The railway network was originally constructed in the late 1880s to facilitate transport across the Picardy region.
The line uses a unique meter-gauge track system that remains distinct from the standard French rail network.
Locomotives undergo regular maintenance in dedicated workshops that allow for historical engineering techniques to be preserved.
The railway was formerly a crucial link for transporting sugar beets and other agricultural products from the coastal hinterland.
The line was saved from complete closure in the 1970s through the efforts of a dedicated railway preservation society.
The Railway Bay of Somme (Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme) at Le Crotoy Station operates as a preserved heritage narrow-gauge railway line. The tracks serve as a living museum, utilizing steam locomotives and historical carriages dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The line connects Le Crotoy to other stations in the Somme estuary, including Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Noyelles-sur-Mer. This network is maintained by an association of volunteers dedicated to the restoration of rail heritage. The station building in Le Crotoy retains its authentic period architecture, serving as a hub for both commuters and tourists. The route passes through protected natural landscapes of the Somme Bay, a site designated as a Grand Site de France. It is one of the oldest heritage railways currently operating in France.
The platform edge when the steam locomotive arrives, providing a clear view of the engine and the station's period signage.
Check the schedule in advance, as departures follow a strict timetable that varies significantly by season.
Arrive early to observe the locomotive being coupled and the steam-powered operations on the platform.
Carry a windbreaker, as the coastal air in the Baie de Somme can be brisk even during sunny summer afternoons.
Do not attempt to board or exit while the train is in motion, and stay behind the yellow safety lines on the platform at all times.
Operates on a seasonal schedule with high-frequency service in summer and limited service or closures during mid-winter months.
