Trains have always been a source of fascination: right from the start, in the era of the Industrial Revolution, the train was one of the inventions that completely changed lifestyles. From then on, it was possible to travel faster, thanks to the energy produced by coal in the first steam locomotives.
In France, the first passenger line was inaugurated in 1837. The railroads were particularly in demand during the First World War (1914-1918), when trains were used to transport ammunition, food and other supplies essential to the fighting and survival of soldiers at the front. On January 1, 1938, the Société Nationale du Chemin de Fer (SNCF) was created, merging the five French railway companies and creating a national network of over 42,000 kilometers. Later, in the aftermath of the Second World War, it was time for speed: this was when the first high-speed trains (TGV) saw the light of day.
Since then, trains have become part of our daily lives, and even more so in the Île-de-France region, where the public transport network covers the entire territory by train. So, enthusiasts have renovated or created from scratch railroads on which you can ride historic locomotives, museums dedicated to toy trains, others devoted to railroads... As unusual and unexpected as it may seem, Paris and the Ile-de-France region have a wealth of places of immense value, nugget addresses where you can meet enthusiasts of large and small trains and, above all, enjoy great experiences.
Unusual: climb aboard Santa's steam train near Provins (77)
In Longueville, not far from Provins, in the Seine-et-Marne region, the story goes that the steam train of a tall man in red clothes and with a very white beard arrived at the village station. Just 7 kilometers from Provins, this steam train promises an enchanting afternoon, don't you agree? [Read more]
Unusual: climb aboard the Tacot des Lacs, the vintage train through the forest of Fontainebleau
In Grez-sur-Loing, Seine-et-Marne, Le Tacot des Lacs offers a bucolic and unusual ride aboard an authentic period train, right in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest. [Read more]
Unusual: board a vintage train on the Chanteraines park railroad (92)
Parc des Chanteraines, located in the towns of Villeneuve-la-Garenne and Gennevilliers, is one of the largest green spaces in the Hauts-de-Seine department. As an added bonus, the park also boasts a railroad, where you can board an old-fashioned train on certain days of the month. [Read more]
The living railway museum, a meeting place for train enthusiasts in Longueville (77)
Just a few kilometers from Provins, in the Seine-et-Marne département, you'll find the Living Railway Museum in the small town of Longueville. It's a must-see for young and old alike, for lovers of trains and locomotives. [Read more]
Rosny-Rail, the railway and train museum at Rosny-sous-Bois station (93)
The Rosny-sous-Bois railway station in Seine-Saint-Denis is home to a museum that is, to say the least... unusual. Run by volunteers with a passion for railroads, the Musée du Rosny-Rail is a must for all train enthusiasts. [Read more]
The Musée des Transports Urbains, a deep dive into the history of our means of locomotion in Chelles.
What were the first metro trains like? What did public transport look like 150 years ago? Immerse yourself in the history of urban transport at the dedicated museum in Chelles (77). [Read more]
The Vapeur Vive Festival, the steam train rendezvous at the Ramobolitrain museum in Rambouillet (78)
On Sunday, October 6, 2024, the Rambolitrain is putting steam locomotives in the spotlight at Vapeur Vive, its annual festival of steam trains, carriages and wagons. [Read more]
40 years of the Rambolitrain: never-before-seen models and a garden train at the toy train museum in Rambouillet
On Saturday March 23 and Sunday March 24, 2024, Rambolitrain, the toy train museum in Rambouillet, celebrates its fortieth anniversary. To mark the occasion, the museum's teams are offering visitors a host of new events. [Read more]
Le Rambolitrain, model train museum in Rambouillet (78)
In Rambouillet, in the Yvelines department, Rambolitrain boasts a unique collection of toy trains, whether miniature or life-size. History, scale models and guided tours: welcome to the temple of the toy train! [Read more]
