Have you heard of the velorail, a small, light rail vehicle powered by the muscles of its occupants? It's the ideal way to cover kilometers of track and discover a new way of exploring a département, through forests and green spaces, on rails that have been rehabilitated for the occasion, and which of course no longer see real trains. You'll find them all over France, but in the Ile-de-France region, only Ferra Botanica in Seine-et-Marne and Vélorail de la Vallée de Juine in Essonne offer this unusual activity.
With family or friends,all you have to do is climb aboard and pedal, as if on a bicycle, to make the machine move forward, even though it weighs quite a bit. Be warned, there's always one person who pedals harder than the others to get the cart moving, so get your legs ready for this sporty but fun way of discovering our natural heritage! Fortunately, today you'll have the help of anelectric assistance system to give youa helping hand.
Located in La Ferté-Gaucher, this velorail uses the old railway line between Paris and Sézanne. You'll discover the Val du Haut Morin sensitive natural area, surrounded by installations on the theme of plants and animals. From 38 to 45 euros per velorail for up to 5 people, you'll enjoy a 3.5-hour round trip and a shuttle train from the Tourist Office to the departure station.
In the Essonne region of France, here you can take a 12-kilometre round trip along the railroad line between Etampes and Méréville, abandoned in 1969, through a wooded landscape. In the heart of the valley, you'll enjoy a protected natural settingon the banks of the peaceful Juine river. On your 2-hour journey, you'll come across forgotten quays, the remains of the world's first youth hostels, a castle, the route of Santiago de Compostela, a mill, a viaduct and other mysteries.
The cost is 42 euros per velorail, for up to 6 people, an affordable price for everyone. Don't forget to book, as this activity is very popular in fine weather, and there are only 3 departures a day, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., for 12 velorails available, on Wednesdays, weekends and during all vacations.
Prices
€38 - €45
