“To perpetuate this heritage and raise awareness among the general public about its preservation. » This is the mission that guides the Association of Former Friends of Steam Traction Centre-Val de Loire (AAATV). To achieve this goal, on August 24, 2024, a tourist traffic is planned in a steam locomotive from the 1950s “listed as a historic monument”indicates the railway association.
This journey, entitled “Le Château Express”, will pass through several cities. The historic train will leave from Fleury-les-Aubrais (Loiret) to reach Saumur (Maine-et-Loire) via Meung-sur-Loire (Loiret), Beaugency (Loiret), Blois (Loir-et-Cher) and Saint -Pierre-des-Corps in order to fill the passenger train.
The trip also offers a stop at Langeais station, to pick up a bus for those who wish to take advantage of the optional visit program: free visit to the Villandry gardens and lunch in the Orangerie, visits to the Château du Rivau and Azay-le-Rideau are planned.
The AAATV Centre-Val de Loire association owns “various equipment, such as steam engines, diesel engines, passenger cars, locomotives that we restore and maintain,” she explains.
Prices: €65 in second class and €99 in first class for departure from Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station. For children aged 4 to 12, it costs €32.50 and €49.50 respectively. Free for children under 4 years old. More information and reservations on their website.
