Train de l'Ardèche, Heritage railway in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, France.
Description
The Train de l'Ardèche is a narrow-gauge railway winding through the Doux Valley, with tracks anchored directly into rock faces. The route stretches between Saint-Jean-de-Muzols and Lamastre, navigating tight curves and deep gorges through mountain terrain.
History
The railway opened in 1891 as a feat of engineering to link remote valleys with the Rhône Valley. It served as a vital transport line for the region's economy and communities for many decades.
Culture
The railway represents how industry once connected remote mountain communities and shaped local identity. Riders today experience the same route that generations of travelers used to reach distant villages.
Practical
The train moves slowly through the terrain, giving passengers time to observe the surroundings and take photographs. Plan to wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen, as the journey crosses open areas and can be warm during summer months.
Did you know?
At Colombier le Vieux station, the 20-ton locomotive is manually rotated 180 degrees by two operators—a rare display of hands-on railway technique. This procedure happens because the track ends at the turnaround point without a mechanical turntable.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Saint-Jean-de-Muzols).
The Ardèche combines natural formations with centuries of human settlement. This southeastern French département stretches from the volcanic heights of the Cévennes to deeply carved limestone gorges along the river of the same name. The Pont d'Arc, a 197-foot (60-meter) natural stone arch, marks the...
Passerelle Marc-Seguin
3.7 km
La Cité du Chocolat
4.4 km
Castel of Tournon
3.4 km
Église Saint-Julien de Tournon-sur-Rhône
3.4 km
Château de Chavagnac
2.1 km
Chapelle Saint-Christophe de Tain-l'Hermitage
4 km
Pont Grand
553 m
Autel taurobolique de Tain-l'Hermitage
3.8 km
Borne milliaire d'Arras-sur-Rhône
3.5 km
Hôtel du marquis de la Tourette
3.3 km
Hôtel de la Villeon
3.4 km
Ancienne église de Saint-Jean-de-Muzols
2.8 km
Hôtel particulier de la famille Fay-Solignac
3.4 km
Autel de Saint-Jean-de-Muzols
2.7 km
Tour du Nord
3.1 km
Gustave Toursier bridge
4.2 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Saint-Jean-de-Muzols
2.7 km
Église Saint-Barthélémy de Saint-Barthélemy-le-Plain
3.6 km
Église Saint-Vincent de Tain l'Hermitage
4 km
Grenier à sel
3.9 km
Building of the Savings Bank of Tournon-sur-Rhône
3.5 km
Tournon-sur-Rhône war memorial
3.4 km
Chapelle du lycée Gabriel Fauré de Tournon-sur-Rhône
3.7 km
Maison, rue Marc-Sauzet
3.6 km
Chapelle du couvent des Saints-Cœurs de Tournon-sur-Rhône
3.7 km
Hôtel de sous-préfecture de Tournon-sur-Rhône
3.6 km
Chapelle du cimetière de Tournon-sur-Rhône
3.6 km
Temple de Tournon-sur-Rhône
3.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes