perpignan tourist train

The Yellow Train of the Pyrenees

A pyrenean adventure ride.

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Pyrenean adventure the Little Yellow Train 

Practical information, book yellow train tickets, train tickets for france.

Sights and excursions.

• La Cabanasse-Mont Victor : Hotel Les Mélèzes -  family hotel located 200m from the station.
• Odeillo : Auberge la Chouette – hotel and restaurant in a village location, 600 metres from the station. Online booking only for week-long stays. Chouette.fr
• Puigcerda : For a night in Spain, but just a kilometer from Bourg Madame station, the Hotel del Prado on the edge of Puigcerda gets lots of good reviews
• More hotels  in the area Click here for a choice of  more hotels in the vicinity of the Yellow Train route
• Languedoc holiday gites Check out a choice of  cottages and gites in Languedoc-Roussillon

Rail Relaxation

• Aug 1, 2023

Journey through the Spectacular Pyrenees on the Yellow Train

Are you ready for an extraordinary adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Pyrenees mountains? Hop on the famous Yellow Train, also known as "Le Petit Train Jaune," and experience a captivating cab ride from Latour-de-Carol to Olette. In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual journey through the scenic route of the Yellow Train, giving you a train driver's view of the picturesque landscapes in stunning 4K/60 frames per second.

The Yellow Train: Canary-Colored Wonder

The Yellow Train is aptly named due to its vibrant canary-yellow color. It covers a remarkable 63-kilometer journey, connecting Villefranche-de-Conflent (at an altitude of 427 meters) to Latour-de-Carol (at 1232 meters). Along the way, the train ascends 1200 vertical meters, eventually reaching Bolquère, the highest ski station in France, situated at an elevation of 1593 meters.

Electric Drive System and Remarkable Structures

The train operates on an electric drive system, with electricity provided by a third rail running alongside the track. As you embark on your journey, you'll encounter 650 stunning structures built on the route, including impressive bridges and 19 tunnels. Notably, the Séjourné Viaduct suspends 65 meters above the river Tet and the N116 main road, while the Pont Gisclard stands 80 meters above the river Tet, being the first metal railway bridge in France.

A Station of Three Gauges

An interesting highlight of the Yellow Train's route is the station at Latour de Carol. It stands out as one of the rare stations serving three different "normal" railway lines, each operating with different gauges. In addition to the metre-gauge Train Jaune, the station serves the European standard gauge SNCF line to Toulouse and the Spanish broad-gauge line to Barcelona.

Plan Your Yellow Train Journey

Before you embark on this extraordinary journey, it's essential to plan your trip. The timetable for the summer might include additional trains running the full length of the line and more frequent services between Villefranche-Vernet-les-Bains and Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via.

For those traveling from Barcelona, you have the option to take one of the infrequent high-speed trains to Perpignan and then connect to the regional train to Villefranche-Vernet-les-Bains. Alternatively, you can take the old coastal line to Cerbère and change trains to reach Perpignan.

Capture the Magic of the Pyrenees

Throughout the three-hour journey on the Yellow Train, you'll be enchanted by the mesmerizing landscapes of the Pyrenees. The valley of the Tet and Cerdan plateau offer picturesque scenery that is perfect for photography and capturing cherished memories.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an enthusiastic train aficionado, the Yellow Train promises an unforgettable experience through the heart of the Pyrenees. So sit back, relax, and let the Yellow Train take you on an unforgettable ride through the majestic landscapes of this remarkable mountain range.

Yellow train journey

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I was truly amazed by the breathtaking landscapes, the cool bridges, and the tunnels along the journey. It's a must-watch adventure, especially if you're a traveler or a train enthusiast like me! 🚂🏞️😎

Tour of Perpignan’s historic centre

The Yellow Train

The Yellow Train, also known as the canary due to its color, connects Villefranche-de-Conflent (427 metres altitude) to Latour-de-Carol (1232 metres) over a distance of 63 km, climbing 1200 vertical metres to Bolquère, the highest ski station in France at 1593 meters. The full journey takes three hours which will give you time to photograph the landscape of the valley of the Tet and Cerdan plateau.

