France - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services: Difference between revisions
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===Lourches (Poste 2) – Somain (Poste 3)=== | ===Lourches (Poste 2) – Somain (Poste 3)=== | ||
[fiche 17] (ERA | [fiche 17] (ERA 26B2; ''7C1'') FR19/660 | ||
This double track line provides an alternative route to the single track direct line between Douai and Cambrai. It is used by one peak hour service. | |||
{| class="ostable" | {| class="ostable" | ||
Line 796: | Line 798: | ||
|SSuX | |SSuX | ||
|''843408'' | |''843408'' | ||
|Lille Flandres - 18: | | Lille Flandres - 18:10 Somain - Cambrai | ||
|} | |} | ||
It | It has been used in the past by summer dated weekend ''TER Mer'' Busigny <==> Cambrai <==> Calais Ville trains. However, according to Cambrai Ville station staff, the 2018 services were booked to run non-stop via the direct route. Prospective travellers in future years are therefore advised to make local enquiries. | ||
This route was used by additional services for the ''Lille Braderie'' market on 1/2 September 2018. | |||
===Aulnoye-Aymeries avoiding line: Berlaimont (Bifurcation de Berlaimont) – Leval (Bifurcation de Leval Est)=== | ===Aulnoye-Aymeries avoiding line: Berlaimont (Bifurcation de Berlaimont) – Leval (Bifurcation de Leval Est)=== |
Revision as of 21:54, 17 December 2018
Introduction
Timetable Information
It has not been possible to obtain access to the working timetable in recent years. The entries in this list therefore derive from:
- services which can be adduced from public timetable information (such as occasional pre-planned engineering diversions where these are shown in the journey planners) for which an explanation is given
- services where the same train / timings apply as in the last accessed working timetable and where it may therefore be assumed that the same "obscure" routing applies
- services for which the routing has been confirmed subsequently.
Therefore for some entries this list does not represent the service for any specific timetable period and it is not planned to update these entries with each timetable change. For some entries where the service is particularly sparse or difficult to deduce, individual trains are listed and the compilers will endeavour to update these entries with each timetable change. Entries marked FR19/ are based on the timetable commencing 9 December 2018, unless otherwise stated. Standard abbreviations are explained in General Information.
Dates of Running
SNCF has some of the most complex patterns in Europe of dates on which some trains run, such that they can be very cumbersome to express in words. The entries thus show just the basic pattern, such as weekdays only or weekends only. The letter 'D' denotes a train whose dates of operation are seasonal or variable. Users should use the SNCF journey planner to determine on which dates a train runs.
The timetable fiches do not normally cover the whole year. A new series usually comes into force in July, but not all régions seem to adhere to the same July date. These summer/autumn fiches are not normally available until June. Check also when reading the timetable fiches for dated entries, fiches being reissued after they have come into force (and hence not necessarily available at the time of compiling this page) and gaps in the period covered (which can give rise to a 'hidden' suspension of service). Owing to this complex situation users should not rely on this page being up to date at all times and should check on the SNCF journey planner. Check for alterations in consequence of strikes, engineering works and of service reductions at holiday periods at SNCF Grandes lignes, Île de France or the TER regional websites.
Engineering Diversions
The headings for routes which have a habit of re-appearing reasonably regularly for engineering diversions are retained but this is no guarantee that such diversions will be scheduled during any given timetable year. Where examples of usage are given to assist in identifying relevant trains, users should compare these with the timetable for the period in which they are interested - where the details are the same then it may be expected that the routing will be the same. Reports to bring entries up to date will be welcomed. If any reader can provide details from the train service databases the compilers will be very pleased to hear from them.
LGVs
Details are not generally given below of spurs linking to Lignes à Grande Vitesse (LGVs) (except in the cases of a few little-used or particularly obscure spurs). An overall schematic of LGVs is available at http://florent.brisou.pagesperso-orange.fr/LGV.gif while a more detailed plan identifying the lines used by Trains à Grande Vitesse (TGV) trains beyond the LGV system is here. More detailed schematic plans of all LGVs can be found via this list; these plans should be consulted to identify all the various spurs on and off LGVs and it should be assumed that TGVs make maximum use of LGVs on their line of route.
Where reference is made to TGV services, this should be taken to include Eurostar, Thalys, Ouigo and Izy trains as appropriate, where the context so permits and unless otherwise indicated (but remember that Ouigo and Izy trains may not show up on Voyages-SNCF or HAFAS-related on-line journey planners - only on their dedicated websites).
Table Numbers/Fiches
No overall French public timetable in tabular form is now issued, so table numbers cannot be quoted. Lines are listed by local government Région so, for local services, the number of the TER fiche is quoted. These can be downloaded through the TER regional websites: select the relevant Région and follow Horaires & Trafic > Fiches Horaires or Votre Fiche Horaires or Fiches Horaires à télécharger or Horaires / Travauz / Grèves.
Regions
From 2016 the Régions (which date only from 1982) have been merged into super-Régions, although the pre-2016 regional names continue to be used by SNCF - and herein. The super-Région names are shown in parentheses alongside the old in the lists below.
There are no entries for the following Régions: Corse (Corse); Haute-Normandie (Normandie); Midi-Pyrénées (Occitanie)
Maps
Map references for each route entry are given in parentheses ( ). References prefixed "ERA" refer to the European Railway Atlas France & Benelux Regional Series 2016, by M.G.Ball. An additional map reference in italics for some entries refers to the Schweers+Wall Atlas Ferroviaire de la France Band 1 Nord, dated 2015.
SNCF's most recent on-line passenger destinations map is misleading: see the General Information Maps page for mapping information.
Obscure services
Alsace Région (Grand Est)
Mulhouse
(ERA 72C1; 69B1) FR19/1
Three possible routes exist for TGVs between Strasbourg and Belfort-Montbéliard TGV (or beyond) to traverse the Mulhouse area.
- (a) by means of the original main line via Mulhouse-Dornach, with reversal in Mulhouse Ville
Trains with a stop of 9 minutes or more at Mulhouse and taking 46 minutes or less to/from Strasbourg are highly likely to take this route.
- (b) via the Contournement de Mulhouse and Raccordement de Wanne: Lutterbach (Haut-Rhin) (Bifurcation de Lutterbach) – Mulhouse (via Mulhouse Nord)
This route enables these trains to avoid reversal at Mulhouse. It may be assumed that trains spending only 3-5 minutes at Mulhouse Ville run this way as they do not have time for a reversal. The compilers would welcome confirmation (or contradiction) that the following trains take this route.
TGV6827 | Nancy - 13:47 Strasbourg - Nice | ||
TGV Inoui9580 | Frankfurt (Main) Hbf - 16:12 Strasbourg - Marseille St-Charles | ||
TGV6831 | Metz Ville - 18:33 Colmar - Lyon Part Dieu | ||
TGV9896 | Montpellier Saint Roch - 11:23 Mulhouse Ville - Luxembourg | ||
TGV Inoui9582 | Marseille St-Charles - 12:55 Mulhouse Ville - Frankfurt (Main) Hbf | ||
TGV9898 | Marseille St Charles - 15:01 Mulhouse Ville - Luxembourg | ||
TGV6866 | Marseille St-Charles - 21:03 Mulhouse Ville - Strasbourg |
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/1/10/Mulhouse_1.jpg/50px-Mulhouse_1.jpg)
- (c) via Mulhouse-Dornach – Brunstatt
This direct curve, to the west of Mulhouse, between the Colmar line near Mulhouse-Dornach and the Belfort line near Brunstatt, enables trains to avoid Mulhouse altogether. The train listed does not call at Mulhouse so is assumed to use this curve as trains have in previous years.
TGV6882 | Montpellier Saint-Roch - 18:54 Belfort Montbéliard TGV - Metz Ville |
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/c/c0/Mulhouse_3.jpg/50px-Mulhouse_3.jpg)
(Flüh [Switzerland] –) frontier – Leymen – frontier (– Rodersdorf [Switzerland])
(ERA 72C1; 69C2) FR19/2
BLT operate through France - see Swiss table > 505 - over this route which is not linked to the French national network.
(Vendenheim –) Mundolsheim – Strasbourg via ligne 1 bis on the west side of Hausbergen Yard
(ERA 31A5, not shown; 39B1-B2) FR19/3
Track 1 bis runs on the west side of the main lines, veering away at Mundolsheim station to run "behind" Hausbergen yard and coming back alongside the main lines at the south end of the yard, near the PRS / Poste 1. This line may be used by trains booked more than the usual 15/16/17 mins between Mommenheim and Strasbourg. At January 2018 it was reported as being used (and booked) by the following train:
SSuX | 86383 | Saarbrücken Hbf - 15:30 Mommenheim - Strasbourg |
In the opposite direction, track 2 bis runs on the east side of the yard, virtually parallel to the main lines. It seems most unlikely it would be used as there is no operational reason for this and it creates further conflictions at Vendenheim.
The compilers would welcome reports of actual use by the cited train - or any others, in either direction.
Aquitaine Région (Nouvelle Aquitaine)
Raccordement de la Grave: St.Loubès (La Grave d'Ambarès Supérieure) – Ste.Eulalie-Carbon-Blanc (Bifurcation de la Grave)
(ERA 73A2) FR19/50
An east <=> south curve linking the high level (Angoulême) and low level (Saintes) lines. In the past this curve was used by late evening trains southbound to Bordeaux and by early morning and late evening ones northbound from Bordeaux. This pattern probably still applies but details of individual trains are no longer available to the compilers.
The following train had been identified as using this route in previous years. The compilers would greatly appreciate confirmation they still do and details of any other trains observed taking this route, another train previously reported as using this route has been observed not doing so on the real time train location website.
SSuX | 865021 | Angoulême - 13:33 Libourne - Bordeaux St Jean |
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/8/86/Raccordement_de_la_Grave.jpg/50px-Raccordement_de_la_Grave.jpg)
Auvergne Région (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Raccordement de St.Germain-des-Fossés: Vichy - Roanne
[fiche 06] (ERA 75A4) FR19/100
This east <=> south curve is used by through trains between Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand via Vichy when not scheduled to call at St.Germain-des-Fossés. It is now the north <=> east main line, from St.Germain-des-Fossés station towards Roanne, that has the less frequent service - see fiche 06.
St.Germain-des-Fossés - Roanne
[fiche 06] (ERA 75A4) FR19/101
This east <=> north curve is used by trains between Lyon and St-German-des-Fossés. This used to be the main line to Roanne, but after the east to south curve was built the service on the this curve has reduced considerably.
Intercités 4402 | Nantes - 11:32 St-Germain-des-Fossés - Lyon Perrache | ||
Intercités 4406 | Nantes - 19:40 St-Germain-des-Fossés - Lyon Perrache | ||
Intercités 4504 | Lyon Perrache - 7:11 Roanne - Nantes | ||
Intercités 4506 | Lyon Perrache - 16:39 Roanne - Nantes |
Basse-Normandie Région (Normandie)
Raccordement de Folligny: Bifurcation km 74,0 – Bifurcation km 74,9
[fiche Caen-St Lo-Coutances-Granville-Rennes] (ERA 69A4; 26C2) FR19/150
This curve provides a direct connection between Coutances and Granville. Since 9/12/2018 all trains south of Coutances take this curve and call at Granville, rather than taking the former route to Folligny which now has no service.
Bourgogne Région (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
Raccordement de Saincaize (Nevers avoiding line): La Guerche-sur-l'Aubois – Saincaize
(ERA 75A5; 69B2) FR200
There are no regular services over this west <==> south curve but it is used for diversions (as in August 2016) when the line north of Nevers is blocked.
