The most unusual train trips in France

Embark on the Somme Bay Railway for a 27-kilometre trip. This genuine steam locomotive and its old-fashioned carriages will take you around the Bay of Somme and into another era. Between marshland, salt marshes and the seaside resort, this train ride is a great way to enjoy a breath of fresh sea air. You can even opt for a gourmet dinner served on board!

The Loire Valley is famous for its abundance of châteaux, but this unique region also boasts a beautiful wilderness. The Loir Valley Tourist Train (TTVL) is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It has retained all its fifties charm and is an absolute must. Between the wine-growing village of Thoré-la-Rochette and the troglodyte village of Trôo, the 3-hour trip takes you through the Saint Rimay tunnel and past the old wine cellars, Caves de La Rochette. With a bit of luck, you’ll see the TGV Atlantique high-speed train at the exact spot where it broke the world railway speed record in 1990 (513.3 kph).

Swept by the coastal winds, the Trieux Steam Train offers the unique charm of a ride into yesteryear, aboard an ancient locomotive with seventy-year-old carriages that are fitted with wooden seats. The train travels slowly along the Trieux estuary for about twenty kilometres, between Paimpol and Pontrieux. The varied landscape ranges from ocean to forest, inviting you on an adventure in an unspoilt and authentic region.

Further inland, the Napoleon Express explores across the countryside of Brittany and into the heart of the Blavet Valley, between Pontivy and Lambel-Camors. This train from the period between 1960 and 1980 takes you on a 35-km journey across Morbihan and into the Camors forest. There are a number of stops along the way, so you can pick your destination and plan your day out accordingly.

The 19th-century train of the Eure Valley Railway offers an alternative way to explore between the chalky cliffs and historic beaches of Normandy. From Pacy-sur-Eure station, soak up the enchanting olden-day atmosphere on this trip into railway history on a section of the old line that ran between Rouen and Orleans.

Auvergne is well known for its mountainous terrain and bucolic scenery. But this region is also dotted with dormant volcanoes. Aboard the Panoramic of the Domes electric train, you’ll climb quickly to the top of the Puy-de-Dôme, the only one of the region’s 80 volcanoes to feature in theUnesco World Heritage register. At an elevation of 1,465 metres, the summit offers a 360° panoramic view over this world-unique geological ensemble.

For fans of mountain landscapes, the Mont-Blanc Tramway is an absolute must. Embark at Le Fayet or Saint Gervais for a ride on the highest rack railway in France. Skiers and walkers can admire the breathtaking Alpine scenery and, once at the top, take to the ski slopes or hiking trails for an experience beyond time.

More than 1,000 metres above sea level, the Coni’fer is the highest railway line in the Jura Massif. At the tranquil pace of bygone days, it will take you across the pastures and forests of Haut-Doubs. The railway, which doubles up as an art exhibition venue, has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. A great opportunity to discover the unusual story behind this train from yesteryear.

© Benjamin Becker Jura Tourisme - The Hirondelles Railway

The Hirondelles Railway offers one of the most beautiful train rides in France. It crosses Jura, from Dole to Saint-Claude. Open both summer and winter, the 120-kilometre itinerary between mountains and plains features a succession of viaducts. Passengers can enjoy some stunning views of this mountainous area.

To see the Basque Country from above, catch the Train of La Rhune to climb slowly to the top of this legendary mountain. You’ll travel across the mountainside, between forests and ravines, to admire a 360° panoramic view from the top, over the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Spanish Pyrenees on the other.

@artouste – The Little Train of Artouste, 2,000 metres above sea level, in Pyrénées Atlantiques

The Pyrenees are home to Europe’s highest narrow-gauge railway, the Little Train of Artouste. Reaching an elevation of 2,000 metres, the itinerary begins with a 15-minute ride in a gondola lift to reach the departure station in Pyrénées Atlantiques. The 55-minute trip that follows reveals views of the Ossau Valley like you’ve never seen it before.

The ‘Train Jaune’, in Pyrénées-Orientales is a historical and very special train that takes you into the Catalan mountains. Explore the regional nature park on one of Europe’s highest railways, from the thermal baths of Llo to the ski resort of Font Romeu, via the Spanish town of Puigcerdà.

• Again in Pyrénées-Orientales, another train stands out from the crowd by its colour: The Red Train. The 60-kilometre itinerary offers the ultimate change of scene, with commentary along the way through the Agly Valley and the Upper Aude Valley. If you’re feeling energetic, take the railbike, a light railway vehicle propelled by your own pedal power. This cross between train travel and cycling offers an alternative transport experience that’s both original and eco-friendly.

The Dordogne Valley is packed with charismatic villages and sites that have some amazing stories to tell, such as Rocamadour, Collonges, Sarlat, Lascaux and the Padirac Chasm. This atypical valley is truly a jewel offered to nature lovers, with caves, chasms and other must-see sites. The best way to explore it is, without a doubt, on the Steam Train of Martel. A steam train or a powerful diesel locomotive will take you along a corniche with an 80-metre drop. This fabulous trip through the lush green valley will have you daydreaming as you gaze at the panoramic views that unfurl before your eyes.

In Moselle you can catch the Forest Train of Abreschviller, for a unique ride on a steam train, deep in the forest. On this 12-kilometre trip you’ll visit the Sarre Rouge Valley to admire its natural riches. Various activities are available to keep the children entertained, as well as their parents.

To admire the Provence scenery of lavender fields, vineyards, olive groves and pine forests, take a ride on the Train des Pignes whose beauty transports you before you’ve even boarded! This vintage steam locomotive pulls carriages that are more than a hundred years old. The trip is slow-paced and beautiful too, lasting nearly 3½ hours between Digne-les-Bains and Nice, via some lovely authentic villages.

The Blue Coast Train, between Marseille and Miramas, is owned by the SNCF (French national railway company). Between the azure-blue of the coves and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the itinerary unfurls in an alternation of viaducts, stations, amazing panoramic views and other wonderful surprises.

©Paul Smit – The ‘Train des Merveilles’ in the heart of the Nice and Menton hinterland.

The French Riviera in the South of France is the stuff of dreams, with a mild climate and turquoise-blue coves that make it a dream destination. Fancy an experience that’ll take your breath away? The Train of Wonders takes you on a guided tour into the heart of the region inland from Nice and Menton. Deemed to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, this itinerary takes you to see the Roya Valley which extends between the Mediterranean coast and the Mercantour National Park. This trip has plenty of surprises in store. Starting at sea level, the train reaches an elevation of 1,000 metres after travelling just a hundred kilometres or so. The Train of Wonders continues to operate in winter, when passengers can admire the snow-covered landscape.

Nicknamed ‘U trinighellu’ by the locals, the Balagne railway in Corsica is a train like no other. Firstly, it offers a shuttle service serving the local beaches. So stop for a dip in the warm turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, then hop back on to visit L’Île Rousse and Calvi! This train is an ode to life in the slow lane, with some outstanding views of this incredible island.