Ambert / La Chaise-Dieu

For the departure Ambert station at 2.15pm Either from Arlanc station, at 2.45pm Arrival at La Chaise-Dieu station, at 3.40pm Spend 1 hour 40 minutes visiting the Abbey, the village and its craftsmen. For the return journey to Ambert Departure from La Chaise-Dieu station, at 5.15pm Arrival at Arlanc station, at 18h10 Ambert station, at 6.40pm

Day trip Ambert > La Chaise-Dieu :

Departure Either from Ambert station, at 10.30am Arlanc station, 11.00 am Arrival at La Chaise-Dieu station, 11.50am Spend 1h40 visiting the Abbey, the village and its craftsmen. For the return journey to Ambert Departure from La Chaise-Dieu station, at 17:15 Arrival at Arlanc station, at 18h10 Ambert station, at 6.40pm

Take a seat on the Discovery Train

The adventure begins as soon as you climb aboard the Ambert tourist train, a unique experience in the Auvergne that lets you discover the region in an entirely new way. The “discovery tourist trains” invite passengers to slow down, take time to appreciate the landscape and immerse themselves in an old-fashioned travelling atmosphere. In this way, rail travel becomes an end in itself, an invitation to contemplation and discovery, far removed from the haste of contemporary travel.

Choose the discovery train, is to indulge in slow tourism

Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Train de la Découverte invites you to take a step back, switch off and immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of the Livradois-Forez region. With a wealth of tourist railway experience dating back to the 1980s, the AGRIVAP association is also offering a journey back in time aboard its “Sixties” railcars, emblematic of the 30 Glorieuses, and a chance to travel in its X4208 Panoramic railcar, of which it owns the last three in existence in the world…!

A world away from modern trains, the railcar offers an authentic and charming experience, where every journey becomes an adventure. Originally designed to serve rural and regional routes, it combines ingenious design with period aesthetics for a timeless journey.

The Train de la Découverte is the very embodiment of slow tourism: a new way of travelling, where you take the time to savour every landscape, every detail, in connection with the surrounding nature. Panoramic railcars, “Picasso” or “Bleu d’Auvergne”, all these historic railcars will allow you to admire the panoramic views of the Livradois-Forez while projecting you back into the last century. These technological gems of the era, carefully renovated and operated by volunteer rail enthusiasts, are now devoted exclusively to the adventure of tourism.

AGRIVAP also offers two velorail routes in Ambert and Allègre: an ideal activity for the whole family or for friends. It’s a great way to enjoy a relaxing sport, go green and discover the countryside in a whole new way!

The Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Parkisthe ideal destination for discovering the charm of rail travel. Part of the route is operated by the AGRIVAP association, which manages one of France’s most remarkable tourist routes. For 42 kilometres, between Ambert and La Chaise Dieu, this line crosses majestic viaducts, mysterious tunnels and babbling brooks.

Experience on board a tourist train in Auvergne

Aboard this unique tourist train, a journey through time and nature awaits you: a unique opportunity to rediscover the charm of a time when trains were much more than just a means of transport. At every turn, the Auvergne reveals itself before your eyes: picturesque villages, majestic mountains and forests as far as the eye can see… You’ll pass through landscapes as varied as they are sublime, like a trip through a living postcard.

And that’s not all, the Train de la Découverte is much more than just a journey: on arrival at La Chaise-Dieu, you’ll have the chance to discover hidden treasures, visit unique heritage sites and meet passionate local craftspeople. Here, local history and know-how mingle with the natural beauty of the area.

So, are you ready to embark? The Livradois-Forez has never been so close, or so wonderful.

Ambert / La Chaise-Dieu
For the departure
- Ambert station at 2.15pm
- Either from Arlanc station, at 2.45pm
Arrival at La Chaise-Dieu station, at 3.40pm
Spend 1 hour 40 minutes visiting the Abbey, the village and its craftsmen.
For the return journey to Ambert
Departure from La Chaise-Dieu station, at 5.15pm
Arrival at
Arlanc station, at 18h10
Ambert station, at 6.40pm
Day trip Ambert > La Chaise-Dieu :
Departure
Either from Ambert station, at 10.30am
Arlanc station, 11.00 am
Arrival at La Chaise-Dieu station, 11.50am
Spend 1h40 visiting the Abbey, the village and its craftsmen.
For the return journey to Ambert
Departure from La Chaise-Dieu station, at 17:15
Arrival at
Arlanc station, at 18h10
Ambert station, at 6.40pm

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Did you know? The X 4200 panoramic railcar

The X 4200 panoramic railcar is a key piece of French railway history, reflecting an era when innovation and rail tourism were closely linked. The history of railcars in France dates back to before the First World War, with vehicles initially based on road designs. These railcars offered a fast and economicalalternative to trains hauled by steam locomotives, particularly on secondary lines.

In the 1930s, the Michelin company introduced michelines, fast railcars with special wheels fitted with deep-pitched tyres, the pneurail. Later, the term“micheline” became a popular synonym for railcars in general. The railcar is an autonomous train that uses a diesel engine to move around.

The X 4200 is a double-decker railcar designed by Renault. Ten examples were built, numbered X 4201 to 4210. Put into service between April and September 1959, these railcars were designed to serve tourist routes. They offered a panoramic view of the countryside thanks to an elevated first class cabin, providing a 360° view. This innovative design allowed passengers to take full advantage of the landscapes they were travelling through.

The interior of the X 4200 panoramic railcar was carefully designed, with a seating capacity of 88, including 44 in first class under the upper dome. The layout and lines of the railcar were designed by Paul Arzens, in a red and cream livery.

The X 4200s were used for important tourist services, but their use declined over time, and the last models were withdrawn from circulation in the 1980s. Today, a few examples of the X 4200, such as the X 4208, are preserved by the AGRIVAP association and continue to offer a unique tourist experience for railway enthusiasts.

Accommodation and restaurants in Ambert

To make the most of this exceptional weekend, find accommodation and restaurants around the town of Ambert.

Accommodation
Restaurants

The vélorail, try out this eco-friendly family outing in Auvergne

The Vélorail d’Ambert offers a unique discovery experience, where nature and adventure meet on old railway tracks. A velorail is a light vehicle on rails, powered by the pedalling of passengers. It’s an original and environmentally-friendlyway to explore magnificent landscapes while having fun. It’s an activity for everyone: families, groups of friends, couples and even solo travellers. It’s particularly popular for its playfulness, ease of access and total immersion in nature.

The routes offered by the Ambert Velorail are designed to provide a varied experience. With a capacity of 2 to 5 people, this activity is accessible to all and requires no particular physical condition, as the gradients are very moderate. It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy the countryside in an environmentally-friendly way, while living an unforgettable adventure on the rails.

The 3 routes by velorail

The route

The Discovery Route, which lasts one hour round trip, is ideal for a first experience. Covering a distance of around 8.8 km, this route offers a charming glimpse of theValléede la Dore, giving participants a chance to learn how to ride a vélorail through unspoilt countryside.

The route

The Nature Trail, which takes1hour 45 minutes round trip, is a little longer, covering around 14.6 km. It invites you to immerse yourself more deeply in nature, running alongside the River Dore and offering changing views, sometimes wild, sometimes soothing. This route is perfect for those looking to combine moderate physical effort with contemplation of nature.

The route

The Tunnels route, which takes 2 hours round trip, is the longest, stretching for around 17 km. This route offers a complete experience, combining the beauty of rural scenery with the excitement of tunneling. It’s a friendly adventure that will delight participants of all ages, offering exceptional panoramas and moments of pure enjoyment.

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