Raccordement de Laroche-Migennes: Poste 5 (station south side) - Poste 4 (main line)
[fiche DIJON-LAROCHE-AUXERRE (TER directs et omnibus)] (ERA 71A2, not shown; 50D4) FR201
Used by through trains between Auxerre-St.Gervais and Dijon Ville, between Laroche-Migennes (station south side, voie K, where the trains reverse) and St.Florentin-Vergigny. The east end connection with the former PLM main line at Poste 4 is a grade-separated junction, with separate pair (up) and impair (down) raccordements.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/4/49/Raccordement_de_Laroche_Migennes.jpg/50px-Raccordement_de_Laroche_Migennes.jpg)
Raccordement de Perrigny (Dijon): Bifurcation Raccordement Belfort - Perrigny Bifurcation km 318 Chagny lines
(ERA 71C1; 66C4) FR202
A 2013 high level link south of Dijon between the Dole and Beaune lines, forming part of the non-LGV link between LGVs Rhin-Rhône and Sud-Est. It avoids conflicts with the ground level routes through the yards and is used by through TGVs between Strasbourg and Lyon or beyond except those booked to avoid the Dijon area altogether and call at Lons-le-Saunier (TGV6836/7 and 6874/5). Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/6/60/Dijon.jpg/50px-Dijon.jpg)
Meursault (Bifurcation km 363,0) – Santenay-les-Bains (Chagny ex-Poste 4) via Chagny ex-Poste 3bis and Raccordement Nevers
[fiche DIJON-AUTUN-ETANG-NEVERS] (ERA 75C5; 78A2-B2) FR203
Used by trains between Dijon and the Montchanin branch when not scheduled to call at Chagny. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/b/b6/Chagny_1.jpg/50px-Chagny_1.jpg)
Meursault (Bifurcation km 363,0) – Chagny (west side platforms) via Chagny ex-Poste 3bis
(ERA 75C5; 78A2-B2) FR18/204
This route was used by trains between Dijon and the Montchanin branch when scheduled to call at Chagny, where they reversed in the west side platforms 4 or 5 (track A, B or C). As at December 2017 there do not appear to be any trains booked to take this route.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/a/ae/Chagny_2.jpg/50px-Chagny_2.jpg)
Rully (Chagny (Poste 1)) – Chagny (west side platforms)
[fiche MONTCHANIN-CHALON] (ERA 75C5, not shown; 78B2, not shown) FR205
Used by through trains between Chalon sur Saône and the Montchanin branch, which call at Chagny in the west side platforms 4 or 5 (track A, B or C). Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/2/2c/Chagny_3.jpg/50px-Chagny_3.jpg)
Bretagne Région (Bretagne)
Redon avoiding line: Severac – Avessac
[fiche FH04 Rennes Redon Nantes] (ERA 69A2; 43A4) FR250
Used by those trains between Nantes and Rennes scheduled to call at neither Redon nor Angers St. Laud.
Centre Région (Centre)
Les Aubrais/Orléans Area
(ERA 70B2; 48C4) FR300
The ‘classic’ main lines from Paris to Tours and Vierzon (- Bourges/Limoges) split at Les Aubrais, north of Orléans, bypassing the city centre to the north-west and east respectively. The original main line continues southwards from Les Aubrais to Orléans, which is a terminal station. There are direct curves from Orléans west to the Tours line and east to the Vierzon line. The majority of regional services use these curves whereas there is a much thinner service over the main lines from Les Aubrais avoiding Orléans station:
- towards La Chapelle-St.Mesmin [fiche 2.1], used by Intercités services between Paris Austerlitz and the Tours line
- towards St.Cyr-en-Val-La-Source [fiches 1.3, 1.4], used by Intercités services between Paris Austerlitz and Vierzon or beyond.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/c/c2/Orleans.jpg/50px-Orleans.jpg)
St.Pierre-des-Corps (Poste 4) – Bifurcation de Tours [ – Monts (Indre-et-Loire)]
[fiche 2.5] (ERA 70A1, not shown; 60D3) FR301
This east <=> south curve from St. Pierre-de-Corps to the Poitiers main line is used by TGVs and Intercités running between St-Pierre-des-Corps and Bordeaux. Local trains normally run direct between Monts and Tours, although any exceptions which run via St-Pierre-des-Corps (and hence use this curve) would be shown on fiche 2.5.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/a/a3/Tours4.jpg/50px-Tours4.jpg)
St.Pierre-des-Corps (poste 4) – Bifurcation Grammont [ – Saumur or Chateau-du-Loir]
[fiches 2.6 and 2.8] (ERA 70A1; 60D3) FR18/302
This east <=> west connection bypassing Tours is used by trains running directly between St.Pierre-des-Corps and the Saumur and Château-du-Loir [- Le Mans] lines. Other trains for these lines run direct from or to Tours. Some trains run from or to Tours via St.Pierre-des-Corps, reversing there, but the fiche can be misleading for these trains, with Tours and St.Pierre-des-Corps appearing out of sequence chronologically. Travellers are therefore advised to check the timings carefully to establish the exact route of the train.
SSuX | TER60152 | 06:03 Saumur Rive Droite - St Pierre-des-Corps | |
IC4402 | Nantes - 07:48 Saumur Rive Droite - Lyon-Perrache | ||
D | IC13020 | Caen - 11:13 Château du Loir - Tours | |
SSuX | TER57210 | Caen - 13:23 Château du Loir - Tours | |
D | IC13022 | Caen - 15:05 Château du Loir - Tours | |
IC4406 | Nantes - 15:57 Saumur Rive Droite - Lyon-Perrache | ||
D | FSSuX | TGV5314 | Nantes - 16:57 Saumur Rive Droite - Lyon-Perrache |
D | SuX | IC13030 | Tours - 09:17 St Pierre-des-Corps - Caen |
SuO | TER57238 | Tours - 09:18 St Pierre-des-Corps - Caen | |
D1 | IC4504 | Lyon-Perrache - 12:03 St Pierre-des-Corps - Nantes |
D1: Not 7 to 21 Sept, 24 to 28 Sept 2018
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map
![](/w/images/thumb/b/b9/Tours5.jpg/50px-Tours5.jpg)
Bourges avoiding line: Marmagne – St.Florent-sur-Cher
[fiche 4.1] (ERA 74C5; 75B1) FR303
This west <=> south curve is used by trains between Vierzon and St.Florent-sur-Cher not scheduled to call at Bourges.
Bellébat turning circle (Musée des Transports de Pithiviers)
(ERA 70C2, not shown; 49A2-A3) FR304
See their website. Normally, trains arrive and depart by the long arc of the balloon loop at Bellébat. Exceptionally, the first train of the day arrives, and the last train of the day leaves, by the short arc here instead.
