When I knew that we would be going on a Steam train I was beyond excited. As a child I loved catching the steam train for family picnics and school outings. Hanging the head out as you go along the tracks. The clickety clack of the wheels and the whistle as the train headed to the destination. We would hang our heads out the windows till we got covered in smoke and steam. Even as an adult I throughly enjoyed a trip on Puffing Billy in the Dandenongs with my friend Lyn when she visited.
I was feeling much better thank goodness. I would have been very sad if I hadn’t been able to go on this trip.
We boarded the coach to head to Tournon – Sur – Rhone, a very attractive village in the Ardeche region. We were going to catch the Chemin de Her du Vivarais, translated as the iron road of Vivarais. A scenic railway line that runs between Tournon, in the Rhone Valley and Lamastre, the Doux Valley. The Doux, a tributary of the Rhone, has cut deep gorges into the Ardeche plateau and from the carriages, we can view the most inaccessible part of the Doux gorges.
The line was opened in 1891 and the meter gauge line is 33 km long and is renowned for its historical steam locomotives and collection of historic rolling stock. The train journey runs for 1.5 hours
Locomotive 414
Tournon – Sur – Rhone – St-Jean-De-Muzols
Locomotive 414
Everyone was loves a good old steam train ride, you could feel the excitment. Or was it just me! This was going to be amazing. The Doux a tributary of the Rhone, has cut deep gorges into the Ardeche plateau.
Our carriage. Just before we left Tournon – Sur – Rhone
One of the many bridges
The train ahead
Doux River, a tributary of the Rhone
The scenery is stunning as we made our way up the hills and through dark tunnels. Wonder if anyone kissed in the tunnel?
Arrived at Colombia le Vieux – Saint-Barthelemy le Plain. A charming little station where the locomotive has to be turned around on a swing bridge and placed in front of the train. We had a 20 minute stop here so we wandered around while this was going on. The station master had chickens and lots of eggs were ready to be picked up. So many places to stay here from camping to hotels and Air BNB.
Colombier le Vieux – Saint-Barthelemy le Plain
Our locomotive driver
Such a pretty little place at Colombia le Vieux – Saint-Barthelemy le Plain
Coming out of the tunnel
Stunning Scenery
We arrived back in Tournon ready to head back to the ship. It would be an afternoon of sailing as we headed to Vienne.
Our Locomotive was 414, however if you are there and you get Locomotive 403, it has been running the route since 1903.
If you’re in the area do this trip its fun, exciting and you see just a bit more than sailing down a river. Perhaps even stay for a few days.
Thank you reading. I will be posting more pictures on Instagram.
Travel and Lifestyle with Bree 
What fantastic views.
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oh it is so wonderful xx you don’t know where to look
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Superb post! Your blog is awsome👍 Followed you as i love to know about different places and enjoy traveling😊
Check out mine blog
http://www.geniusenough.com
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thank you so much xx I have checked out yours and am following xx
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Pingback: Senior Salon Roundup Post: April 2 – 6, 2018 | The Recipe Hunter
Wow. Just wow. I was right there. Then I looked out my window and saw the snow we still have and heard the gusting wind. Thanks for my little reprieve.
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Your welcome xx haha 5am this morning I read that as you were there…It took two goes to read that you were only there through the post. silly me xx
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Thank you so much for leaving your link #SeniorSalon. Please share and invite your Silver Bloggers to also participate and remember to read the other posts left and share as well. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you again.
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yes i will certainly. Holiday traffic down where i live at Easter was making the internet so slow. Next week I am going away for a week so might not be able to be in for the week
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All good thank you for participating when you can and enjoy your week away
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Lovely scenery, looks like a great experience!
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It was amazing such a wonderful way to see a bit more of France.
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What a delightful way to travel and see the beautiful countryside.
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Yes it was xx thank you
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Wonderful childhood memories and gorgeous photos!
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Oh yes love a good ole steam train ride xx
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So much fun!
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Lovely photos! Thanks for sharing.
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thank you xx
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You’re such a mindful traveler. I love all the little details of the places that you go! It really makes me feel like I’m there too and helps me immerse in your tale. Thank you for sharing your travels!
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Thank you so much Brittany xx I am glad your enjoying the blog xx
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Great post, and I could definitely relate to your childhood memories of travelling in clickety clack steam trains. Do you remember the poem, From a railway carriage’, I think it was one of Wordsworth. I remember it being recited in a corresponding rhythm of the clickety clack of a train gathering speed. I always remember the poem if on a old train.
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The photos are stunning!
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Love trains, especially those around Europe. Though lately, we seem to be hiring a car which is more practical at the moment. Lovely post!
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So lovely
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Yes it was
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