The Cévennes Steam Train is a tourist train that runs between Anduze and Saint-Jean-du-Gard in the Cévennes.
It usually serves three stations: Anduze, Saint-Jean-du-Gard, Bambouseraie de Parafrance, and sometimes stops at Thoiras.
In 1879, the Gardoise line was a project of the Paris to Lyon and Mediterranean Railway Company (PLM) but it took all the conviction of René Boudon, banker and spinner, then mayor and general councillor, for the project to become a reality.
The line was inaugurated on 26 May 1909 by René Boudon and operated for passenger and freight traffic.
The 1939-1945 war led to a reduction in passenger traffic, then in 1971, the SNCF stopped everything.
Then came Benoit, a young enthusiast who bought his first steam locomotive at the age of 18.
In 1986, he moved south to operate the line between Anduze and Saint Jean-du-Gard. After his death in 1989, his brother François took over and developed the tourist network for 30 years.
Since 2019, Caroline and Stéphane have taken over the operation, innovating with a locomotive repair workshop and the creation of the Vélorail des Cévennes. This wonderful adventure continues thanks to a team of 20 enthusiasts year-round, 40 in high season, dedicated to preserving our railway heritage.
Steam train of the Cévennes
Station area,
30270 Saint-Jean-du-Gard
Tel: 04 66 85 13 17
Translated with DeepL.com
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