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 travel atmosphere. Rail travel thus 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

The railcar is a unique and emblematic means of transport, developed until the 1960s by Renault and Michelin in collaboration with the SNCF. It offers a unique travel experience, quite different from modern means of transport. Initially designed to serve regional or rural lines, the railcar stands out for its specific design, combining functionality and old-fashioned charm. It is a light rail vehicle, rarely exceeding 30 km/hour. Carefully refurbished and operated by volunteer rail enthusiasts, these historic trains are now exclusively dedicated to tourist adventure.

The Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park is an ideal destination for discovering the charm of railcar travel. The first section is operated by the AGRIVAP association. Its 42-kilometer route from Ambert to La Chaise Dieu is one of the longest tourist lines in France run by an association. It crosses viaducts, tunnels and rolling countryside, offering passengers an immersive experience at the heart of the Livradois-Forez landscape.

Experience on board a tourist train in Auvergne

The panoramic tourist train from Ambert winds its way peacefully along the River Dore. On the Estivareilles-La Chaise Dieu section, for example, the 36-metre-high Pontempeyrat viaduct overhangs the Ance river, marking the natural border between the Puy-de-Dôme, Haute-Loire and Loire departments, and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. This rail journey is an invitation to discover and marvel at landscapes that are often otherwise inaccessible. The bridges and viaducts, veritable works of civil engineering, blend into the green and sometimes rugged scenery, testifying to the railroad’s adaptation to the region’s complex topography.

For those who have boarded at Ambert or Arlanc, the journey continues to Saint-Sauveur, where the train reveals picturesque panoramas, before descending to the Notre Dame des Roches viaduct. This site, both wild and peaceful, is an ideal haven for meditation and contemplation. The view of the Notre Dame de la Roche de Mayres chapel, overlooking the railroad line, adds a spiritual and historical dimension to this timeless journey.

Ambert / La Chaise-Dieu "afternoon" route :
Departure
- Either from Ambert station, at 2.15pm
- Arlanc station, at 2:45pm
Arrival at La Chaise-Dieu station, at 3:40 pm
Spend 1h40 visiting the Abbey, the village and its craftsmen.
Return to Ambert
Departure from La Chaise-Dieu Station, at 5:15pm
Arrival :
Arlanc station, 18h10
Ambert station, 18h40
Day trip Ambert > La Chaise-Dieu :
Departure
Either from Ambert station, at 10:30 am
Arlanc station, 11:00 am
Arrival at La Chaise-Dieu station, 11:50 am
Spend 1h40 visiting the Abbey, the village and its craftsmen.
Return to Ambert
Departure from La Chaise-Dieu Station, at 5:15 pm
Arrival :
Arlanc station, 18h10
Ambert station, 18h40

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Did you know? The X 4200 panoramic railcar

The X 4200 panoramic railcar is a key piece of French rail 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, economicalalternative to steam locomotive-powered trains, particularly on secondary lines.

In the 1930s, the Michelin company introduced michelines, high-speed railcars with special wheels fitted with pneurail tires. 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 enabled passengers to take full advantage of the landscapes they travelled through.

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

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 rail enthusiasts.

Accommodation and restaurants in Ambert

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

Lodging
Restaurants

Gites in Ambert

Hotels in Ambert

Campsites in Ambert

The velorail: try out this eco-friendly, family-friendly ride in Auvergne

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

The routes offered by Vélorail d’Ambert are designed to offer a variety of experiences. With velorails accommodating from 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"Discovery

The one-hour round trip ” Parcours Découverte” is ideal for a first experience. Over a distance of around 8.8 km, this route offers a charming glimpse of theVallée de la Dore, allowing participants to learn how to ride a velorail in the heart of unspoilt nature.

The route"Nature

The Nature Trail, which lasts1 h 45 round trip, is a little longer, covering some 14.6 km. It invites you to immerse yourself more deeply in nature, skirting the River Dore and offering changing views, sometimes wild, sometimes soothing. This route is perfect for those seeking to combine moderate physical effort with the contemplation of nature.

The route"Tunnels

The Tunnel Route, lasting 2 hours round trip, is the longest, stretching for around 17 km. This course offers a complete experience, combining the beauty of rural scenery with the excitement of tunneling. It’s a convivial adventure that will delight participants of all ages, offering exceptional panoramas and moments of pure bliss.

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