The Velay Express is a heritage railway nestled in the heart of France’s Haute-Loire and Ardèche departments, tracing its roots to the early 20th century and the storied Vivarais railway network. Its history is a tale of revival, community passion, and the enduring charm of narrow-gauge rail travel.
Origins and Early Development
The railway line between Raucoules-Brossette and Saint-Agrève was originally constructed in stages during 1902 as part of the Vivarais network, which served the rugged terrain of south-central France. Built to a metre-gauge specification, the line was designed to navigate the steep gradients and tight curves of the Velay plateau, reaching altitudes over 1,000 meters. It provided vital transport links for local communities and industries, connecting remote towns to larger rail hubs like Dunières.
However, like many secondary railways in France, the Vivarais network faced declining passenger numbers and rising operational costs in the mid-20th century. On 31 October 1968, the Raucoules-Brossette to Saint-Agrève section was officially closed, marking the end of regular service on this scenic route.
Preservation and Revival
The line’s story didn’t end there. In 1970, the Compagnie des chemins de fer régionaux (CFR) briefly revived the route for tourist operations, but this effort was short-lived. By 1985, CFR ceased its activities, and the line once again fell silent.
A turning point came in 1986 with the founding of the Voies Ferrées du Velay (VFV) association, a group of passionate volunteers committed to preserving the railway’s legacy. Their efforts culminated in the launch of tourist services under the name Velay Express in 1994. The association gradually restored sections of the line, with the Tence to Saint-Agrève segment officially reopening on 29 June 2002.
Unfortunately, the section between Dunières and Raucoules was permanently removed in 2015 to make way for the Via Fluvia greenway, a cycling and walking path linking the Rhône and Loire rivers.
Modern-Day Experience
Today, the Velay Express operates a 27-kilometre route from Raucoules to Saint-Agrève, passing through Tence and Le Chambon-sur-Lignon. The journey offers panoramic views of the Vivarais-Lignon plateau, the Monts du Forez, and the iconic peaks of Mézenc and Gerbier de Joncs. Passengers can ride in vintage steam locomotives or 1930s railcars, experiencing the slow, rhythmic pace of historic train travel.
The railway is entirely maintained and operated by VFV volunteers, who also organize special events like steam festivals and themed rides. The line is considered the highest steam railway in France, with gradients reaching 3% and tight curves that challenge even seasoned engineers.
Community and Tourism Impact
Beyond its nostalgic appeal, the Velay Express plays a vital role in regional tourism. It collaborates with local offices in Chambon-sur-Lignon, Montfaucon, Saint-Agrève, and Tence to promote cultural and recreational activities. Visitors can combine train rides with cycling excursions, thanks to onboard bike transport options.
The railway’s revival is a testament to grassroots dedication and the enduring allure of rail heritage. It stands not only as a functional tourist attraction but also as a living museum of French secondary railroads.
This historical overview was generated using AI and draws upon publicly available sources including Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme, Wikipedia, and the official Velay Express website.
