JEAN COUVREUR 
Pair of bookends - Lot 29

Forty-five years ago, an orange train named “Patrick” left Paris for Lyon and forever changed the way we travel. Since then, the high-speed train has never stopped moving forward. Innovating. To bring cities, regions, and countries closer together… and, above all, people.​

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Today, more than just a train, the TGV has become a major player in high-speed transportation in France and Europe, supported by four strong brands:

 TGV INOUI, OUIGO, Eurostar, and TGV Lyria. It’s also a true companion in life—for vacation getaways, family reunions, business meetings, impromptu weekends, and special firsts.​

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Over the past 45 years, more than 3 billion passengers have traveled aboard the TGV. In 2025 alone, 168 million passengers chose SNCF’s high-speed rail service in France and across Europe. The TGV has thus established itself as an icon of French excellence that shines far beyond our borders.​

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This exhibition invites you to explore this remarkable adventure. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of its engineering feats, the records that pushed the boundaries of speed, the objects and services that have become iconic, the outfits that reflect an era, the advertising campaigns that left a lasting impression, and the incredible impact of the TGV on our regions and our way of life.​

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This journey is, above all, an experience to be shared. Stop by the bar car, take on our challenges, explore the anniversary shop, and be amazed by historic pieces—some reimagined by leading designers—which will be auctioned off at the end of this anniversary weekend. ​

For 45 years, the TGV has connected destinations… but above all, our stories.​

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Welcome to the epic tale of high-speed rail!

Exhibits:

Friday, September 25: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, September 26: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday, September 27: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Auctions:

Sunday, September 27, 2026 / 2:30 p.m.

Espace Commines, 17 Rue Comminnes, 75003 Paris