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Train de l'Ardèche
Climb aboard the Train de l'Ardèche, an iconic steam locomotive that winds its way between Saint-Jean-de-Muzols and Lamastre, in the heart of the Doux Gorges. A timeless experience, combining spectacular scenery, vertiginous viaducts and the charm of a train from days gone by.
🌄 ROUTES TO SUIT ALL DESIRES
The Ardèche Train offers several options so you can enjoy this adventure at your own pace:
🚂 Le Mastrou – The classic route
Saint-Jean-de-Muzols → Lamastre (full-day round trip)
A historic 28 km journey aboard an authentic steam locomotive. The Mastrou crosses the wild gorges of the Doux and rolling countryside to Lamastre, where you can enjoy some free time to have lunch, stroll around the market (on Tuesdays), or explore the town.
Article: What to do in Lamastre during the Mastrou break?
THE COMPLETE MASTROU 🚂 Rails & Papilles
A gourmet stroll along the Mastrou trail
🧀 Embark on a charming stroll, combining railway heritage and local produce!
At each stop: a story to savour!
🗓️ Every Thursday in June at 12 noon
📍 Departure: Lamastre Station
👟 Easy walk – duration: approximately 2 hours
👨👩👧👦 Family outing – Children under 3 free
💰 €12 per person
🥖 A creation by Terre d'Ardèche
To enjoy the region in a different way.
📅 Circulation: from April to November – days vary depending on the season: https://www.trainardeche.fr/mastrou/
🚲 The Cyclo Train - combine cycling and train travel for a complete adventure
Saint-Jean-de-Muzols → Colombier-le-Vieux (one way) or Lamastre → Saint-Jean-de-Muzols (one way)
Why not combine the pleasure of the Dolce Via with a ride on the Ardèche Train? Thanks to the Cyclo Train, you can take your bike on board a specially equipped carriage on a diesel train.
You can then continue your journey on the cycle paths connected to our stations: theDolce Via and the ViaRhôna.
🚂 Limited number of bike spaces available, advance booking required on the train website, at Saint-Jean-de-Muzols station or at the Pays de Lamastre Tourist Office.
📅 Service: every Saturday from 1 May to 14 July + public holiday weekends according to the schedule: https://www.trainardeche.fr/cyclo-train/
🚂 Lamastre Express – combining diesel and steam
Lamastre → Boucieu-le-Roi (half-day return trip)
Departing from Lamastre, this trip allows you to discover the Upper Doux Valley, from the gates of the Monts d'Ardèche Natural Park to Boucieu-le-Roi. You will cross the Doux twice, via the Banchet and Garnier viaducts. The 1 hour 45 minute return journey takes place in the morning, alternating between railcar on the outward journey and steam train (Mastrou) on the return journey.
📅 Service: mornings from 13 July to 28 August (except Tuesdays and Saturdays): https://www.trainardeche.fr/lamastre-express/
🚂 Train des Gorges – The Panoramic Excursion
Saint-Jean-de-Muzols → Colombier-le-Vieux (half-day round trip)
A shorter but equally spectacular route, ideal for a family outing. This 8 km round trip allows you to admire the Doux Gorges and the engineering structures (viaducts, tunnels) from a steam train.
📅 Service: mornings or afternoons – depending on the schedule: https://www.trainardeche.fr/train-des-gorges/
🚂 Theme trains – Unique experiences
Special trains are available throughout the year:
- Train de Pâques
- Dégustation au fil du Doux
- Train de la Bière
- Train du Marché
- Train Western
- Journée du Patrimoine
- Train du Sommelier
- Train Fantôme
🎉 Don't miss out: these trips are an opportunity to discover the culture of the Ardèche in a different way, with tastings and festivities.
🚂⚙️STEAM DAY + RAIL BIKE: COMBINE BOTH ACTIVITIES!
For a full day of discovery and fun, opt for the Steam Train + Rail Bike package!
In the morning, board the Train des Gorges from Tournon-Saint-Jean to Boucieu-le-Roi station, where you will take your seat on a rail bike, one of those funny pedal-powered draisines, for an original 8 km journey along the railway line in the upper Doux valley.
A clever combination of a peaceful steam train journey and a fun activity in the heart of nature, to be shared with family or friends.
🕒 Day package: train + rail bike + free time in Boucieu-le-Roi
🚲 Rail bikes for 2 to 5 people – booking required
📅 Operating hours: April to November – days vary depending on the season:
https://www.trainardeche.fr/journee-vapeur-velorail/
🎟️ BOOK YOUR TICKETS AT THE TOURIST OFFICE
📍 Our Lamastre office is the official ticket office for the Ardèche Train.
Here you can:
- Purchase tickets for train journeys and the Doux Gorges rail bike
- Get personalised advice on timetables, fares and packages
- Pick up useful documents (maps, brochures, accessibility information)
💡 Tip: book in advance during the summer or for events and long weekends to guarantee your place on board!
📞 Information: +33 (0)4 75 06 48 99
📧 accueil@paysdelamastre.fr
Tickets are also available online: Train and Rail Bike, at Saint-Jean-de-Muzols and Boucieu-le-Roi stations and at the Ardèche Hermitage Tourist Office.
🤲 A TRAIN, A TERRITORY, A HISTORY
🚂 The Ardèche Train: much more than just a journey, it's an authentic adventure in the heart of the Ardèche region!
🔥 A living memory, 💡 rare technical expertise, and ✨ a unique sensory experience.
🎶 The sound of the engine, 🌲 the smell of wood and coal, 👀 magnificent panoramas: each journey is a total immersion.
🗺️ Connecting the Rhône Valley to the Haut-Vivarais hills, this iconic train forges a strong link with the Dolce Via, a 90 km cycle route 🚴♂️. Following the route of the old railway line, it once connected Le Cheylard to Saint-Agrève on one side and La Voulte-sur-Rhône on the other.
👉 The same heritage, two ways to experience it: aboard a century-old train or on the greenway, at your own pace.