History of the Yellow Train

The itinerary

Detailed hour sheet

• Health and Vitality
• The Museum of Cerdanya

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• Communauté de Communes Pyrénées Cerdagne
• Le bien-être en Cerdagne
• Le train jaune
• Le Musée de Cerdagne
• L'art et les traditions populaires
• Les sites solaires
• Les fortifications Vauban
• Les saveurs catalanes
• Art de vivre
• Les Neiges Catalanes
• Porté Puymorens, la station 4 saisons
• Les espaces nordiques
• La raquette et le ski de randonnée
• Activités neige
• Randonnée dans les Pyrénées
• Puigmal Pyrénées-Cerdagne
• VTT -Cyclotourisme
• Autres activités
• Les 19 villages
• Comment venir
• Taxis et location de véhicules
• Commerces et services
• Nous contacter
• Informations Office de Tourisme
• L’excursionisme als Pirineus
• El benestar a la Cerdanya
• El tren groc
• Les fortificacions de Vauban
• L’art i les tradicions populars
• Els llocs solars
• Els sabors catalans
• Restaurants
• Porté i Pimorent, el poble estació
• Les neus catalanes
• LES RAQUETES DE NEU
• Els espais nòrdics
• Les sortides d’esquí i altres activitats
• Activitats de neu
• Els 19 pobles
• informació oficina turística
• Àrees de caravanes
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• Contacteu-nos

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Situated thirty kilometres form the Spanish border, Perpignan, city of Art and History, retains from its past as the former continental capital of the kingdom of Majorca an historic centre of harmonious architecture, predominantly in the Gothic style.

Constructed at the end of the 14th century, then modified under Louis XI, the celebrated Castillet, the terrace of which gives an uninterrupted view over the roofs of the city, is the symbol of Perpignan. Once you have passed through the imposing fortified entrance, stroll along the little streets of shops, then set off to discover the treasures of the old town: the 14th-18th century Cathedral of St John the Baptist, topped with a wrought-iron bell tower, the choir of which has a 17th century marble altarpiece and whose Devout Christ chapel holds a 14th century woodcarving of Christ; the old funeral cloister of Saint-Jean from the beginning of the 14th century - the Campo Santo - the largest and oldest of this type in France; the Place de la Loge with its remarkable Gothic style building, the Loge de Mer; a palace-fortress of the Kings of Majorca from the 13th and 14th centuries, and its gardens overlooking the town; the forecourt of the Town Hall with its bronze statue by the sculptor Maillol, "La Méditerranée"...

You can also enjoy a moment of relaxation, ambling around the heart of the Bir Hakeim square or along the majestic Promenade des Platanes, with its many statues.

The Castillet, which was a gateway to the town then a state prison before being classed as an Historic Building in 1889, is now home to a museum which traces the history of North Catalonia from Antiquity to the present day.

Each year, around 23 April, the festival of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia, is celebrated. Place Gambetta is transformed into a real open air bookshop, where the book is given pride of place by of publishers, writers and booksellers. Full of things to see and do, this special day is also that of the rose, which has been celebrated here since the 15th century!

Additional information Perpignan

Catalan city par excellence, Perpignan takes place in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales , in the heart of the Occitania region. Situated about thirty kilometers from the Spanish border, this city of art and history is located in the center of the Roussillon plain, about ten kilometers from Canet-en-Roussillon and the Mediterranean Sea.

Former Continental Capital of the Kingdom of Majorca between 1276 and 1344, Perpignan was born in the ninth century. But it was not before the end of the 10th century that the city really took off, becoming capital of the counts of Roussillon. Long Spanish, the Catalan city will have to wait until the middle of the XVIIth century to join the kingdom of France.

Very attached to its roots and its Catalan culture, Perpignan is today mainly a tourist city. The charm of its atmosphere, its architectural heritage and its festive events make it an ideal place to spend holidays in the south of France.

Things to see and do

Fortress palace of the fourteenth century, the palace of the Kings of Majorca dominates the plain and the valley of Roussillon. Surrounded by gardens, it has been listed in the Historical Monuments, and classified for its old door of the sixteenth century. Of gothic style under Oriental influence, it allows notably to appreciate the palace Majorcan of James II. On two levels, the gardens offer a breathtaking view of the Canigou massif, the Mediterranean Sea, Força Réal , or the plain of Roussillon. Today, the site is the scene of many festivities throughout the year.

Former entrance to the ramparts, the Castillet now houses a Catalan museum of popular arts and traditions. Classified as a Historical Monument, the 14th-century building housed a prison for a while and is a fine example of military architecture in the region.

The lodge of Mer and the town hall form a beautiful medieval ensemble. The first, in Gothic style, used to serve as a commercial court, and now houses a cafe. The town hall was built in the 14th and 17th centuries.

