The railway operates on a 60-centimeter narrow-gauge track, a standard often used in industrial or forestry settings.
It is one of the last tourist railways in France to still offer steam-powered journeys on select dates.
The line passes through the state-owned forest of Saint-Trojan, which covers a significant portion of the southern island.
The track ends at the Maumusson passage, a site known for its strong currents and significant coastal erosion.
The train was founded by local entrepreneur Jacques de Carbonnières to connect the town center to the wilder beaches.
The P'tit Train de Saint-Trojan is a narrow-gauge historic railway located on the southern tip of the Île d'Oléron, France. It connects the village of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains to the remote Grande Plage and Maumusson beaches. The train line spans approximately 6 kilometers through protected pine forests and coastal dune environments. It operates using a combination of vintage steam and diesel locomotives depending on the season and maintenance schedules. The journey provides access to restricted areas of the coast that are not reachable by public road vehicles. The track was originally established in the 1960s to promote tourism in the commune. The railway line is unique for its passage through shifting sand dunes which require periodic track maintenance to prevent encroachment. It serves as an essential link for beachgoers seeking quieter, Atlantic-facing shores.
The segment where the tracks emerge from the dense pine forest into the open, shifting sand dunes.
Bring a windbreaker even in summer, as the coastal breeze can be significantly cooler than in the village center.
Secure hats and loose items, as the open-air carriages are prone to wind gusts during the forest crossing.
Book tickets in advance online during July and August to avoid queues at the station.
Attempting to walk the entire train route on foot, as some segments through the dunes are strictly off-limits to pedestrians to protect local flora.
Operates seasonally from early spring through early autumn; typically closed during winter months.
