Chemin de Fer du Vivarais SNC, Heritage railway in Lamastre, France.
The Chemin de Fer du Vivarais is a narrow-gauge heritage railway that runs through the Doux valley for about 33 kilometers. The route follows steep rocky cliffs and dense forests, offering views of the river landscape along the way.
The railway opened in 1891 and connected Tournon-sur-Rhône to Lamastre after four years of construction through difficult terrain. It played an important role in transporting materials and goods throughout this mountainous region.
The railway preserves traditional French railway heritage through restored steam locomotives and vintage carriages from the early 1900s. Visitors experience how trains operated in that era and see the craftsmanship that went into building these machines.
Trains travel at a speed of about 25 kilometers per hour through the valley, allowing time to observe the scenery. Services run daily in July and August, with weekend trains in September and October, departing from Saint-Jean-de-Muzols station.
The route crosses three impressive viaducts spanning the River Doux that are visible from the train. These bridge structures are notable because they were built on challenging mountainous terrain.
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