The railway operates on a meter-gauge track, which is narrower than the standard European railway gauge.
Several of the steam locomotives used on the line are listed as Monuments Historiques in France.
The line was originally opened in 1891 to connect the Rhône Valley with the Ardèche highlands.
The journey includes passage through the 'Doux' gorges, a protected natural landscape.
The locomotives are maintained in workshops that specialize in traditional steam engine repair techniques.
The Train de l'Ardèche is a historic tourist railway operating along the Doux river valley in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It utilizes restored steam locomotives and carriages dating back to the early 20th century. The route traverses the Gorges du Doux, an area inaccessible to road traffic. Passengers travel through tunnels and over viaducts originally constructed for the Chemin de Fer du Vivarais. The heritage line preserves the Mallet locomotive, a rare articulated steam engine design. The train travels between Tournon-sur-Rhône and Lamastre. Maintenance and operation are managed by a combination of professionals and volunteers dedicated to railway preservation.
The front of the locomotive at the Tournon Saint-Jean station before departure.
Select open-air carriage seating for the best views of the river gorges.
Bring a light jacket as the temperature can drop significantly inside the tunnels and near the river.
Book tickets well in advance during peak summer months as trains frequently reach capacity.
Do not attempt to walk along the tracks outside of designated station areas.
Operates seasonally from spring through autumn; service frequency is reduced during mid-week in the shoulder season.
Avoid leaning out of the carriages while the train is in motion; be aware that steam engines may release soot.
