History of Vélorails du Pays Chartrain
Nestled in the heart of Eure-et-Loir, France, the Vélorails du Pays Chartrain offers a charming and eco-friendly way to explore the countryside by pedal-powered rail carts. But behind this leisurely experience lies a fascinating story of railway heritage, community initiative, and adaptive reuse.
The vélorail route follows a segment of the former Paris-Chartres railway line via Gallardon and Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines. This line, once part of the national rail network, was decommissioned and left dormant for decades. The tracks, stretching from the station at Pont-sous-Gallardon to Senainville, span approximately 6.2 km each way, offering a round trip of 12.4 km through the Beauce plains.
The transformation began in 2007, when a group of passionate volunteers, led by Alain Mionnet, founded the Association Vélorails du Pays Chartrain. Their goal was to preserve the disused railway and repurpose it for recreational use. With support from SNCF Réseau and the commune of Bailleau-Armenonville, the association secured a management agreement to operate on the historic track.
The route itself is steeped in history. Originally part of a strategic rail corridor, the line had been closed for 85 years before its revival as a vélorail attraction. The journey begins at the Gallardon-Pont station, where visitors board custom-built rail carts—some designed for families with young children—and pedal through fields, under bridges, and past the remnants of old platforms. Along the way, riders glimpse the spires of Chartres Cathedral and may even spot gliders from the nearby airfield.
The experience is designed to be both relaxing and invigorating. The outbound leg features a gentle uphill gradient, while the return trip benefits from a slight descent, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. Safety is paramount: riders are briefed before departure and must maintain a 100-meter distance between carts.
Over the years, the association has expanded its fleet to include various cart configurations, including the “Baby-Train” models for younger passengers. The activity operates from April to October, with scheduled departures throughout the day. Reservations are essential, and the site is managed entirely by volunteers who maintain the equipment, coordinate bookings, and ensure a smooth experience for guests.
Beyond its recreational appeal, Vélorails du Pays Chartrain plays a role in heritage preservation. The association promotes awareness of railway history and collaborates with local museums, such as the Musée Ateliers des Pionniers, located adjacent to the station. Visitors can explore exhibits on early rail technology and regional history, enriching their understanding of the area’s industrial past.
The success of the vélorail has inspired similar initiatives across France, but the Pays Chartrain stands out for its grassroots origins and commitment to sustainability. It offers a rare opportunity to engage with the landscape in a way that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking—reviving forgotten infrastructure for modern enjoyment.
This information was generated using AI and is based on publicly available sources, including velorails28.e-monsite.com, Atlas Obscura, L’Écho Républicain, and the Fédération des vélos-rails de France.
