Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme, Heritage railway in Somme Bay, France
The Somme Bay Railway is a heritage line with meter-gauge tracks that connects four coastal towns across roughly 27 kilometers of route. It links Le Crotoy, Noyelles-sur-Mer, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, and Cayeux-sur-Mer with regular train services.
The line was established in 1887 as part of a network serving seaside destinations, connecting rural towns and settlements. Originally it carried passengers, farm goods, and local materials like pebbles between communities along the coast.
The railway keeps old steam engines and vintage trains running today, showing visitors how rail travel looked a century ago. Local staff treat this line as more than transport; it is a way to remember the region's connection to the sea and its past industries.
Trains run between March and December, with schedules that change by season, so it is good to check ahead before visiting. You can board at Le Crotoy or Saint-Valery-sur-Somme station and take as much time as you want to explore different stops along the route.
At Noyelles-sur-Mer station, two different track gauges run side by side, allowing heritage trains and national railway services to operate in the same place. This technical arrangement is uncommon and shows how the local line was historically linked to the wider network.
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