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.
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This fine old gentleman provides motive power |
Passenger transport is basic but functional
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You pass through vineyards.... |
....salt pans...
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...oyster farms.. |
...and even get to see the "Railway Children" !
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The end of the line, the pretty port of La Tremblade. |
The old station building is now a clothes shop.
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Saujon is 50km south of La Rochelle in the Charente-Maritime region of western France.
Website at http://www.traindesmouettes.fr/