Désirs de gares TGV : du projet des édiles locaux au “désaménagement” du territoire

Abstract

The French TGV (High Speed Train), beside urban stations well integrated in the city, created some «out of town» railway stations in the open fields, very often by request of local elected officials. Those officials expected many benefits, particularly the development of activities around the station. Most of these hopes have not been fulfilled. So, why does a strong «desire for a station» still exist among local officials, economy leaders neighbouring a High Speed Line (LGV) in operation or to be constructed? Why is the passing of TGV through central stations so much spurned? Why are connections between regional trains (TER) and high-speed trains (TGV) nearly always ignored? We shall examine the perceived image of TGV, interurban competitions, economic rationality, territorial concepts in order to account for this «station desire» and to conclude how it is necessary to frame nationally the dreams of a large part of French officials prompt to move the territory for their own supposed advantage.