Velay Express

About the museum

The Velay Express is operated by the association Voies Ferrées du Velay, founded in 1986. Its aim is to preserve the line between Raucoules and Saint-Agrève, keep its rolling stock in service and restore historic railway vehicles. The oldest dates from 1890, the most recent from 1949.

The line is 27 kilometers long and crosses plateau and gorge landscapes between Haute-Loire and Ardèche. Its gradients reach 3%, and its curves are tight, giving it the profile of a mountain railway. Four stations line the route: Raucoules, Tence, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and Saint-Agrève.

The collection includes in particular the Mallet steam locomotive No. 101, built in 1906 and returned to tourist service in 2011, as well as several Billard railcars from the 1930s, among them the articulated railcar A-150-D2 No. 222 from 1939, restored and inaugurated in 2018 and listed as a historic monument. Volunteers gather several times a week to restore the equipment and run the service. The line receives around a hundred trains a year and more than 20,000 passengers.

Highlights

• 27 km mountain line with gradients of 3%
• Mallet steam locomotive No. 101 from 1906
• Billard A-150-D2 articulated railcar from 1939, historic monument
• Four stations: Raucoules, Tence, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and Saint-Agrève
• Themed trains: egg hunt, Halloween and Father Christmas

Founded

1986

Operated by

Association Voies Ferrées du Velay

Admission & discounts

The price depends on the number of sections travelled (1, 2 or 3 of the 4 stations): adult €16.50 to €22.50, child €13.50 to €19.50, family €54 to €78. The price is the same for a one-way trip and a return trip. Children under 4 travel free on an adult's lap. €1 discount on the train ticket upon presentation of an admission ticket to the Lieu de Mémoire du Chambon-sur-Lignon, and vice versa.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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

Strollers are accepted on board if they are foldable.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family rate and free travel for children under 4; the site promotes the Famille Plus label. Themed trains for children: egg hunt, Halloween and Father Christmas.

Getting there & parking

At Raucoules, the station is 2.5 km from the village, on the D64: follow the signs “Chemin de Fer Touristique”.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

At Raucoules station: restaurant, tourist information point, automatic toilets and free Wi-Fi. Volunteers sell souvenirs on the train. Restaurants and cafés near the other stations.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Private train hire for birthdays, corporate seminars, weddings or family reunions. The client chooses the route, timetable and equipment (two railcars, a diesel train or a steam train) depending on availability; package price on quote. The journey between two stations takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Plan your visit