Everything you need to know about the Petit Train de Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Published on 10/09/2024 in: Saint-Trojan les Bains

The P’tit Train de Saint-Trojan , Oléron’s tourist emblem, runs from April to September, with a final rotation during the All Saints’ vacation. It serves the beaches of Gatseau and Maumusson, on the island’s wild coastline. All aboard for an unusual tour of Oléron!

Beach tramway: Gatseau and Maumusson

Leaving from Saint-Trojan-les-Bains station , the P’tit train crosses the pine forest of Oléron and takes visitors to the beaches of Gatseau and Maumusson. Located at the southernmost tip of the island of Oleron, these beaches are only accessible on foot or by train in season. So you can take one train and come back on another to enjoy the beach.

The Gatseau beach, which is very popular and supervised in summer, is ideal for swimming. In Maumusson, swimming is prohibited due to the dangerous currents in the Maumusson channel . For safe bathing, stay on the beach near the thalassotherapy center and don’t stray far from the shore.

A scenic 12 km round trip

Since 1963, the legendary “tortillard” has been offering an unusual 12 km round trip between sea and forest, at a maximum speed of 15 km/h. Drawn by locomotives from the 1930s, the famous P’tit Train carries between 75,000 and 80,000 passengers every season. You can leave at 9 a.m. and return with the last train in the evening, departing every 45 minutes.

At the Maumusson terminus, a 5 km hiking loop takes you around the Pointe de Gatseau to discover the wild landscapes of the Pertuis de Maumusson. At this end of the island, the beach is a sight to behold. During high tidal coefficients, the power of the waves offers a grandiose spectacle. Opposite, the Pointe Espagnole marks the wild coastline of the Arvert peninsula, with Ronce-les-Bains on the left.

The discovery train

Embark on an exciting 2.5-hour rail adventure aboard the Prestige train. At each stop, a guide shares fascinating stories about the Maumusson channel , famous shipwrecks, the Allied landings on the island of Oléron in April 1945, and anecdotes about the animals of the Saint-Trojan state forest. At the end of the tour, an aperitif “made in Oléron” awaits you by the ocean at sunset. In June, July and August, meet at the station at 5.30pm and 6.15pm for departure at 6pm and 6.45pm. Be on time for boarding!

Eating and drinking at St Trojan or Maubusson station

From April to the end of September, the Buffet de la Gare, in Saint-Trojan, offers food and refreshment before your departure. On the menu: brasserie cuisine, grill, mussels and chef’s salads. At the Maumusson terminus, the Wagon Bar awaits you every day in July and August.

The P’tit Train nocturnes

In summer, discover the nocturnes of the P’tit Train de St-Trojan with “Le Train du Soleil Couchant”. Enjoy a 2h30 ride with musical entertainment. The Wagon Bar stage comes alive with musicians and singers for an hour of entertainment. Return to Saint-Trojan at 11:30pm. Six dates are scheduled in July and August.

Practical info :

The P’tit train de Saint-Trojan runs from March 31 to Sunday September 30, during the All Saints’ vacation and the Mimosa Festival (February).
Adult price: €13, children aged 4 to 12: €10; large families: €11.50/€8.50.
For more information and reservations, visit www.le-ptit-train.com/