Chemin de fer touristique Pontarlier-Vallorbe
Volunteer-run tourist steam railway between Les Hôpitaux-Neufs and Fontaine Ronde, with a museum carriage and dining trips.
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About the museum
The association Coni'fer was founded in 1993 by a small group of railway workers, railway enthusiasts and heritage advocates, during the mountain bike world championships at Métabief, with the aim of bringing the Pontarlier–Vallorbe line back to life. In 1995, the first 700 metres of track were laid from Les Hôpitaux-Neufs station, and trial tourist runs began with a borrowed locomotive.
The steam locomotive “Tigerli”, built in 1915, arrived in 1996. A German BR 52 locomotive, built in 1943, was acquired in 2003; its restoration was completed in 2017. The line was extended in 2005 to Fontaine Ronde station, bringing the journey to over 8 km. In 2012, a carriage for passengers with reduced mobility entered service, and an American steam locomotive joined the fleet in 2025.
All activity relies on volunteers, who maintain the track, restore the locomotives, drive the trains and welcome visitors. The regular journey crosses the countryside of the Haut-Doubs, and a museum carriage complements the visit.
Highlights
- Steam journey of more than 8 km between Les Hôpitaux-Neufs and Fontaine Ronde
- Steam locomotive “Tigerli” from 1915
- German BR 52 locomotive from 1943
- Museum carriage
- Dining trips in an Orient Express carriage
Permanent exhibition
- Wagon-musée – The association's museum carriage, open all year round, devoted to the railway heritage of the line.
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- Association Coni'fer (bénévoles)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €10Students and people with reduced mobility, on presentation of proof |
| Children & teens | €6free up to age 2 · €6 for children aged 3 to 12; free for under-3s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €10companion free · The companion travels free of charge. |
| Students & apprentices | €10On presentation of proof. |
| Groups (21+ people) | €10 per personAdult rate per person for groups of more than 20 people; €5 per child. |
Rates for the regular journey. Tickets are sold online or at the station ticket office before departure. Leashed animals travel free of charge.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Regular journeys are accessible to people with reduced mobility thanks to an adapted carriage; arriving 45 minutes before departure is advised. Dining trains are not suitable for wheelchair users.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
- Family tours & workshops
Reduced rate for children aged 3 to 12, free under 3; Halloween trains with storytelling and a visit to the association's museum.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gare des Hôpitaux-Neufs
Departure from Les Hôpitaux-Neufs station (2 L'Orée des Pistes) towards the Fontaine Ronde terminus, in La Cluse-et-Mijoux.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
On dining trips, meals are served in an Orient Express carriage; groups book by email.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The regular journey lasts about 1 h 30: a round trip of about 45 minutes and a stop of about 45 minutes at Fontaine Ronde. Arriving 30 minutes before departure is advised. The steam locomotive can throw off sparks (escarbilles): it is best to sit inside the carriages or at the back of the train. Special trips and charters on request by email. |
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