Paris & French Narrow Gauge Steam

Capture the magic of Paris at night, and enjoy a weekend of summer steam in rural northern France on this delightful short break! We take leisurely train excursions to experience novel steam train rides on narrow gauge lines, constructed in wartime and now heritage attractions. We include journeys to both the coastal resort of St. Valery and inland to Le Crotoy on the Baie de la Somme Railway.

Day 1 Depart London St. Pancras on a lunch-time Eurostar to Paris where we stay for four nights at the Ibis Hotel near Gare du Nord station. Each evening is free for you to explore and to dine at leisure at a restaurant of your choice, or to join your Tour Manager at our choice of typical Paris restaurants (not included in tour fare). (B) Day 2 By rail from Paris via Ameins to Noyelles to enjoy trundling aboard both the narrow gauge steam trains at the Baie de la Somme. Initially we travel to the delightful French coastal resort of St. Valery with time for lunch - and if the tide is out to observe the guided walking tours across the shifting sands. We then return to Noyelles for our final rickety ramble by narrow-gauge steam train to Le Crotoy before returning to Paris. (B) Day 3 We travel by coach to the 2ft gauge Froissy-Cappy-Dompiere railway, a former First World War line running alongside the River Somme. Today is a special steam festival with four locos in steam on both passenger and photo freight trains. This popular tourist line features roadside running, a switchback and a tunnel to add to the excitement of a very relaxing day. (B) Day 4 Travel by rail from Paris to Salbris for another rustic rail ramble, this time over the 67km long metre gauge Blanc d’Argent line to Romorantin and onwards to Lucay le Male. From here we depart by road to Pithiviers for their Pentecost Monday steam operation over a 4km long 600mm gauge roadside line with time to visit the depot and small museum before travelling by road to Etampes and rail back into Paris. (B) Day 5 By local train to Valmondois for a special steaming of their superb 1898 Sarthe steam tram engine. There will be a tour of the workshops and depot housing nine other steam locos plus a classic vintage railcar. Return by local train to Paris in time to take an afternoon Eurostar to London arriving late afternoon. (B) Ibis Hotel Gare du Nord Chateau Landon, Paris Situated just 300 metres from Gare du Nord the modern Ibis Chateau Landon Hotel offers a bar and café bistro, plus a choice of numerous restaurants nearby. Buffet breakfast is included at the hotel. Bedrooms are inviting, modern and cosy, with en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, satellite/cable TV and radio.