Chemin de fer de la Vendée, Tourist train railway line in Vendée, France.
The Chemin de fer de la Vendée operates vintage steam locomotives along a 22-kilometer route connecting Mortagne-sur-Sèvre to Les Herbiers through the Vendée countryside, crossing multiple historic viaducts including the Barbin bridge at 135 meters altitude and offering panoramic views of rural landscapes.
Originally conceived in 1979 by Francis Ribémont to preserve local industrial heritage, the railway began tourist operations in 1985 and was reorganized in 1992 as a heritage preservation association dedicated to maintaining this historic transportation infrastructure through volunteer restoration efforts.
The railway preserves French regional heritage by operating authentic early 20th-century locomotives and period carriages, offering themed journeys including Orient-Express-style dining cars and educational programs that showcase traditional railway techniques and local history to families and school groups.
The tourist train operates seasonally from April to October with departures typically at 3:30 PM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from Mortagne-sur-Sèvre station, offering adult tickets at 22 euros for standard steam rides and wheelchair accessibility through dedicated facilities.
The railway features restored German and French locomotives from the mid-20th century maintained by qualified volunteers, creating an authentic time-travel experience where passengers can witness traditional railway operations including manual locomotive maneuvers and technical demonstrations during seasonal steam events.
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