Champagne-Ardenne Région (Grand Est)
Raccordement Trois Puits: Champagne-Ardenne TGV – Trois Puits [ – Reims]
[fiche C01 Sedan - Charleville-Mézières - Reims - Paris] (ERA 71B4; 17A4-B4) FR350
This link with LGV Est is unusual in that through Paris <=> Reims TGVs (not calling at Champagne-Ardenne TGV) use it, as also do non-TGV shuttle trains (navettes) making connections at Champagne-Ardenne TGV - using bay platforms there.
Note that the fiche 'C31 Navettes gare Champagne-Ardenne TGV' listed in the table seems not to exist.
Raccordement direct de Chalindrey (Culmont-Chalindrey avoiding line): Andilly (Culmont-Chalindrey Bifurcation Raccordement Est) – Le Pailly (Culmont-Chalindrey Bifurcation Raccordement Sud)
(ERA 71C2; 67B1) FR19/351
This route was used by servics between Nancy and Dijon not scheduled to call at Culmont-Chalindrey. There are no such trains in the current timetable.
Vouziers - Challerange
(ERA 71B5; 18B3) FR18/352
Used until 2017 by CFT du Sud des Ardennes trains as an extension of their normal operations only during their Fête du Rail weekend - usually in mid-August. The line is owned by SNCF Réseau and, in view of the condition of the track, permission to operate has not been given for 2018. The line is expected to transfer to other (presumably local authority) ownership, when CFTSA hope to resume operations over the Attigny - Vouziers - Challerange section.
Franche-Comté Région (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
Besançon-Franche-Comté TGV east curve
(ERA 72A1; 67D4) FR19/401
This curve was used by direct TGVs between Mulhouse and Besançon Viotte. There are no such services in the current timetable. This may be a temporary situation owing the the number of services being reduced whilst major engineering work is taking place at Lyon Part Dieu.
Note that trains between Besançon-Franche-Comté TGV station and Besançon Viotte use the west curve.
Île-de-France Région (including Paris) (Île-de-France)
The LGV Interconnexion runs through the country to the east of Paris and links LGVs Nord, Est, Sud-Est and (by a connection via the southern part of the Grande Ceinture) Atlantique; it is used by all TGVs between these routes. The Petite Ceinture which ran around central Paris is mostly closed, while the Grande Ceinture, which runs round the outer suburbs, is partly closed, partly freight-only and partly used for suburban services; it only carries regular passenger services transferring from one main line to another as shown below.
St.Denis – Pantin (Villette Poste 2) (via La Chapelle Poste 6)
(ERA 66A3; 31B:A2) FR450
This is a combination of the links between the Paris Nord and Paris Est main lines via Evangile signalbox. It is used only by the weekday Calais Ville <==> Venezia SL (or elsewhere) VSOE trains as between Calais and Paris Est: visit the VSOE website for dates and times. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/7/79/Eastern_Paris_1.jpg/50px-Eastern_Paris_1.jpg)
Garges-Sarcelles (Bifurcation Pierrefitte Sud) – Noisy le Sec
(ERA 66A4-A3; 31B:A1-A2) FR451
This is a section of the Grande Ceinture circular freight route round Paris, linking the Paris Nord and Paris Est main lines. It is used only by the VSOE train between Paris Est and Calais Ville on Sunday mornings, instead of route FR450. Visit the VSOE website for dates and times. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/6/67/Eastern_Paris_2.jpg/50px-Eastern_Paris_2.jpg)
Raccordement de Lieusaint: Le Creusot-TGV (Bifurcation de Crisenoy) – Combs-la-Ville-Quincy
(ERA 66B1; 31C4-D4) FR452
This is the former northern end of the LGV Sud-Est, now little used (a few trains are routed this way for engineering works or pathing purposes) as most TGVs to and from Paris Gare-de-Lyon run via Triangle de Coubert (Bifurcation Sud – Bifurcation Ouest), joining the main line from Gare-de-Lyon at Bifurcation de Creteil, north of Villeneuve Triage.
Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy or Le Creusot-TGV (Bifurcation de Valenton) – Les Saules
(ERA 66A2; 31B:B4) FR453
This connection between LGV-Interconnexion and the Grande Ceinture is used by all TGVs between LGVs Sud-Est, Est or Nord and LGV Atlantique. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/c/c8/Les_Saules.jpg/50px-Les_Saules.jpg)
Massy TGV – Chemin d'Antony (Bifurcation km 23,4)
(ERA 65C2; 31A:D4) FR454
This connection between LGV Atlantique and the Grande Ceinture is used by all TGVs between LGVs Sud Est, Est or Nord and LGV Atlantique. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/d/da/Massy-Palaiseau.jpg/50px-Massy-Palaiseau.jpg)
Paris-Bercy-Bourgogne-Pays d'Auvergne
(ERA 66A3; 31B:A2) FR455
This station is an annexe to Paris Gare-de-Lyon, being located behind carriage sidings outside the station. Relatively little use used to be made of the facility but there are now various regular services [e.g. Bourgogne fiche DIJON-LAROCHE-SENS-PARIS (TER directs)]. Trains also use the goods lines (M1 and M2) to access the station.
Paris Gare de Lyon Banlieue – Villeneuve St.Georges
(ERA 66A3-A2; 31B:A2-B4) FR456
Between the throat of Gare de Lyon and Villeneuve St.Georges there are three sets of tracks - not always following exactly the same alignment - in passenger use: 1. fast lines (1 and 2); 2. suburban or slow lines (1bis and 2bis), and 3. erstwhile goods lines (1M and 2M). The M tracks - which have platforms at most stations - have been observed being used by passenger stock but no definitive information of regular loaded workings is available - reports welcomed.
Villeneuve St.Georges – Vigneux sur Seine
(ERA 66A2; 31B:B4) FR457
Between Villeneuve St.Georges and Vigneux sur Seine there are three pairs of tracks: 1. 1B and 2B; 2. 1C and 2C, and 3. 1M and 2M. The B tracks are used by RER line D trains, the M tracks by through trains between LGVs north or east of Paris and the Orléans main line via Valenton [the last were Brive-la-Gaillarde <=> Lille TGVs withdrawn June 2016]. No definitive information of other regular loaded use is available - reports welcomed.
