From the picturesque lands of the Basque Country to the scenic shores of the Bay of the Somme, and from the sun-kissed island of Corsica to the majestic region of Haute-Savoie, we present some of the finest heritage railways in France. These journeys provide a leisurely tour through various parts of the country and their stunning vistas. All aboard for these unforgettable trips!

The Rhune rack railway offers a journey between land and sea in the Basque Country.

Starting at the Col de Saint-Ignace above Saint-Jean-de-Luz, this distinctive train journey will take you up the Rhune, which stands as the most iconic mountain in the region. Basque Country On the ascent, aboard an almost centenarian cog railway train, you'll traverse breathtaking scenery including woodlands, gorges, and peat bogs. Upon arriving at your destination, a stunning vista unfolds over the Atlantic coastline, the interior region of the Basque Country, and quaint hamlets perched impressively along the mountain slopes. This 2.5-hour journey promises to charm everyone in the family!

The historical Pignes train journey, extending from the French Riviera into the heart of Provence

Embark on an unforgettable ride with the legendary Pignes train! Boasting over 130 years of heritage as part of the Provence Railways network—from Puget-Théniers to Fugeret within the picturesque Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region—this route offers a charming steam locomotive adventure through one of the area’s most stunning natural vistas. Nice As you journey through Haute Provence, you'll be captivated by the picturesque Provençal landscapes dotted with hilltop villages. Travelers eager for deeper exploration can make use of four designated stops along the route, which offer access to stunning natural wonders like the Daluis Gorge. Entrevaux, home to France’s tiniest citadel, showcases an impressive bastion inspired by Vauban’s designs. Meanwhile, the town of Annot preserves medieval gems that remain intact over time. The trail culminates in Le Fugeret, perched within the Annot sandstone plateau, featuring quaint stone cottages and a delightful washing house.

The Somme Bay Railway, with evolving scenery and a turn-of-the-century ambiance.

Everyone onboard as we prepare for an exceptional adventure on this charming Belle Époque steam locomotive! Originating from Le Crotoy, this rail service commenced operations in 1887 to cater primarily to seasonal tourists heading towards the coastal routes known as Bains de Mer. Riding this historic railway is essential if you wish to delve into the area’s rich heritage. Bay of the Somme While traveling in luxury, the elegantly designed, delightfully vintage carriages are still driven by steam engines. As it honks through the breeze, the train traverses 27 kilometers of varying scenery, passing through fields, wetlands, and salt meadows, until it reaches the coastal town of Cayeux-sur-Mer.

For a scenic journey through the Chamonix Valley, take the Mont Blanc Express.

While not officially classified as a tourist train, the Mont Blanc Express boasts many of those characteristics. Operated by the SNCF, this scenic route connects Saint-Gervais-les-Bains with Chamonix in Haute-Savoie via an awe-inspiring alpine track that winds through the Chamonix Valley before reaching Martigni in Switzerland. Alongside the breathtaking landscapes you'll encounter en route, the train also offers convenient access to various local attractions such as the Mer de Glace. Aiguille du Midi , the Brévent cable car and the Merlet wildlife park. An excellent substitute for the Mont Blanc tramway, which operates between Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and the Nid d'Aigle, the primary departure point for scaling the tallest peak in Western Europe.

In Trinichellu, a stunning railroad traversesCorsica.

Featuring expansive panoramic windows through which you can enjoy the views, along with two exceptionally notable routes, U Trinichellu "When refers to 'the wobbler'' offers an incredible railway journey across Corsica. The initial route, known as the "Balagne tramway," connects L'Île-Rousse to Calvi In Haute-Corse, it follows a dramatic, beautiful coastline that shifts between sandy shores, sand dunes, coves, and rocky cliffs. The second segment stretches from Corte to Bocognano through an interior mountain path, passing by the Vizzavona forest, the twin Vecchio viaducts, and the Voile de la Mariée waterfall.

And still more :

• The Cévennes steam locomotive emits puffs of smoke as it travels for 13 kilometers from Anduze to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Gardons Valley with its passages through tunnels and over viaducts.
• The Limousin-Périgord steam train, located in Haute-Vienne, features a 1932 engine that carries visitors through the picturesque landscapes of the Vienne Valley up to the Millevaches Plateau. Traveling at a steady pace of 40 kilometers per hour, this journey takes you past peat bogs, dense woodlands, babbling brooks, and expanses of blooming heather.
• The Haut Quercy tourist railway sits atop an 80-metre-high cliff, traversing the Dordogne Valley aboard either a vintage steam or diesel locomotive, connecting Martel with Saint-Denis-lès-Martel.