France from a Steam Train..1981


	France from a Steam Train..1981


		"FRANCE FROM A STEAM TRAIN" was the title given to a short break to France in July 1981, intended to appeal to rail enthusiasts. The itinerary was a ferry crossing of the English Channel, then coach for a circular tour of France which included visits to a number of steam railways. There were overnight stays in hotels at Rouen, Lyon, and Paris. I took my younger son, then aged 7, with me.

		The first railway we visited was the CHEMIN DE FER RICHELIEU CHAMPIGNY, where, instead of the steam power promised, we got a Railcar. However we did at least get some excitement returning to Richelieu when a local farmer drove his tractor and trailer directly in front of the train on an open crossing. His trailer was wrecked and his tractor overturned. He escaped uninjured. But the Railcar was badly damaged, though able to continue at slow speed. So we were able to reach Richelieu.

The following morning we made an early start for our coach journey to the CHEMIN DE FER DU VIVARAIS. We hoped the day would be more of a success than the previous one. It looked unlikely when we ran into massive traffic jams (it was a bank holiday), and found ourselves approaching Tournon after the train's 10.00am departure time. But they held the train for us, and we left 12 minutes late. Our loco was a Mallett no 404. And the line really was magnificent, both from a scenic, and railway interest, point of view. We called at Colombier le vieux, and arrived at Lamastre at 11.56am. With our return scheduled for 4.30pm, the wait was an endurance test. What do you do in Lamastre for four and a half hours?

		The return journey was just as spectacular as the outward one. This time we stopped at Boucier-le-Roi, and were back into Tournon at 6.18pm, 12 minutes early. So, apart from a boring wait at Lamastre, the day was a success.

Our journey north to Paris, included stopping off at the CHEMIN DE FER TOURISTIQUE D'ANSE(right). An intended visit to the Musee des Transports de Pithiviers, close to Paris, had to be abhorted when it was discovered that the line was not open


		So was FRANCE FROM A STEAM TRAIN a success?. The answer has to be no. The only steam we got was on the Vivarais, and other arrangements concerning lines we should have visited, and difficulties with Hotel bookings, clearly indicated problems with the tour operator. But the Vivarais was special, and made it worth while. But would I want to do it again? The answer is no! For three days, we survived on a diet of Digestive Biscuits and Fruit, and Toilets were a major problem throughout. And, with the exception of the one night in Paris, Hotels were dreadful.

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