Ligne de Cerdagne, Mountain railway in Pyrénées-Orientales, France
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
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The Eastern Pyrenees in France show the meeting of mountains and Mediterranean coasts. The region stretches from high peaks like Canigou to seaside towns with centuries-old fortifications. Medieval castles, historic railways, gorges, and thermal springs dot the landscape, while nature reserves...
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