SNCF Cancels 20 Intercity Trains – Latest Updates
France Train Cancellations: Heatwave Disrupts Travel – What You Need to Know
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France’s rail network is experiencing disruptions as a severe heatwave sweeps across the country. Several train services have been cancelled, primarily targeting midday travel to mitigate risks associated with extreme temperatures. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and how it might affect your journey.
Heatwave Forces Train Cancellations Across France
A significant heatwave, with 14 departments currently under red alert, is impacting infrastructure and leading to proactive cancellations by SNCF, the French national railway company. The cancellations aren’t widespread, but they are targeted, focusing on specific routes and times of day.Between Tuesday and Wednesday,a total of over eight trains were removed from service. Specifically, services at 1 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday were cancelled, along with the 1:57 p.m. Tuesday and 2:01 p.m. Wednesday departures.
Bordeaux-Marseille Route Most Affected
The line between Bordeaux and Marseille is currently experiencing the most significant impact. The following trains have been removed from the schedule in both directions:
Bordeaux to Marseille: 10:09 am, 12:10 p.m., and 2:10 p.m.
Marseille to Bordeaux: 11:22 a.m., 1:21 p.m., and 3:25 p.m.
This equates to three round trips cancelled on a route that typically operates eight daily services. the timing of these cancellations is deliberate, focusing on trains running during the hottest part of the day.
Why Are Trains Being Cancelled?
The cancellations are a precautionary measure to protect both passengers and railway infrastructure. extreme heat can cause rails to buckle and overhead power lines to sag, creating hazardous conditions. By removing trains during peak heat hours, SNCF aims to minimize these risks.
This isn’t a new issue. SNCF had already cancelled several round trips between last Thursday and Monday on the same lines, and also on the Paris-Limoges-Toulouse line, due to the ongoing heatwave.
What Does SNCF Say?
Despite the cancellations, SNCF is keen to emphasize that the overall impact remains limited. Philippe Tabarot,a spokesperson for the company,stated that the cancelled trains represent a “very modest” proportion of the more than 15,000 TER,Intercités,and TGV trains that will continue to operate. The company stresses that the cancellations are focused on intercity travel.
What If Your Train is Cancelled?
If your train has been cancelled, SNCF is offering flexible options to help you manage your travel plans:
Free Exchange: You can exchange your ticket for a different train, free of charge. Full Refund: if you prefer,you can cancel your ticket and receive a full refund before your scheduled departure.
SNCF says it proactively contacted affected customers to allow them to reorganize their travel with as much notice as possible.
Staying Updated
For the latest details on train schedules and cancellations, it’s best to check the following resources:
SNCF Connect: https://www.sncf-connect.com/
Le Figaro Weather Updates: [https://www.lefigaro.fr/meteo/en-direct-canicule-bordeaux-toulouse-lyon-la-france-fait-face-a-une-vague-de-chaleur-intense-14-departements-en-vigilance-rouge-20250812](https://www.lefigaro.fr/meteo/en-direct-canicule-bordeaux-toulouse-lyon-la-france-fait-face-a-une-vague-de-chaleur-intense-14-departements-en-vigilance-rouge-2025081