Vigneux sur Seine – Juvisy
(ERA 66A2; 31B:A4) FR458
Between Vigneux sur Seine and Juvisy there are two pairs of tracks: 1. 1C and 2C, and 2. 1M and 2M. The northbound track 1M crosses over the Orléans main lines and back again by two bridges north of Juvisy. The C tracks are used by RER line D trains, the M tracks by through trains between LGVs north or east of Paris and the Orléans main line via Valenton [the last were Brive-la-Gaillarde <=> Lille TGVs withdrawn June 2016] and have been observed being used by other passenger stock but no definitive information of other regular loaded use is available - reports welcomed.
Juvisy (PLM-side) – Athis-Mons (via TER tracks)
(ERA 66A2, not shown; 31B:A4, not fully shown) FR459
Through RER line C trains use Orléans-side platforms (Quais F, G and H). Juvisy RER line C turn-back trains generally use PLM-side platforms (Quai C), reached by tracks 1 TER (inbound - train codes JILL and JADE) and 2 TER (outbound via overbridge). Together, these save such trains having to make the flat crossing movement which would be necessary if Quai E were used.
Dourdan-la-Forêt
(ERA 65B1, not shown; 31A4) FR460
Dourdan-la-Forêt is a dead-end single platform beyond Dourdan station on a track parallel to the Vendôme line, but separated from it by carriage sidings. It is used by those RER line C4 trains so advertised. Note that there is no service from mid July to late August.
Paris Montparnasse Vaugirard
(ERA 65C3; 31B:A2) FR461
This station is an annexe to Paris Montparnasse and comprises additional platforms adjacent to the main running lines about 0.5km from the main station, for those trains so advertised (including - from 10 December 2017 - Ouigo services with Rennes and Nantes).
Versailles Chantiers – St.Cyr l'École
(ERA 65B3, not shown; 31A:C3-B3) FR462
Main line trains from Paris Montparnasse to Plaisir Grignon or beyond (including Granville line trains) do not use the main lines between Versailles and St.Cyr but a separate alignment (tracks M1/M2 - formerly freight) via Versailles-Matelots, to the north. The east end access to this route - at the west end of Versaille Chantiers - is for westbound trains to use the diveunder, from platforms G, H or J, and for eastbound trains to use the curve on the north side to the RER line C (B1/B2) tracks (rather than the diveunder); there are, however, exceptions to both these general practices.
No trains have been identified as using the flat junction (Bifurcation de Granville), just west of St.Cyr station, to gain access to the Granville line. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/3/32/Versailles.jpg/50px-Versailles.jpg)
Épluches (Bifurcation d'Épluches) – St.Ouen-l'Aumone-Liesse (Bifurcation de Liesse (Nord))
(ERA 65C5; 31A1) FR18/463
Some TER line H trains between Paris Nord and Persan Beaumont (usually for Beauvais or beyond) with a non-stop journey time of 35 or more minutes (instead of the normal 27-30 mins) use this route to avoid a conflicting movement on the route via Montsoult-Maffliers.
Each summer in recent years a single SSuO round trip between Paris Nord and Auvers-sur-Oise has operated via this route, advertised locally
D1 | SSuO | RER20601 | 09:38 Paris Nord - Auvers sur Oise (arr 10:22) |
D1 | SSuO | RER20606 | 18:32 Auvers sur Oise - Paris Nord (arr 19:05) |
D1: 7 Jul to 14 Oct 2018; also 15 Aug, not 1 to 23 Sep, 6, 7 Oct
Note that because of engineering works, revised arrangements (which may not involve the use of this route) may apply on some dates.
Raccordement de Bezons and Raccordement de la Folie: Houilles Carrières sur Seine (Bifurcation de Bezons) – Puteaux (Bifurcation de Puteaux)
(ERA 65C4-C3; 31A:D2) FR464
This west <=> south connection is an alternative to the Mantes la-Jolie - Plaisir Grignon - Versailles line during engineering work.
Raccordement de Piquettes: Mantes la-Jolie – Rosny-sur-Seine
(ERA 65A4, not shown; 30B2) FR465
This curve connects the south side of Mantes-la-Jolie station (Rouen platforms) and the Le Havre line. It may be used if a train from Paris to the Le Havre line needs to be overtaken by a fast service from Paris to the Rouen line, though this may be necessary only if the ‘slow line’ Rouen platforms are occupied by terminating trains. Any train to the Rouen line calling at platforms F to H must use the Raccordement. The following train has been observed using this route and appears to be booked to use platform H.
D | SuX | 850003 | Paris St. Lazare - 06:44 Mantes la-Jolie - Rouen |
The compilers would welcome further observations on use of this curve.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/e/ee/Mantes-le-Jolie.jpg/50px-Mantes-le-Jolie.jpg)
Provins - Villiers-St.Georges
(ERA 71A5; 32:C4) FR18/466
AJECTA has resumed occasional excursions over this 15 km section of SNCF freight line. Trains are advertised 23 - 29 July 2018 (festival du patrimoine de Seine et Marne) and 27 October (train de la Citrouille).
Languedoc-Roussillon Région (Occitanie)
Raccordement de Narbonne: Lézignan (Bifurcation Raccordement Nord) – Port La Nouvelle (Bifurcation Sud)
(ERA 78C3) FR18/500
This curve avoiding Narbonne is used by two dated train pairs.
D1 | AVE/TGV9726 | Barcelona Sants - 19:56 Perpignan - Toulouse-Matabiau | |
D* | 3730 | Cerbère - 18:54/19:03/19:29 Perpignan - Toulouse-Matabiau [- Paris Austerlitz] | |
D* | 3731 | [Paris Austerlitz -] Toulouse-Matabiau - 08:05/08:07 Lézignan - Port Bou | |
D1 | TGV9729 | Toulouse-Matabiau - 08:59 Carcassonne - Barcelona Sants |
D1: 27 June - 25 September 2018
D*: the dates of running are too complex to list
Rhône West Bank (Rive Droite) line: Givors Canal – Nîmes (Poste 1) and branches
(ERA 75C2-79C4) - see FR801
Lorraine Région (Grand Est)
Novéant – Onville
[fiches L28 and L30] (ERA 72A4; 36A1) FR550
This section of the former Paris - Metz main line has a service of trains direct between Metz and Onville, some continuing to Bar le Duc (fiche L28) and others to Conflans-Jarny and either Verdun or Longwy (fiche L30).
