Train de l'Ardèche, Heritage railway in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, France.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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