The seagull train at Saujon station (17)

On April 25, 1868, the Compagnie du Chemin de Fer de la Seudre was created, which took years of negotiations, studies, research for financing and war (1870-1871), before being put into operation on August 28, 1875. At the time, it took 1h45 to connect Pons to Royan. the 8 April 1876, the track is completed between Saujon and La Trembladethe time to complete the stations of the line, and on June 25 of the same year the 10:20 a.m. train inaugurated the start of the line!
It’s here last and only line departmental still preserved in Charente-Maritime. This is why it comes back to life thanks to the combined efforts of the Department, owner of the line, and the association of volunteers “ Trains & Traction » that makes the trains run.
It is the heritage of the Charentais-Maritimes which is thus preserved and presented as in a living museum. Think that in 1890, there were only dirt roads, on which one traveled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, but at a walk (ie 5 km/h)! The arrival of the railway corresponds to the arrival of the progress. We could now travel to 35 km/ht carry heavy loads.
This new means of transport allowed the economic boom of the territory by allowing Oysters to be delivered faster and further! By allowing the transport of exploited timber in the Coubre forest and the sel salt marshes in the basin “Marennes Oleron”. The whole peninsula is developing.

Today, the line closed by the SNCF in 1980, welcomes you again between Saujon & La Tremblade. The train travels 21 km and crosses 69 level crossings, after leaving Saujon, you pass through 6 stations : Fontbedeauwhere the train does not stop, Mornac Sur Seudre where a stop allows passengers to be dropped off or picked up, then Chaillevette, Arvert, Etaules ; these last 2 stations will not be served. Then, finally the terminus The Tremblade.

The FIVES-LILLE locomotive n°3716, 112 years old, will find a second life by traveling on the Train des Mouettes line on the Arvert peninsula. Thanks to your help, dear donors, the volunteers of the T&T association will be able to carry out a Major General Overhaul (GRG) following the original plans and nomenclature. Make your donations at: www.fondation-patrimoine.org/les-projets/locomotive-fives-lille-n3716

Seagull Train
3 green path – 17600 Saujon
05 46 05 37 64