 2007, a specially modified TGV set reached 574.8 km/h during a test run, setting a world record for conventional steel-wheel trains at the time.
Common mix-ups reflect Europe’s other national systems: Spain operates AVE, Germany operates ICE, and Italy operates Frecciarossa services. The TGV is specifically associated with France, even though international TGV services cross borders into neighbouring countries.