Cévennes steam train, 20 minutes from Mas Saint Laurent

A day aboard the steam train

A journey back in time between Anduze and Saint-Jean-du-Gard

The Cévennes Steam Train is one of the region's best-known attractions. Pulled by a genuine steam locomotive, it links Anduze with Saint-Jean-du-Gard along a scenic 13-kilometre railway. Bridges, tunnels and views over the confluence of the Gardons reveal spectacular landscapes unseen from the road. Steam, whistles and the rattle of vintage carriages take visitors of every age back to the golden age of rail travel.

This is a working heritage railway, maintained by enthusiasts and bringing a line opened in the late nineteenth century back to life. Settle into period carriages, often open-sided in fine weather, and enjoy the gentle pace of steam travel. For many families, it becomes a highlight of their first Cévennes holiday.

The route and stops

Leaving Anduze, the train follows the Gardon before stopping at Prafrance station in Générargues. You can get off to visit La Bambouseraie and catch a later train. It then continues to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the terminus, where you can visit the Maison Rouge museum, the old town and the riverside.

Three stations, many possibilities

The three stations—Anduze, La Bambouseraie (Prafrance) and Saint-Jean-du-Gard—let you plan your day: a simple return journey, or a combination of the train, La Bambouseraie and Saint-Jean-du-Gard. Many visitors leave in the morning, stop at La Bambouseraie and continue to the terminus in the afternoon.

The charm of the journey

The scenery is the star: the meeting of the Gardon rivers, tunnels eagerly awaited by children, an old mill and Cévennes vegetation close to the carriages. Choose the Gardon side for the best river views.

Practical information and timetables

The train generally runs from early spring to autumn. For 2026, the season is listed as 4 April to 31 October, with more departures in high season and during school holidays. Timetables and prices change each year: check the official website and book ahead in July and August. The journey takes around 40 minutes each way. Arrive early enough to park in Anduze and enjoy the station atmosphere.

In high season, the first departure from Anduze is generally in the morning; outside school holidays, services are less frequent. Book online as soon as you know your dates, especially for the popular return journey with a stop at La Bambouseraie.

Getting there from Mas Saint Laurent

Anduze station is around 25 minutes by car from Mas Saint Laurent in Les Salles-du-Gardon. Allow a full day to combine the train, La Bambouseraie and Saint-Jean-du-Gard without rushing. Bring drinking water, a hat and a light layer: open-sided carriages can feel cool in the morning, even in summer.

The drive from the Mas to Anduze is straightforward and pleasant. Arriving early makes parking near the station easier and lets you take the first, often quieter, departures.

An ideal family outing

Steam, tunnels and bridges delight children, while couples and heritage enthusiasts enjoy the vintage character of this historic train. We often recommend it for a first visit to the Cévennes, as it gives a lovely overview of the valley.

Why choose Mas Saint Laurent

The Mas is a central base for Anduze, La Bambouseraie and the steam train, with a peaceful, green setting to return to each evening. After your outing, enjoy the pool facing the Cévennes and a meal of local produce at La Table Cévenole. Set in a historic building in Les Salles-du-Gardon, a few minutes from Alès, the Mas combines charming accommodation with easy access to the region's main attractions.

A little history

The Anduze–Saint-Jean-du-Gard line was not originally built for tourism. Opened in the late nineteenth century, it served the Cévennes, carried goods and connected previously isolated valleys. After regular passenger services ended in the second half of the twentieth century, railway enthusiasts saved and restored it. Today, steam locomotives and period carriages bring this heritage to life. Travelling through its tunnels and across its bridges shows the ingenuity needed to build a railway through these mountains and open up the region.

Our seasonal tips

Spring and early autumn offer a quieter journey, often with beautiful light and fewer visitors. July and August are busier: book several days ahead and choose a morning departure for cooler, calmer conditions, perhaps visiting La Bambouseraie in the afternoon. Look out for special events on selected dates, which are popular with families. Tell young children about the tunnels, smoke and whistle beforehand: anticipating the next tunnel can become part of the fun. At the Mas, we can help you choose a departure to suit your dates.

Practical tips

Book tickets online in high season. A morning departure leaves time for La Bambouseraie in the afternoon. Sit on the Gardon side for river views and bring a light layer for open-sided carriages. Allow time to explore Saint-Jean-du-Gard, including the Maison Rouge museum and riverside.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you book the Cévennes Steam Train? On the train's official website. Advance booking is strongly recommended in July and August, when services often sell out.

Can you stop at La Bambouseraie? Yes. Get off at Prafrance station in Générargues, visit the gardens and catch a later train.

How long is the journey? Around 40 minutes each way over 13 kilometres. Allow a pleasant half-day including visits at the two ends of the line.

When does the steam train run? Generally from spring to autumn, with the 2026 season listed as 4 April to 31 October and more departures during school holidays.

Where can you stay near the steam train? Mas Saint Laurent is around 25 minutes by car from Anduze, with peaceful rooms, a swimming pool and a table d'hôtes.

Book your stay

Enjoy the magic of the Cévennes Steam Train during a stay at Mas Saint Laurent. Book your room and plan a day between Anduze and Saint-Jean-du-Gard with our help.

Internal links: Home · Our rooms · La Bambouseraie d'Anduze · Saint-Jean-du-Gard · Staying in Anduze · Blog article “A day on the steam train”.

Image ALT text:

• train-vapeur-cevennes-locomotive-anduze.jpg → “Cévennes Steam Train locomotive at Anduze station”

• train-vapeur-cevennes-viaduc-gardon.jpg → “The Cévennes Steam Train above the Gardon”

• train-vapeur-cevennes-gare-prafrance.jpg → “Steam train stop at Prafrance station, La Bambouseraie”

• mas-saint-laurent-terrasse.jpg → “Mas Saint Laurent terrace, accommodation near the steam train”

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