France's high-speed rail network was hit by "malicious acts" including arson attacks that have disrupted the transport system, train operator SNCF said Friday, hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

A source close to the investigation said the attacks were coordinated acts of "sabotage."

"This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyze the TGV network," SNCF said adding that many routes will have to be cancelled.