Ardèche train

On board historic trains (Mastrou, Train des Gorges, etc.), travel back in time. The railway line, carved into the side of the cliff, offers a spectacle of the Gorges du Doux, inaccessible otherwise than by train!

Several trips are offered depending on the period:

The Mastro:
This is the name given to the steam train running to Lamastre for 130 years! Covering the entire 28 kilometers of the line, this historic journey is an unforgettable experience along the Doux Valley. After the steep course of the Gorges, the landscapes open onto the surrounding villages and offer panoramas of the Ardèche countryside, the chestnut groves and the orchards. A stop at Boucieu le Roi (mid-course) allows the locomotive to refuel. At the terminus, travelers watch it turn around on the hub and have 3 hours to visit the town of Lamastre and enjoy its many restaurants.
Day trip round trip.

The Gorge Train:
Full steam ahead, travelers discover the wildest part of the Gorges du Doux, in the heart of the Sensitive Natural Area of ​​the Doux Valley. The route ends at the charming little station of Colombier-le-Vieux / Saint-Barthélémy-le-Plain. Arrived at its destination, the 44-tonne locomotive returned to the swing bridge operated by force of arms! An impressive spectacle not to be missed before the return.
Half-day return trip.

The Train + Vélorail day:
Combine the 2 activities Train de l'Ardèche and Vélorail des Gorges du Doux!
Departing from Tournon St Jean station, board the “Mastrou” for a timeless journey. Discover the Gorges du Doux, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area, to the characterful village of Boucieu-le-Roi. Then embark on board "pedal carts" for an 8km course on the upper valley of the Doux. Crossing orchards and panoramic views of the villages of the valley punctuate the adventure!
From April to October, each day of circulation of the Mastrou:
10:15 am: departure from Tournon St Jean by steam train
11:00 a.m.: arrival at Boucieu le Roi; free time to discover the village (former royal bailiwick) and lunch
13:30 p.m.: start of the vélorail activity (Châtaigniers course over 8 km in the heart of the Upper Doux Valley, ascent by railcar and descent by vélorail) followed by a comfort break
16:15 p.m.: departure from Boucieu le Roi by steam train for the return
17:00 p.m.: end of the day at Tournon St Jean station
Limited number of places - Reservation strongly recommended!

The Steam Boucieu:
This steam train takes you up the Gorges du Doux to Boucieu le Roi, nicknamed the “village of a thousand secrets”. Overlooking a wide meander of the Doux, this former capital of Haut-Vivarais owes its name to Philippe le Bel. The Bailli's house is one of the witnesses of this rich past: listed in the supplementary inventory of Historic Monuments since 1927, this very beautiful house, with its corbelled turret, was the seat of the Royal Court of Justice. The village was deeply marked by Pierre Vigne (1670-1740), missionary priest from Vivarais, whose tomb is in the church. Pierre Vigne was beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II. Labeled “village of character”, Boucieu le Roi is one of the most beautiful villages in North Ardèche.
Good plan: to discover the places as a family, a treasure hunt combines treasure hunts and puzzles! Roadmaps (free) to be collected at the station or at the municipal exhibition open continuously.

The Lamastre Express:
From Lamastre, discover the upper valley of the Doux as far as Boucieu le Roi. A 14 km rail ride alternating between direct rail and steam train! Circulates every Sunday in May, June and September as well as every day of Mastrou circulation in July and August.

Special bikes:
Labeled "Accueil Vélo", the Train de l'Ardèche offers cyclists bicycle parks, connection sockets to recharge pedelecs... and on board the Mastrou, take advantage of the presence of a fitted van to board your bike (5 € per bicycle or trailer). Ideal service to continue the experience on the DolceVia and the ViaRhona! Mandatory reservation.

1st Class coaches:
Padded velvet seats and cozy comfort guaranteed for only €5 extra! Reservation required - Dogs not accepted in 1st class.

Services at Tournon St Jean de Muzols station:
• Espace Musée (free admission): the museum presents the adventure of the railway, its history and its techniques thanks to unique collector's items such as the luxurious lounge car classified as a "Historic Monument"... ideal for prolonging the experience of the rail epic!
• "Viv'Arrêt" buffet-refreshment area: the refreshment bar offers hot/cold drinks, ice creams and gourmet delights to delight the taste buds!
• Shop area: souvenirs, toys, bookstore and personalized items are offered as well as a wide choice of local products distributed by local partner producers.
• Picnic area: sheltered and shaded, the picnic area is continuously accessible to all travellers.
• Parking: a large free car park accommodates all types of vehicles; a drop-off point and places for people with reduced mobility are located near the platforms and toilets. Bike boxes are available, provide a padlock to secure them.
• Soft track link: Tournon St Jean station is located 4 km from the historic center of Tournon sur Rhône, linked by a soft track directly connected to the ViaRhôna.
• Disabled access: Tournon St Jean station is accessible to people with reduced mobility. To access the trains, however, it is essential to be able to climb the equivalent of three steps independently.

Pet Friendly : Yes

Details concerning animals : Kept on a short leash. dogs are not permitted in first class carriages.