Discover the exceptional landscapes with the little train of Martel!
Located in the high Quercy, in the Lot region, the little train of Martel makes you discover sensations and exceptional landscapes with a dominant view on the Dordogne valley. It is located at a distance of about 50 km from our campsite in Dordogne La Fage.
THE ORIGIN OF THE RAILWAY OF THE HIGH QUERCY
Built between 1880 and 1884, this railroad was part of the line that connected Bordeaux to Aurillac.
Put into service from 1889, the line competed with the traffic of the barges.
During the First World War, it was unshod for military purposes and then rebuilt in 1919 with American rail.
Today, it is still in place between Martel and Saint Denis Près Martel.
After the first world war, the most important truffle market being located in Martel, the train is used for the expedition of these truffles and is then called ” truffadou “.
From the 1980s onwards, the line became unused.
THE MARTEL TRAIN: THE RENAISSANCE
In 1991, a group of passionate volunteers created the association “Le Chemin de Fer Touristique du Haut-Quercy”.
This one aims at safeguarding the site and restoring the 6.5 km of the line Martel – Saint Denis Près Martel while respecting the safety standards of the rolling stock.
Today, it has 5 permanent employees and about 130 active members.
It is the thirteenth most frequented train in France with more than 80,000 passengers per year.
AN UNFORGETTABLE TRAIN RIDE IN THE DORDOGNE VALLEY
Do you like small special trains, steam locomotives, old railroads or rail transport in general? Get on board the Haut Quercy tourist train to visit the Dordogne valley on rails from the Martel station! Depending on the day and time of your visit, you will have the opportunity to travel with either a steam or a diesel locomotive on the Haut Quercy tourist railway.
The route is about 13 km from the train station and back, with a viewpoint overlooking the Dordogne valley at a height of more than 80 meters and offering sensational landscapes and panoramas.
This activity lasts about 1 hour and is commented. Traffic schedules vary depending on the time of year.
Visits are made from April to All Saints Day for a ticket ranging from 4.50€ to 11€. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
