Heritage Railway - French Style

For our late-season break in the Dordogne, the prospect of a Steam railway ride was an unmissable attraction. Unfortunately, as it was late season, the motive power unit was restricted to an unlovely diese unit. No matter, it was the ride that starred.

This railway was active from 1890 to 1980,  was rescued from oblivion in 1992, with track from Martel Lot running for 13km towards St Denis-les-Martel.

Martel,  the Town of Seven Towers,  but we didn't have time to explore - what a pity!.

The rescuing Association has accumulated an eclectic range of items, most of which are more for display. than anything else.

Of Polish origin,  but,  as you will see, in unlikely to be used locally.

But on to the ride,  in open-sided conveyances   previously associated with the transport of truffles.

The unlovely disel unit at the end of a 394 m tunnel (thro' limestone) This portico is listed

At this point,  we were 80m above the valley   My wife preferred to stay inside.

The second Halt for photos etc. - Viaduct des Scourtils

"Only" 35m above the valley here.

The workable track ends after 13km,  and retraces its steps - all very slowly at not much more than walking pace.

An example of their extensive acquisitions.  And back to Martel.

The Church of St. Maur - the X-S1 was useful here.

One last artefact - an imitation signal box (dated 2002) which featured in a WW2 film (Effroyable Jardins",  and left behind by the film company.

As befits a prime tourist area,  there is much more detail online - search "Haut quercy"