Immediate boarding of the Vélo Rail to the enchanting landscapes of Larzac

Discover Larzac by pedaling on velorails, an exotic journey departing from Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon station.

"9:27. It’s almost time. And when it’s time, it’s past time." Jean-Paul Austruy, station master of Larzac, dressed in his blue overalls, is waiting for the last passengers in Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon. At 9:30 a.m., the Vélorails of the Orchidées route will take the Larzac railways for an 8 km journey powered only by the passengers' calves.

At the departure station, there are about a hundred of them waiting on the platform this Monday morning, tickets in hand and smiles on their faces. And for good reason, this Vélorail, created 23 years ago, invites its passengers to discover, thanks to five routes, the landscapes of Larzac along a completely rehabilitated railway line.

Once all the passengers have arrived, the crew members set off. All dressed in blue overalls with the name of the company sewn in yellow – Sur les Rails du Larzac – they move towards the vehicles. And the speech begins.

Four tunnels and three viaducts on the route

“Immediate boarding!” From the top of his carriage, the station master presents the route. The travelers listen attentively to the one giving the instructions. With a touch of humor, Jean-Paul Austruy, a trained mechanic, gives some advice, to avoid following. "Once settled, don't hesitate to stop to admire the landscapes. Or to beat up the kid who is not being good. Or take advantage of a Viaduct to finish off a mother-in-law."

Jean-Paul Austruy welcomed the first travelers in July 2001. Midi Free – Laura Vaillant

Once in the saddle and ready to pedal, head towards Bastide Pradines station. An 8km route, crossing four tunnels and three viaducts, during which the Larzacian landscape is revealed. Fauna, flora, valleys and cliffs appear at the same time as the kilometers increase. And this, without any physical effort required.

Accessible to all

“We wanted to make this activity an offer open to all. On the Orchidées, the route is downhill so it is accessible. On the other routes, we now have electrically assisted vehicles. We are totally inclusive”, explains the station master.

During the summer period, twelve employees help keep up the pace. Midi Libre – Laura Vaillant

Once arrived at the Bastide Pradines station, passengers enjoy the view of the village. The opportunity for Benoît, who came with his children and grandchildren, to share his first experience of the rail bike. "I come from Saint-Affrique, I had heard about it but I hadn't done it yet. There, my children come from Le Mans and Orléans. It was an opportunity for them to see Larzac." A moment spent with family for Benoît who will remember the laughter of his grandchildren . "On the rail bike they had fun braking, pedaling, then braking again. They were super happy."

A few minutes later, the Larzac-Express tourist train disembarks at the platform to repatriate travelers to Sainte-Eulalie. 8km return allowing you to enjoy the view once again. But before getting on board, the former mechanic returns to the history of the velorail.

Bringing abandoned rails back to life

"This railway line was first abandoned in 1954, begins the train driver. Yet reconditioned by the state at the time of the Larzac camp extension project, François Mitterrand, elected in 1981, gave it a once-over. stop. The railway line has fallen into disrepair."

In non-summer periods, the site offers lunch meals from a caterer on board a refitted train. Midi Free – Laura Vaillant

"In 1999, with the support of the military and local elected officials, we were able to buy it back and exploit it peacefully, continues the enthusiast. At the start, we started with the butterfly route, 4km of ascent,  4km of descent on the way back." And today, this are 17 kilometers of railway tracks which have been refurbished.

Once the history lesson is over, immediate boarding for a return to Sainte-Eulalie station with eyes full of stars.

Open from Easter to All Saints' Day. From 12 € at 25 € for adults. From 6 € at 12.50 € for minors. Reservations required: surlesrailsdularzac.com I subscribe to read more