Ligne de Cerdagne

Ligne de Cerdagne is a 63-kilometer mountain railway running through the Pyrenees, connecting Villefranche-Vernet-les-Bains to Latour-de-Carol at an average speed of 30 kilometers per hour. The single-track line features numerous bridges and tunnels that wind through steep terrain and wooded valleys, allowing passengers to see the landscape in fine detail.

Built in 1910, the railway created vital connections for remote communities in the French Catalan Pyrenees during the early twentieth century. It quickly became a hub for trade and mobility between isolated settlements in the mountains.

The yellow-painted trains connect traditional villages and reflect the strong bond between French and Catalan communities in these mountains. Locals and visitors alike experience the line as a cultural bridge that has shaped daily life for generations.

The train moves slowly, allowing you to step off and explore small villages or walk in nature during your journey. Plan for a full day and bring layers and a rain jacket, as mountain weather can change quickly.

Bolquère station sits at 1,593 meters elevation and holds the title of France's highest railway station with regular passenger service. At this point, visitors experience the thin mountain air and arrive at one of the line's most celebrated stops.

Location: Pyrénées-Orientales

Official opening: 1910

Operator: SNCF Réseau

Address: 66210 Saint-Pierre-dels-Forcats, France

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Website: http://letrainjaune.fr

GPS coordinates: 42.50389,2.12778

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01