TGV services and small and medium sized cities : an illustration by the case of tourism in Arras, Auray, Charleville-Mézières and Saverne[Desserte TGV et villes petites et moyennes. Une illustration par le cas du tourisme à Arras, Auray, Charleville-Mézières et Saverne]

TGV is often seen in small and medium sized cities, as in larger cities, as an opportunity to improve their image, increase their attractiveness, and as a tool for developing tourism. This particular development is expected to compensate for the decline of the activity of the productive sector and public sector. However, the effects observed mostly in larger cities are not easily transposable. First, the SMC should have a tourism potential adapted for use by the TGV, and inhabitants of newly served cities must be earlier tourism consumers of these cities. On the other hand, if these cities can benefit from a reputation effect related to the TGV, which can be beneficial to tourism in the long run, this effect depends largely of a strong political will, significant preexistent touristic resources and of an insufficient reputation.