Bouzonville – Niedaltdorf (Germany)
(ERA 72A5-B5; 20B3-C2) FR18/551
This line has no regular service but a special shuttle service has operated from Dillingen in conjunction with the Good Friday market at Bouzonville - see Germany route Niedaltdorf – Bouzonville (France). However, freight traffic ceased in 2013 on this line, of which the German section is reportedly to be sold or closed completely. The 2018 service, which was similar to that in previous years, ran on 30 March every two hours from 09:10 to 17:10 from Dillingen (Saar) and 10:15 to 16:15, then 17:45 from Bouzonville.
Sarrebourg avoiding line: Sarraltroff – Réding
[fiche L19 Strasbourg - Metz section] (ERA 72B4; 55B3) FR552
This is used by 'classic' trains between Metz and Strasbourg not calling at Sarrebourg. Non-stop TGVs run via the LGV Est; see FR553.
For the other two sides of the triangle:
- [Berthelming -] Sarraltroff - Sarrebourg: see fiche L19 Strasbourg - Metz section
- Sarrebourg - Réding: see fiche L19 Strasbourg - Nancy section
Raccordement de Lucy: Rémilly (Bif. km 124,255) - Lesse (Bif. km 306)
(ERA 72A4; 36C2) FR553
This north west <=> south east connection, south east of Rémilly, is used by TGVs between Luxembourg, Metz and Strasbourg transferring between the Alsace-Lorraine 'classic' line and the section of LGV Est east of here.
Raccordement de Lucy is the opposite angle from the curve which allows through running between Paris and the Alsace-Lorraine 'classic' line east of here, which formed the eastern exit from LGV Est until 2016 but which is now used only if LGV Est east of here is blocked.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map. Pending redrawing of the map, note that the eastern and western junctions on LGV Est are both grade-separated (flyovers).
![](/w/images/thumb/7/72/LGVEst2.jpg/50px-LGVEst2.jpg)
Woippy – Maizières-lès-Metz (via Woippy-Triage (west side))
[fiche L01B Metz - Hagondange - Thionville - Luxembourg] (ERA 72A4, not shown; 20A3) FR554
Some local passenger trains are scheduled to use this route (voies 1B/2B) for pathing purposes; the actual routing is therefore particularly susceptible to the timekeeping not only of the train itself but of those around it. Likely trains can usually be distinguished in the timetable by being allowed longer between Metz Ville and Hagondange. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/4/4f/Metz_1.jpg/50px-Metz_1.jpg)
Raccordement d'Uckange: Uckange (Bif. d'Uckange) – Hayange (Bif. de Florange)
[CFL website plus fiche L01B Metz - Hagondange - Thionville - Luxembourg] (ERA 63C2, 20A3) FR554A
This line avoiding Thionville enables trains to run direct between Metz and Longuyon.
The line between Luxembourg and Bettembourg was completely closed from 10 to 18 February 2018 and two pairs of Monday to Friday rush hour trains between Luxembourg and Metz were diverted via Rodange, Longuyon and Uckange, non-stop to/from Uckange. These diversions are likely to be repeated during a long blockade in July-August 2018.
Contournement de Metz: Metz Ville – Woippy
[fiche L01B Metz - Hagondange - Thionville - Luxembourg] (ERA 72A4; 20A4) FR555
The original Metz - Thionville line provides an alternative route to the west of the current main line of 1908. Trains using this line arrive and depart at the south end of Metz Ville station, instead of the north. Non-stop trains booked 17 or more minutes between Metz and Hagondange, or 22 or more minutes between Metz and Thionville, might be expected to run this route as it is 4.5km longer than the main line. The following train was observed in April 2018 taking this route:
SSuX | 837682 | 14:09 Metz Ville - Thionville, |
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/1/19/Metz_2.jpg/50px-Metz_2.jpg)
(Esch sur Alzette [Luxembourg] – ) frontier – Audun-le-Tiche
(ERA 72A5; 19C2) FR556
CFL > Télécharger les horaires > Trains nationaux > Afficher > 60c operate into France over a route not linked to French national network.
(Dudelange-Usines [Luxembourg] – ) frontier – Volmerange-les-Mines
(ERA 72A5; 19D2) FR557
CFL > Télécharger les horaires > Trains nationaux > Afficher > 60A operate into France over a route not linked to French national network.
(Lasauvage Carreau [Luxembourg] – ) frontier – Saulnes
(ERA 72A5, not shown; 19C2) FR558
Minièresbunn Doihl asbl (MBD) operates a 700mm gauge preserved mining line into France.
Nord Pas-de-Calais Région (Hauts-de-France)
Note on Dates: A number of curves in this region have been used by TER Mer summer "dated" weekend services to the coast. As the timetable information for these services is not published until the start of the summer, it is not known at the time of the December timetable change. If shown, these entries will therefore carry the previous year ("FRyy") and contain the previous summer's information, until updated with the information for the current summer. From summer 2017 the programme was marketed as "éTER en Hauts-de-France" .
Calais Fréthun (Bifurcation de Riviere Neuve) – Pont de Coulogne (Bifurcation de Coulogne)
[fiche 12] (ERA 67B4; 1B1) FR18/651
This curve avoiding Calais Ville is used in summer 2018 by "dated" weekend Lille Flandres/Arras <==> Boulogne/Rang-du-Fliers-Verton trains shown non-stop between Hazebrouck and Wimille-Wimereux. Note that this route is not used by TGVs to/from Boulogne, which reverse at Calais Fréthun using a connection off the LGV line. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/c/c9/Calais.jpg/50px-Calais.jpg)
E1 | SSuO | 846909 | Lille Flandres - 08:01 Hazebrouck - Rang-du-Fliers-Verton |
E1 | SSuO | 846919 | 09:25 Lille Flandres - Boulogne Ville |
E1 | SSuO | 846962 | Boulogne Ville - 17:10 Wimille-Wimereux - Arras |
E1 | SSuO | 846935 | Rang du Fliers - 17:48 Wimille-Wimereux - Lille Flandres |
E1: Runs 7, 8, 21, 22 July and 4, 5, 18, 19 August 2018.
