The Train of Ardèche

Description

Time for a day or half a day, the Train of Ardèche travels the mountainside railway overlooking the Gorges du Doux. Beautiful views and works of art will follow each other on the way in cars registered as French historical monuments. Several trips are available, depending on the season:

Le Mastrou:
For 130 years, this is the name of the steam train that runs to Lamastre! Covering the entire 28-kilometer line, this historic journey is an unforgettable experience along the Doux valley. After passing through the gorges, the landscape opens up to the surrounding villages, offering panoramic views of the Ardèche countryside, chestnut groves and orchards. A stop at Boucieu le Roi (midway along the route) allows the locomotive to refuel. At the terminus, passengers watch the locomotive turn around at the turntable, and have 3 hours to visit the town of Lamastre and enjoy its many restaurants.
Round trip on the day.

Le Train des Gorges :
Full steam ahead, travelers discover the wildest part of the Doux Gorges, in the heart of the Doux Valley Sensitive Natural Area. The journey ends at the charming little station of Colombier-le-Vieux / Saint-Barthélémy-le-Plain. At its destination, the 44-tonne locomotive is turned around on the swing bridge, manoeuvred by hand! An impressive sight not to be missed before the return journey.
Round trip over a ½ day.

Day Train + Velorail:
Combine the 2 activities Train de l'Ardèche and Vélorail des Gorges du Doux!
Departing from Tournon St Jean station, climb aboard the "Mastrou" for a timeless journey. Discover the Gorges du Doux, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area, as far as the picturesque village of Boucieu-le-Roi. Then climb aboard the "pedal carts" for an 8km tour of the upper Doux valley. Cross orchards and enjoy panoramic views of the valley's villages!
From April to October, every day Le Mastrou is open for traffic:
10:15 am: departure from Tournon St Jean by steam train
11:00 am: arrival at Boucieu le Roi; free time to discover the village (former royal bailiwick) and lunch.
1:30 pm: start of the velorail activity (8 km Châtaigniers route in the heart of the Haute-vallée du Doux, ascent by railcar and descent by velorail) followed by a comfort break
4.15pm: departure from Boucieu le Roi by steam train for the return journey
5:00 pm: end of day at Tournon St Jean station
Limited number of places - Reservations strongly recommended!

The Boucieu Vapeur :
This steam train takes you up the Gorges du Doux to Boucieu le Roi, nicknamed the "village of a thousand secrets". Overlooking a wide meander of the Doux, this former capital of the Haut-Vivarais owes its name to Philippe le Bel. The Maison du Bailli (Bailiff's House) bears witness to this rich past: listed as a Monument Historique since 1927, this beautiful house, with its corbelled turret, was the seat of the royal court of justice. The village was deeply influenced by Pierre Vigne (1670-1740), a missionary priest from the Vivarais region, whose tomb is in the church. Pierre Vigne was beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II. Boucieu le Roi is one of the most beautiful villages in the Nord-Ardèche region.
Tip: a family treasure hunt combines treasure hunting and riddles! Road maps (free) available at the station or at the communal exhibition, open all day.

The Lamastre Express:
From Lamastre, discover the upper Doux valley as far as Boucieu le Roi. A 14 km rail ride alternating between railcars and steam trains with direct connections! Runs every Sunday in May, June and September, and every day the Mastrou is in operation in July and August.

Special for bikes:
With the "Accueil Vélo" label, the Train de l'Ardèche offers cyclists bike parks, plug-in sockets for recharging VAEs... and on board the Mastrou, you can take advantage of a specially equipped van to load your bike (€5 per bike or trailer). Ideal for continuing the experience on the DolceVia and ViaRhona! Reservations required.

1st Class cars :
Upholstered velvet seats and hushed comfort guaranteed for only €5 extra! Reservations essential - Dogs not accepted in 1st class.

Services at Tournon St Jean de Muzols station:
- Museum area (free admission): the museum presents the adventure of the railroads, their history and their techniques, with unique collector's items such as the luxurious "Monument historique" lounge car... ideal for prolonging the experience of the epic of the railways!
- Viv'arrêt" buffet-buffet area: hot and cold drinks, ice creams and gourmet treats to tantalize the taste buds!
- Store area: souvenirs, toys, bookshop and personalized items are on offer, as well as a wide selection of local produce from local partner producers.
- Picnic area: sheltered and shaded, the picnic area is continuously accessible to all passengers.
- Parking: A large, free parking lot is available for all types of vehicles, with a drop-off point and disabled parking spaces close to the platforms and toilets. Bicycle lockers are available, but you'll need a padlock to secure them.
- Greenway link: Tournon St jean station is 4 km from the historic center of Tournon sur Rhône, linked by a greenway directly connected to the ViaRhôna.
- PRM access: Tournon St Jean station is accessible to people with reduced mobility. To access the trains, however, it is essential to be able to climb the equivalent of three steps independently.