Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme
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The Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme (Somme Bay Railway), is a narrow gauge railway in northern France.
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[edit] Origins and Route
The railway was built in 1887 as a public transport system, carrying holiday-makers to seaside resorts, and transporting local freight of shingle, beetroot, and sea shells. Running around the entire length of the Somme Bay in the Somme département, in Picardie, northern France, it connected Le Crotoy with Noyelles-sur-Mer, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer, including the sands at Brighton-Plage. Other minor stations or halts were provided near assorted villages, hamlets and farms. In its literature, the operating Association claims that past passengers have included Colette, Jules Verne, Anatole France, and Toulouse Lautrec.
[edit] Demise and Re-birth
The line closed in 1960 due to competition from road transport. However, in 1970 the line was reopened by a non-profit preservation society, and is now largely a tourist attraction. Although the whole line is preserved, the section from Saint-Valery to Cayeux-sur-Mer is operated only on certain days during the summer season. Five of the minor stations or halts are still in use, in addition to the stations in the above named towns.
[edit] Rolling Stock
The "Association du Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme" has restored 15 passenger carriages, 2 bogie baggage cars, 7 steam locomotives, 5 diesel locomotives, a railbus, and assorted freight wagons to full use.
[edit] External link
- The railway's own website - largely in French.