Lambersart (Bifurcation de St.André) [A] or Lompret (Bifurcation de 4 Maisons) [B] – Santes (Bifurcation de la Tortue) [C] or Haubourdin (Bifurcation de Haubourdin) [D] (via Sequedin)
(ERA 64A3; 3B1-A1) FR18/652
This freight line to the west of Lille, the middle section of which passes Lille Dèlivrance Triage and Sequedin, has triangular junctions at each end (hence the title given above). Route [B] <=> [D] 1s used by a summer "dated" weekend Dunkerque train. See L’ÉTER (Saturdays) and L’ÉTER (Sundays). Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/9/96/Lille_Delivrance.jpg/50px-Lille_Delivrance.jpg)
D1 | SSuO | 846926 | Hirson - 08:41 St Amand les Eaux - Dunkerque [assumed for 2018] | |
D1 | SSuO | 846926 | 19:30 Dunkerque - Hirson [route taken on 4 August 2018] |
D1: Runs 7, 8, 21, 22 July and 4, 5, 18, 19 August 2018
Note that train 846924 Jeumont - Dunkerque does not take this route.
Lesquin (Bifurcation de Lesquin) – Bifurcation du Mont de Terre – Raccordement de Ronchin – Lille Porte de Douai (Bifurcation de la Justice)
(ERA 64A3; 3B1) FR18/653
This freight line on the south side of Lille avoids the main station area. It is common with the Bif. de Lesquin – Lille Poste 2 connection between Bif. de Lesquin and Bif. du Mont de Terre.
E1 | SSuO | 846926/27 | Hirson - 08:41 St Amand les Eaux - Dunkerque [assumed for 2018] | |
E1 | SSuO | 846926 | 19:30 Dunkerque - Hirson [route taken on 4 August 2018] |
E1: Runs 7, 8, 21, 22 July and 4, 5, 18, 19 August 2018.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/b/b8/Lille_2.jpg/50px-Lille_2.jpg)
Lille Flandres Avoiding Line: La Madeleine (Jonctions du Lion d'Or) – Ronchin (Bifurcation des Sourds et Mouets)
(ERA 64A3; 3B1) FR17/654
No use in 2018. This freight line links the lines which diverge at the throat of Lille Flandres station. It was used by a summer 2017 "dated" weekend Dunkerque train, which ran on normal passenger lines via Béthune in 2016 and in 2018 on 4 August 2018 ran via FR17/652 and 653. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/b/b2/Lille_4.jpg/50px-Lille_4.jpg)
Lille Flandres Avoiding Line: La Madeleine (Jonctions du Lion d'Or) – Lille-Flandres Point Z – Lille-Europe AS
(ERA 64A3, not shown; 3B1) FR18/655
This freight line links the Lille-Flandres - Tourcoing line with the LGV Nord via the Raccordement de Becquerel, which descends alongside the Remisage de Lille Fives TGV Depot. It is common with the previous entry between Jonctions du Lion d'Or and Lille-Flandres Point Z. It is used by Ouigo TGVs between Tourcoing and Marseille, Nantes and Rennes: visit the Ouigo website for details of services to/from Tourcoing. Part of the route is also used by TGV services from Lille Flandres to Paris and other destinations via L'Aeroport Charles de Gaulle.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/1/16/Lille_5.jpg/50px-Lille_5.jpg)
Lille Flandres (Bifurcation des Sourds et Mouets) – Bifurcation du Mont de Terre – Lesquin (Bifurcation de Lesquin)
(ERA 64A3; 3B1) FR17/656
No use in 2018 as on 4 August 2018 the previous years TER MER train ex Dunkerque ran via FR17/652 and 653. This freight line on the south side of Lille links the Bethune line tracks from Lille Flandres station and the Lille Avoiding Line with the Valenciennes line. It is common with the Bif. de Lesquin – Bif. de la Justice connection between Bif. du Mont de Terre and Bif. de Lesquin.
Raccordement d'Avion: Pont de Sallaumines (Bifurcation de Sallaumines Ouest) – Avion (Bifurcation d'Avion)
(ERA 64B2; 7A1) FR657
This east <=> south curve avoiding Lens is used for diversions when the Arras - Douai line is blocked and trains are shown with extended journey time.
Raccordement de Sallaumines: Sallaumines (Bifurcation d'Epinette) – Coron de Méricourt (Bifurcation du Sallaumines)
(ERA 64B3; 7A1) FR658
This north <=> east curve avoiding Lens is used for diversions when the Lille - Douai line is blocked and trains are shown with extended journey time.
Arras Raccordement Nord: Arras (Bifurcation 199,6km) – Lille (Bifurcation 161,94km)
(ERA 64C3; 7A1) FR659
This west <=> north spur, linking Arras station with the LGV Nord-Europe to the north, is used by trains running non-stop between Arras and Lille (whether -Flandres or -Europe stations) in less than 25 minutes; trains taking 33 minutes or more use the 'classic' line via Douai.
In addition to long distance TGVs, the spur is used also by:
• two TERGV commuter trains [fiche Ligne 01 Amiens Arras Lille] each way between Arras and Lille-Europe
• the Izy Thalys non-stop services between Bruxelles Midi and Paris Nord: visit the Izy website for details of services, which use the LGV between Brussels and Arras but the 'classic' main line south thereof. See also the Amiens avoiding line
Lourches (Poste 2) – Somain (Poste 3)
[fiche 17] (ERA 26B2; 7C1) FR19/660
This double track line provides an alternative route to the single track direct line between Douai and Cambrai. It is used by one peak hour service.
SSuX | 843408 | Lille Flandres - 18:10 Somain - Cambrai |
It has been used in the past by summer dated weekend TER Mer Busigny <==> Cambrai <==> Calais Ville trains. However, according to Cambrai Ville station staff, the 2018 services were booked to run non-stop via the direct route. Prospective travellers in future years are therefore advised to make local enquiries.
This route was used by additional services for the Lille Braderie market on 1/2 September 2018.
