Green Ardèche: Full Steam Ahead
The railroad circuit of the Chemin de Fer du Vivarais, between Tournon and Lamastre, allows one to admire ardéchois landscapes which are only accessible by train. Embark on the discovery of Gorges du Doux and its sweet chestnut groves, dams and viaducts. Locomotive 414 and its colleagues which pull the dozen cars of Mastrou, the Chemin de Fer du Vivarais are the stuff of legend.
It does not hesitate to attack slopes of declivity of 20 millimetres per metre (if that gives you absolutely no idea, go and see to appreciate the performance!), along a 33 kilometres rail line. At the end of the 19th Century, 20 linear kilometres of retaining walls, eight viaducts and a tunnel were bult to follow the steep slopes of the valley of the Doux and its wild nature.
Chemin de Fer du Vivarais - Gare de Tournon
The line lost its commercial importance in the era of motor vehicle development but has now regained its lustre thanks to the instigation railroad enthusiasts. From 1969, they have given back to the Chemin de Fer du Vivarais its tourist vocation. Thanks to their strong conviction, they have also preserved 149 vehicles among which 9 are steam engines and 37 are vehicles.
Mastrou carries tourists for tours all summer long, through the seas of broom, holm oaks, mulberry trees, and mills. One can travel in 1st class, 2nd class or car-lounge, on one of the most important European tourist railroads.