Chemin de fer du Vivarais, Heritage railway in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Chemin de fer du Vivarais is a narrow-gauge railway running through winding valleys and steep terrain in southeastern France. The track follows the Doux River and passes through forested landscapes where trains move slowly and deliberately along the route.
The railway opened between 1886 and 1890, created to link remote villages and transport goods through difficult mountain terrain. After serving as a working line for many decades, it was converted to passenger tourism in 1969 and has run heritage trains ever since.
The railway displays vintage steam locomotives and carriages that passengers see up close during the journey. These working machines show how trains once connected remote mountain villages to the wider world.
Passengers board at Saint-Jean-de-Muzols or other stops along the route through the valley. The journey through narrow gorges can be windy and the ride is slow, so bring layers and sturdy shoes for comfort.
The narrow gauge allows trains to navigate sharp curves and steep grades that standard railways cannot handle. This means the route reaches gorge sections and forest areas that remain cut off from regular roads.
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