A gourmet experience not to be missed is on the horizon: the Train de la Gourmandise will be back on Sunday, October 1, 2023 (register at the Office de Tourisme du Pays de Lamastre).
We're lucky enough to visit Lamastre fairly regularly. However, this summer, during our last getaway, we were faced with a disappointment: it was impossible to board the train, as everything was fully booked. Fortunately, a young lady at the Tourist Office reception desk had told us about the Automnal Gourmand, an initiative that promised special, less popular trips.
THE SWEET MORNING TREAT
So we decided to give it another go! We booked a family getaway for the weekend and signed up for the famous "Train de la Gourmandise". When we arrived at the departure station in Lamastre, a pleasant surprise awaited us: a sumptuous breakfast.
As with every breakfast away from home, my husband went for the savoury stuff: picodon (a typical local goat's cheese), charcuterie including the famous caillette, all accompanied by authentic country bread from a local bakery.
For our part, the kids and I opted for the sweet stuff: chestnut cream, honey, hot chestnut pancakes, Lou Pisadou (a chestnut cake from a Lamastre patisserie), fruit juices... not forgetting the jams, which Hugo was up to his ears in! It was a delicious moment of indulgence shared with the future train passengers who would be sharing this adventure with us.
THE RED AND WHITE TRAIN: A LEGEND COMES TO LIFE
During breakfast, an authentic red and white railcar arrived at the station. The drivers joined us for a coffee (roasted in Lamastre, by the way) and then we climbed aboard. At this point, the children were particularly excited! We explained to them that this railcar (which they nicknamed "Billard") was an evolution of the steam locomotive of the late 30s. Hugo, a great train enthusiast, was delighted to learn that he would be allowed to ride not one, but two historic trains in the same day.
THE ENCHANTING JOURNEY
On the outward journey, as on the return, we sat back and enjoyed the flamboyant autumn scenery along the way. We crossed a few bridges and tunnels, adding a real sense of adventure and authenticity to our journey. It's true that the return trip on the steam locomotive was particularly incredible: the smoke, the smells, the clatter of the rails - everything was absolutely enchanting, creating a totally surreal atmosphere.
THE ENCHANTMENT OF A FIRST STEAM TRAIN EXPERIENCE
The children, like us, returned to Lamastre delighted by this unique Gourmet Train experience. It was our first experience of a quality steam train: not too crowded, not too sunny, and an unforgettable breakfast!
We can't wait for next year's Autumn Gourmand adventures!