Train des Mouettes

The 21km branch line from Saujon to La Tremblade was opened in 1877 to connect the coastal area and it's oyster farms to the main rail network. A decline in traffic after the second world war soon brought about the end of passenger services and the last freight train ran in 1980.
The line reopened in 1984 as a tourist service, traction is provided by "Progress" a 0-6-0 Schneider locomotive built in 1891 which is possibly the oldest standard gauge loco used on French preserved railways. Originally named "Chemin de Fer Touristique de la Seudre" it is now known as the "Train des Mouettes" -The Seagull Train.

This fine old gentleman provides motive power

Passenger transport is basic but functional

 

You pass through vineyards....

....salt pans...

 

...oyster farms..

...and even get to see the "Railway Children" !

 

The end of the line, the pretty port of La Tremblade.

The old station building is now a clothes shop.

 

Saujon is 50km south of La Rochelle in the Charente-Maritime region of western France.

Website at http://www.traindesmouettes.fr/

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