Arson Attack Disrupts High-Speed Trains on France’s Paris–Marseille Line

Around 100 high-speed trains in France were disrupted on Monday after railway cables south of Valence were deliberately set on fire. The attack affected the busy Paris–Marseille line, with 16 cables damaged and repairs expected to continue into Tuesday. Passengers faced long queues and canceled services, while authorities have yet to identify the culprits. This incident adds to recent disruptions, including cable thefts and a World War II bomb defusal near Paris.

Around 100 high-speed train journeys across France were severely disrupted on Monday after what authorities are describing as an apparent arson attack on railway infrastructure. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot revealed on social media that several crucial cables had been “intentionally set on fire” overnight, just south of the southeastern city of Valence, a strategic location on one of France’s busiest rail corridors. The deliberate nature of the attack has raised serious concerns about the security of the country’s railway network.

The affected line is France’s most heavily trafficked route, connecting the nation’s capital, Paris, to the southern port city of Marseille. SNCF, the national railway operator, confirmed that 16 cables were damaged and needed to be replaced along a 25-meter (27-yard) section of track. The company warned that regular train services on this route were unlikely to resume fully until Tuesday morning. A spokesperson told AFP news agency that repair teams were working tirelessly on the ground, with estimates that the work would continue until early evening. Despite investigations beginning immediately, authorities had not yet identified any suspects behind the attack.

The disruption led to chaos at key stations, particularly in Paris, where Gare de Lyon, the main hub for trains heading south, became overcrowded. Long queues formed as frustrated passengers attempted to rebook their canceled trains. Many were stranded and had to consider alternative travel arrangements. One passenger, Lina, a German student planning to travel to Barcelona, explained that she had been forced to disembark in Paris and hoped to obtain a refund so she could continue her journey by bus. In Marseille, the situation was similarly tense, with crowds gathering outside ticket offices. A railway employee commented humorously, “Welcome to the jungle,” as passers-by looked on at the extensive queues snaking from the station.

Monday’s incident adds to a series of recent disruptions that have plagued France’s railway system. In June, the theft of railway cables in northern France caused interruptions to Eurostar services between London and Paris for several days, leaving many travelers stranded. Earlier in March, the discovery and subsequent defusal of a 500-kilogram World War II bomb outside Paris forced the temporary closure of railway lines, again leaving thousands of passengers unable to continue their journeys.

These repeated incidents have highlighted vulnerabilities in the French rail network and raised questions about the measures in place to prevent sabotage, theft, and other emergencies that could disrupt travel. While repair crews worked diligently to restore services, passengers faced uncertainty, delays, and the inconvenience of rebooking travel plans. Authorities are continuing to investigate the arson attack, and there is a strong focus on determining the motives and identifying those responsible for targeting such a critical piece of infrastructure.