Nicknamed the 'Mastrou', the Ardèche Steam Train is a genuine steam locomotive service linking Tournon-sur-Rhône to Lamastre through the spectacular Doux Gorges. The name is said to come from Ardèche dialect and mean roughly 'the one that goes to Lamastre'. A charming excursion, about 50 minutes to an hour's drive from Les Cabritas.
A line built in the late 19th century
The Mastrou line was built between 1886 and 1891 by over a thousand workers, originally linking Tournon, via Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, to Lamastre over nearly 33 kilometres of narrow-gauge track. Numerous engineering structures, bridges, viaducts and tunnels, had to be built to cross the rugged terrain of the Doux valley, making this line one of the finest examples of Ardèche's railway heritage.
A two-hour ride through the Doux Gorges
Now preserved as a heritage tourist train, the Mastrou climbs the Doux valley over 28 kilometres, offering views from its period carriages that can't be seen any other way. The full journey takes about two hours and makes for an ideal family outing. The highlight of the trip: on arrival in Lamastre, the steam locomotive is turned on its turntable by hand, to the amusement of passengers, before heading back to Tournon.
Good to know before you visit
The train runs on a seasonal timetable, generally from April to October, with more frequent departures in summer: it's best to check timetables and book ahead in high season. Some journeys run with diesel traction rather than steam depending on the day, worth checking if you're particularly keen to travel behind the historic locomotive. The departure station in Tournon-sur-Rhône is close to the Rhône and the ViaRhôna, making it easy to extend your outing with a bike ride or a visit to the town centre before or after the train ride. Consider booking window seats to make the most of the gorge views, and bring something to cover your arms if travelling in the open carriages in summer.
Practical info from Les Cabritas
- Distance from Flaviac: about 50 min to 1h by car
- Best time to go: April to October depending on the operating season
- Great for: families, railway heritage enthusiasts, nature outings
Fancy discovering The Ardèche Steam Train from your cottage in Ardèche?
Les Cabritas welcomes you in Flaviac, at the heart of Ardèche, for a comfortable stay with a private pool, just a stone's throw from the region's most beautiful sites.
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