The Lyon–Turin project in service of the Alps
The Lyon–Turin project in service of the Alps
The Lyon–Turin rail link project is one of Europe’s most ambitious undertakings in sustainable transport and cross-border infrastructure.
Designed to connect France and Italy via high-speed rail, this tunnel beneath the Alps will have major implications for both passenger travel and freight transport.
Beyond major cities and commercial flows, the project also represents a unique opportunity for French ski resorts—particularly Valmeinier and Valloire—located in the Maurienne Valley.
Discover how the Lyon–Turin link could transform winter tourism and the local economy in these Alpine resorts.
A modern infrastructure for faster travel
The Lyon–Turin project involves the creation of a high-speed rail line linking Lyon— the economic capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to Turin in Italy, via a 57 km transalpine tunnel, around 35 km of which will run beneath the mountains.
This line will significantly reduce travel times between the two countries.
For travellers coming from Lyon, Grenoble, Chambéry or even Paris, reaching the heart of the Alps will become much easier and quicker.
For the resorts of the Maurienne Valley, located just a few dozen kilometres from the main line and accessible via shuttles or regional trains, the benefit is twofold.
On the one hand, the project will make it easier for French and Italian tourists to access these resorts without needing a car; on the other hand, it opens the door to developing combined transport-and-accommodation packages, highlighting the speed and comfort of congestion-free travel.
Why build a new rail line?
Modernising ageing infrastructure
The existing rail line between France and Italy dates back to the 19th century. It runs through the Fréjus Tunnel, inaugurated in 1871, and features:
- a winding route
- steep gradients
- limited capacity
- reduced speeds
Today, it is no longer suited to modern transport needs, whether for passengers or freight.
Reducing road congestion in the Alps
Every year, millions of lorries travel through Alpine valleys. This situation leads to:
- air pollution
- noise pollution
- recurring traffic jams
- increased accident risks
- a decline in quality of life in the valleys
The Lyon–Turin project aims to shift a significant share of freight transport from road to rail— a cleaner and more efficient technology.
Promoting smooth international transport
France and Italy are two major economic partners.
A fast link between Lyon, Turin, Milan—and beyond, towards Switzerland, Austria and Eastern Europe—would help strengthen both commercial and tourism exchanges.
Reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainable tourism
One of the Lyon–Turin project’s main objectives is to support a more environmentally friendly form of transport.
It fits into a broader ecological approach: a freight train emits nine times less CO₂ than a lorry.
Passenger trains can also reduce short-haul flights, and the tunnel will allow longer, more energy-efficient trains to run.
Fewer heavy goods vehicles will therefore improve air quality and everyday life for local residents.
By offering a credible alternative to the car and road freight, the project helps cut CO₂ emissions linked to travel in the Alps.
Today, more than 40,000 lorries cross the Franco-Italian Alps every week. Rail provides a cleaner, more efficient alternative thanks to:
- the ability to transport large volumes in a single journey
- significantly lower CO₂ emissions
- reduced energy consumption
- competitive long-term logistics costs
Thanks to the base tunnel, freight trains will be able to run faster on gentler gradients, greatly reducing the need for additional locomotives and increasing the payload carried.
The goal is to shift one million lorries per year from road to rail in the medium term—an environmental impact that would be substantial.
A boost for winter tourism
Valmeinier and Valloire are ski resorts often described as “family-friendly” and “welcoming”, but they sometimes suffer from a lack of visibility compared with more widely promoted resorts such as Val Thorens or Courchevel.
Improved accessibility through the Lyon–Turin link is therefore a crucial lever for attracting a broader clientele.
Imagine an Italian holidaymaker looking for a ski weekend: thanks to the Lyon–Turin project, they could leave Turin in the morning and be on the slopes of Valmeinier or Valloire in under two hours.
Likewise, someone from Paris or Lyon could consider a short break without spending hours in the car or on slow regional trains.
This easier access would not only increase visitor numbers, but also diversify the visitor profile—attracting more families, young travellers and international holidaymakers.
Boosting the local economy
Beyond tourism, the Lyon–Turin project represents an economic driver for the entire region.
A more regular and higher flow of visitors would support local shops, restaurants, ski schools and equipment rental businesses.
Local craftspeople and producers often based in Alpine valleys—would also gain greater visibility and new sales opportunities.
In addition, improved access to the resorts could encourage property investment, whether in second homes or buy-to-let rentals.
The arrival of a more international and affluent clientele would likely foster the development of new infrastructure and services—such as shuttles between stations and resorts, concierge services, and expanded après-ski activities strengthening the overall appeal of these ski resorts.
A strategic opportunity for Maurienne ski resorts
In summary, the Lyon–Turin project represents an exceptional opportunity for ski resorts.
Better accessibility, faster journeys, a reduced carbon footprint, stronger economic momentum and greater European integration are all advantages that could transform both the tourism landscape and the local economy of these resorts.
By positioning themselves now to take full advantage of this project, the resorts of the Maurienne Valley can not only increase visitor numbers, but also stand out as responsible, modern and easily accessible ski destinations.
The Lyon–Turin project is far more than an infrastructure scheme.
For Valmeinier and Valloire, it is a real lever to attract new visitors, boost the local economy and establish themselves as modern, accessible resorts—fully aligned with tomorrow’s environmental and tourism challenges.
