Steam Railways in Northern France: Five Days, Five Heritage Lines, and One Spectacular Festival
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Railtrail - 12th June 2026Northern France rarely appears on the itinerary of railway enthusiasts heading to Germany, Switzerland or Austria. After leading this tour, I can confidently say that is a mistake worth correcting.
Over just a few days we experienced five heritage railways, exclusive steam charters, vintage trams and one of the finest steam festivals in Europe. The railways here are narrow-gauge, volunteer-run and rooted in a landscape that carries genuine First World War history beneath every mile of track. That combination is difficult to find anywhere else on the continent.
This account covers each day of the tour in full. If you are considering steam train holidays in Europe, northern France deserves a place on your list.
Day 1: London to Amiens
Our adventure began at London St Pancras, where the group gathered for the Eurostar journey to Lille and onwards to Amiens. One of the pleasures of European rail travel is how quickly the scenery changes. Before long we were in the heart of Picardy and settling into the Moxy Hotel for four nights.
Amiens rewards an evening on foot. Several guests joined me for a walk to Amiens Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Gothic cathedral in France by volume. Its sheer scale never fails to impress and it provided a wonderful introduction to the region. The west facade, with its three elaborately carved portals, sets the tone for a part of France where history sits close to the surface at every turn.
The pace was relaxed throughout. No early start was required, and the evening was free for guests to explore the city at their own leisure.
Day 2: Steam by the Sea on the Baie de Somme Railway
The Baie de Somme Railway is one of France’s best-loved heritage railways and it is easy to understand why. Running through salt marshes and alongside the estuary on metre-gauge track that dates back to 1887, the railway combines steam nostalgia with beautiful coastal scenery in a way that few preserved lines anywhere in Europe can match.
Our journey took us first to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, where many guests enjoyed exploring the waterfront and historic streets. Later we continued to Le Crotoy, a seaside town famous for its broad sandy beaches and views across the bay.
The highlight came at Noyelles, where cameras were poised for the famous double departure. Two steam locomotives leaving side-by-side in a cloud of exhaust is the kind of moment that reminds you why you made the journey. Nobody wanted to miss it.
Day 3: Froissy Steam Festival: Living Railway History
The Froissy Steam Festival was the reason many guests booked this holiday and it certainly lived up to expectations.
The Froissy Dompierre Light Railway is a 600mm narrow-gauge line built in 1916 to supply the trenches and artillery of the Battle of the Somme. This former First World War military railway comes alive during the festival. Steam locomotives, freight trains, passenger trains and demonstration runs create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Europe.
We boarded the first train of the day and travelled the entire length of the line through tunnels, switchbacks and sections of roadside running. The line covers seven kilometres from Froissy to Dompierre, taking in a curved tunnel, a dramatic zigzag section known as the Z, and long stretches running alongside the Somme Canal. Every mile seemed to reveal another fascinating glimpse into the railway’s wartime history.
Lunch in the museum café provided an opportunity to explore the impressive collection of locomotives before another afternoon immersed in steam. The museum at Froissy holds one of the finest collections of narrow-gauge military and industrial rolling stock in France, covering the history of light railways from 1880 to the present day.
Day 4: Exclusive Steam Charters
One of the advantages of travelling with Railtrail is access to experiences that are difficult to arrange independently. Private steam charters require established relationships with volunteer operators, advance coordination, and minimum group sizes that individual travellers cannot meet. On an escorted tour, that work is done for you.
At MTVS Crevecoeur we enjoyed a private steam charter through the French countryside. The relaxed pace allowed plenty of opportunities for photography and conversation with the volunteers who keep the railway running.
In the afternoon we travelled to Parc de Chanteraines for another exclusive charter. The narrow-gauge railway winds through attractive parkland scenery and holds a fascinating collection of steam and diesel locomotives. Again, this was an experience arranged exclusively for the group, not something available to visitors arriving independently on the day.
Day 5: Scarpe Steam Railway and Vintage Trams
Our final day began with another rewarding visit. The Scarpe Steam Railway at Saint-Amand-les-Eaux follows the canal through a quietly atmospheric stretch of northern France, and on this occasion we had the line to ourselves on an exclusive steam charter. It is rarely visited by travelling groups and all the better for it.
We then travelled to Lille for our final nostalgic journey, this time aboard vintage AMITRAM trams. Founded in 1968, AMITRAM preserves and operates historic trams and buses from the Lille, Roubaix and Tourcoing networks, with some vehicles dating back to the late nineteenth century and fourteen classified as Monuments Historiques. The three-kilometre tourist line runs along the banks of the Deûle between Marquette-lez-Lille and Wambrechies. These beautifully preserved vehicles offer a glimpse into a bygone age of urban transport and provided the perfect finale to our tour.
Reflections on Northern France Steam
For me, the combination of the Baie de Somme Railway, the Froissy Steam Festival and our exclusive steam charters makes this one of the most rewarding short French rail holidays available. Five railways across five days, one base hotel throughout, and every charter and museum visit arranged in advance.
The volunteers who run these railways know their locomotives and their history intimately. That knowledge comes through on every run.
Railtrail has operated quality escorted holidays by rail for over 40 years. All bookings are protected by ABTOT (Member No. 5577). Sounds like the holiday for you? Explore our full range of steam train holidays in Europe.
Henry Allum, Tour Manager | Facebook | Instagram
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely. Many guests travel independently and quickly become part of the group. Railtrail’s escorted format is well suited to solo travellers: accommodation, transport and excursions are all arranged, and the small group size means you are never lost in a crowd.
Do I need to be a railway enthusiast?
While steam enthusiasts will love every minute, the scenery, history and unique experiences appeal to a much wider audience. The Froissy Dompierre Light Railway alone carries genuine First World War history that goes well beyond railway interest, and Amiens Cathedral is one of the finest buildings in northern France.
What makes the Froissy Steam Festival special?
It combines working steam locomotives, military railway history and a festival atmosphere that is difficult to find elsewhere in Europe. The railway was built in 1916 to supply the Somme battlefields and the museum at Froissy holds one of the finest collections of narrow-gauge military rolling stock in France.
How much walking is involved?
Most visits involve gentle walking around stations, museums and towns, with plenty of opportunities to rest. Reasonable unaided mobility is required, including carrying luggage and managing steps and stairs.
How do I book?
View the Baie de Somme Steam Festival 2026 tour for full itinerary details, departure dates and fares. You can also Request a Brochure or call us on 01538 382323 to speak to our Customer Care Team.