The religious buildings are numerous in Perpignan, starting with the cathedral Saint-Jean-Baptiste built between the fourteenth and the sixteenth century. In southern Gothic style, it has been classified as a Historic Monument. The oldest funerary cloister in France, the Campo Santo takes place by his side, but is unfortunately more whole. Not far from there, Saint-Jean-le-Vieux is an old Romanesque collegiate church today partly disused. Also classified as a Historic Monument, it has a beautiful southern white marble portal. The beauty of the 13th-century Saint-Jacques church, Sainte-Marie-et-Saint-Pierre church of Château-Roussillon, the Minimes convent and Notre-Dame-la -Réal which dates from the fourteenth century.

The fortifications of Perpignan are made up of all the military constructions that surround the city. In addition to Castillet, the palace of the Kings of Majorca and the Citadel, one can discover during walks the telescope of Canet, as well as part of the ramparts.

In the center you can admire the Casa Xanxo, a beautiful Gothic house from the beginning of the 16th century, or the Saint-Martin church rebuilt in the 1920s in a mixture of Art Deco and Neo-Romanesque.

Several museums take place in Perpignan, like the Hyacinthe-Rigaud Museum. It reveals beautiful collections of paintings and decorative arts, including works by Pablo Picasso. You can also discover the Museum of Natural History, as well as the Museum of Coins and Medals Joseph Puig.

The natural heritage of Perpignan is also of great interest. You will love to stroll in the square Bir-Hakeim or on the promenade of the plane trees with its beautiful statues.

Do not miss to go to the station of Perpignan, this one was designated by the painter Salvador Dalí, as the center of the world.

Leisure activities

Places of interest, events and festivities.

Perpignan offers markets every day, Monday to Sunday. Fairs are also held at various times of the year. On Saturdays, the city highlights the antique dealers in the Maillol alleys, while a medieval market is organized every October. In December, the Christmas market takes place in the city.

During Holy Week, a festival of sacred music is offered in Perpignan.

Around April 23, Sant Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia, transforms Place Gambetta into a large book market, also celebrating the rose according to a 15th century tradition.

Every Good Friday, the city offers its Sanch procession, an annual Catholic ceremony of Catalan culture.

In June, you can discover the art book and film festival.

In July and August, the city offers concerts as part of the jazz aperitifs, the musicals and the Têt en fête festival, not to mention the Live at the Campo festival!

During the summer, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca hosts the Eté 66 festival.

The start of the school year is punctuated by the international photojournalism festival "Visa pour l'image".

Dedicated to jazz music, Jazzèbre is a festival offering various concerts between September and October.

At Christmas, a Ferris wheel is installed in the town of Perpignan.

Detailed information

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

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Related articles Perpignan

To Perpignan by train

With eurostar and tgv.

Quickly to the heart of Perpignan

• From € 90 one-way trip with TGV
• Travel time Amsterdam – Perpignan 9.41 hrs with TGV
• Every day via Brussels and Paris
• Tip! Early booking = lowest prices

Symbol of Perpignan is Le Castillet en Casa Pairal: the old gateway to the city. The towers were used as a prison in the 17th and 18th centuries, but now houses a museum about the history of Perpignan. Palais Rois Majorque, the palace of the kings of Mallorca in the 13th century, is also worth a visit.

If you prefer nature the botanical garden, Jardin Exotique Dique Dorry, is a must-see. Here you can admire 13,000 square metres of tropical and Mediterranean flora. Perpignan's range of shops is modest, but there are a number of nice boutiques and markets. Placa Cassanyes, with its exotic spices, carpets and snacks, is the most colourful market in the city.

Travel information Perpignan

With the train you'll be Perpignan before you know it. You can travel with Eurostar to Paris or will the all-stations train or Intercity to Brussels. There you change over to TGV. During your trip, you’ll have all you need to able to relax in our comfortable seats.

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Prices train tickets Perpignan

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Standard / eurostar standard.

• Change without charge up to 1 hour before departure
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• Limited availability
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• Change without charge up to 48 hours after departure
• Cancel without charge up to 48 hours after departure

Almost always available

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Changing trains

For a lot of destionations, you will have to change trains in Brussels South/Midi or in Paris. At Brussels-South/Midi, follow the signs 'Eurostar' until you reach the main hall. The large information panels will indicate the platform from which your TGV will depart. More information about transfers

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