Everyone on the island of Oleron knows the Little Train of Saint Trojan. For 60 years, it has been part of the local identity of the village of Saint-Trojan-les-BainsA unique means of transport to escape the daily grind and reach the most beautiful beaches of the wild coast. Discover!
A quick change of scenery from Saint-Trojan!
From the train station Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, south of Oleron Island, board the Little Train of Saint Trojan. In service since 1963, it offers an effortless getaway to the beaches of Maumusson and of Cake on the wild coast.
From April to October, this small tourist tram on rails winds along 12 km of track (round trip). Between the train station Saint-Trojan-les-Bains and that of Maumusson, the railway line crosses diagonally the south of Oleron Island and the pine forest, then along the Gatseau Bay, with a terminus at the strait of Maumusson. Unspoiled places, off the beaten track, inaccessible by road. A quick change of scenery guaranteed!
Passenger cars are powered by shunters, small locomotives from the 1930s that run at 30 % using cooking oil collected from the island's restaurants. Top speed: 15 km/h!
The route
The tourist train travels 6 km through remarkable landscapes. Departing from the station of Saint-Trojan, it passes by the Preventorium stop, the thalassotherapy center, the train station Cake, and finally the station of Maumusson. You can take one little train and return on another, with departures every 45 minutes during the summer season.
The beach of Cake : the national forest of Saint-Trojan gives a crazy charm to this south-facing beach, supervised in summer, considered one of the most authentic on the island. It is appreciated for its wild setting and its magnificent view of the Arvert peninsula in the heart of the basin of Marennes-Oleron. On the program: picnic in the shade of the pine trees, fishing on foot with the family and sunbathing sessions on the warm sand.
The sluice of Maumusson : the Little Train of Saint-Trojan will take you directly to this pretty beach, known to be the wildest from Oléron. This immense 5 km-long stretch of white sand is only accessible by train (or on foot). Popular with photographers, walkers, and sunbathers, the beach is nevertheless prohibited for swimming. Rip currents and strong currents could drag you into the strait.
A bit of history…
Designed on the model of the tramway of Royan by the doctor Pol Gala, a military doctor with a passion for railways, the P'tit train de Saint-Trojan was inaugurated on June 29, 1963, after two years of work. At the time, it connected the station of St-Trojan at the small station of Cake. An asset for visitors and locals alike. It was so successful that the line was extended to the dunes of the Côte Sauvage in 1965. In the 1970s, the tourist and forest tramway of Saint-Trojan becomes a strong symbol of Oleron IslandToday, 50 years later, the legendary train continues on its merry way to the delight of young and old alike!
Practical information:
- The Little Train of Saint-Trojan operates from April to October. Departures daily (every 45 minutes in summer), without reservation, from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
- Adult rate/€12.50, child (4 to 12 years)/€9.50
- Discovery formula: from mid-June to mid-September, on Fridays, board the P'tit Train de Saint-Trojan for a 2.5-hour rail tour in the prestige train. A guide will tell you about local history throughout the journey.
- Sunset Train: in July and August, on Tuesdays, a 2.5-hour night-time ride with musical entertainment at Pertuis de Maumusson. Departure: 8:15 p.m., return: between 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
- While waiting for the P'tit train to depart: the Buffet de la Gare is open from April to September, and the bar car in July and August.
- More info: www.le-ptit-train.com
photo@Mutichou, CC BY-SA 3.0, wikimedia