The old and the new in Alsace

This year is very much the year of the train in Alsace with the reopening of a popular steam train from the 1900’s and the launch of the TGV East high speed train link. Having arrived in Alsace on a train capable of reaching 574.8 km per hr (the speed reached by a TGV East train on its world record run in April) revisiting the sedate splendor of yesteryear, and enjoying the slightly less blurred view one gets at a mere 40 km per hr, may well make for an interesting comparison!

On May 27th the popular steam railway reopens in Volgelsheim which is 20 km south east of Colmar. The Phantom steam train, built in 1904, runs from Volgelsheim to Marckolsheim and passes through some stunning countryside with great views of the river Rhine.

On arrival in Marckolsheim passengers can take a one and a half hour boat trip along the Rhine and into the Grand Reid on a classic barge from the 1930’s, before returning by steam to Volgelsheim. The Grand Reid is a beautiful marshland area that is inhabited by rare birds, beavers and otters.

On June 10th The TGV East high speed train link opens which will reduce journey times to Alsace by almost half. The trains themselves will be state of the art and will travel faster (320 km per hr) than any other TGV in Europe. Journeys will be made in luxury and comfort with interiors designed by Christian Lacroix, increased leg room throughout, personal power outlets, family areas (with built-in board games), business areas (with spaces for lap-tops and wireless internet) and a variety of dining options. The level of service is also being improved, from buying tickets online to arranging taxis through the conductor.

On November 14th St Pancras International train station, the new home for Eurostar, opens in London. As well as providing a new level of comfort and style for Eurostar passengers the opening will reduce journey times to the north east of France by a further 20 minutes, meaning that from London to Strasbourg will take only 4 hours and 15 minutes.

For the dedicated railway enthusiast there is always the National Railway Museum (citedutrain.com) in Mulhouse. The museum houses some magnificent examples from the history of railway such as Empress Eugenie’s parlour car decorated by the architect Viollet-le-Duc, the PR1 decorated in the Art Déco style with Lalique glass panels and used by all Heads of State from 1925 to 1971 and the Bugatti “Presidential” railcar which is equipped with four engines from the Bugatti Royale and was the holder of the world speed record in 1937 having reached 196 km per hr.

For more information on all that is happening in Alsace, including the opening of the TGV East, please visit Tourism-alsace.com.