Aulnoye-Aymeries avoiding line: Berlaimont (Bifurcation de Berlaimont) – Leval (Bifurcation de Leval Est)
[fiche 17] (ERA 68A1; 8B2) FR661
This line, which passes to the south of Aulnoye-Aymeries station, is used by two Monday to Friday Hirson <==> Lille round trips not scheduled to call at Aulnoye-Aymeries.
It was also used by summer dated services in summer 2017:
E1 | SSuO | 846926 | Hirson - 08:00 Avesnes - Dunkerque |
E1 | SSuO | 846952 | Dunkerque - 21:01 Valenciennes - Hirson |
E1: Runs 7, 8, 21, 22 July and 4, 5, 18, 19 August 2018
Pays-de-la-Loire Région (Pays-de-la-Loire)
Sablé-sur-Sarthe Triangle
[fiche Ligne 28] (ERA 69C2; 45C4) FR19/680
This triangular junction provides a link southwards from the LGV BPL to the 'classic' Le Mans - Angers [ - Nantes] line at Sablé-sur-Sarthe.
- The east <=> south curve (Raccordement de Sablé-sur-Sarthe) enables TGVs to run between Paris and Angers [ - Nantes]. This curve is used by all such trains which do NOT call at Le Mans. However, it appears that the majority of TGVs which call at Le Mans, or perhaps all such trains, use the ‘classic’ line between Le Mans and Angers. The only train which was identified as running via the Raccordement in 2018, as it overtook a preceding TER, no longer does so. The compilers would greatly appreciate reports of any TGVs taking this route between Le Mans and Angers.
- The west <=> south curve (Virgule de Sablé-sur-Sarthe: Laval (SEI 75 Auvers) - Sablé-sur-Sarthe) enables TER trains to run direct between [Rennes - ] Laval and Angers [ - Nantes].
Picardie Région (Hauts-de-France)
Amiens avoiding line: Boves (Bifurcation de Longueau Sud) – Lamotte Brebière (Bifurcation de Camon)
(ERA 67C1 ; 6B4-C4) FR700
This curve is used by:
• the Izy Thalys non-stop services between Bruxelles Midi and Paris Nord: visit the Izy website for details of services, which use the LGV between Brussels and Arras but the 'classic' main line south thereof. See also the Arras Raccordement Nord
• the [London Victoria <==>] Calais Ville <==> Venezia SL VSOE train as between Calais and Paris Est: visit the VSOE website for dates and times.
Barreau de Jussy (Mennessis avoiding line): Jussy (Bifurcation de Flavy-le-Martel) – Montescourt (Bifurcation Jussy)
[fiche Ligne 25 Amiens - Tergnier Laon / St-Quentin] (ERA 71A5; 16B1) FR701
This curve connects the Chaulnes - Tergnier and St.Quentin - Tergnier lines north of Mennessis. Trains between Amiens and St.Quentin not scheduled to call at Tergnier use this line.
Ormoy-Villers – Bifurcation Ageux – (a) Longueil-Ste.Marie or (b) Le-Meux-Croix-St.Ouen (Bifurcation Rivecourt)
[fiches Ligne 20 Laon Crépy-en-Valois Paris and Ligne 24 St-Quentin Tergnier Compiègne Paris] (ERA 70C4-C5; 15D4-D3) FR702
This electrified line connects the Paris Nord - Laon and Creil - St.Quentin lines, with a triangular junction at the north end. It is used only when the following diversions are advertised:
- (a) between Paris and Laon (with reversal at Ormoy-Villers) where extended journey times and bus substitution south of Ormoy-Villers apply [fiche Ligne 20]
- (b) between Paris and Compiègne or beyond when shown non-stop with a journey time of circa 51+ minutes (instead of the normal 40 minutes) [fiche Ligne 24].
Poitou-Charente Région (Nouvelle Aquitaine)
Raccordement Juillé and Raccordement Villognon (north of Angoulême)
(ERA 73C3, not shown correctly - see this schematic plan instead) FR725
These two links north of Angoulême between LGV SEA and the 'classic' line are about 7.25km apart but function as a single grade separated junction. The more northerly raccordement (Juillé) is normally used by northbound TGVs serving Angoulême and the more southerly (Villognon) by southbound TGVs. These came into service 2 July 2017.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur [PACA] Région (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur)
Raccordement Grand Sud: Avignon TGV (Bifurcation Km 624,0/624,2) – Manduel-Redessan (Suze SEI71 (Bifurcation Km 5,2))
(ERA 79C4) FR19/750
The third side of the Triangle des Angles, west of Avignon TGV station, is used by some direct servics between Marseille and Nîmes or beyond.
D | AVE9731 | Marseille St Charles - 08:43 Avignon TGV - Madrid Puerta de Atocha | |
D | AVE9724 | Madrid Puerta de Atocha - 20:25 Nîmes - Marseille St Charles |
It is almost certainly used by the following services which run non-stop between Marseille and Montpellier Sud de France, but the compilers would appreciate confirmation of this.
IC4658 | 08:34 Marseille - St Charles Bordeaux-St-Jean | ||
D | IC4764 | 14:18 Marseille - St Charles Bordeaux-St-Jean | |
IC4657 | Bordeaux-St-Jean - 12:52 Montpellier Sud de France - Marseille St Charles | ||
IC4663 | Bordeaux-St-Jean - 18:52 Montpellier Sud de France - Marseille St Charles |
L'Estaque – Marseille St.Charles
[fiche Ligne 07] (ERA 79B3-B2) FR751
There are two routes between [Miramas -] L'Estaque and Marseille St.Charles: the main line running direct and a more indirect line via the dock area. Trains calling at Arenc-Euroméditerranée use the latter route; these trains may use lines on either side of Marseille Maritime Arenc yard (north of Arenc-Euroméditerranée station), which are reversible. All other trains use the main line.
Raccordement des Chartreux: St.Berthelmy – Marseille Blancarde
[fiche Ligne 07] (ERA 79B2) FR19/752
This curve bypassing Marseille St. Charles to the north is used by TGVs to/from Toulon and beyond not calling at Marseille St.Charles. The local services which ran by this route in 2018 have been withdrawn owing to issues with line occupation.
Rhône-Alpes Région (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Rhône West Bank (Rive Droite) line: Givors Canal – Nîmes (Poste 1) and branches
[the southern portion of this line is in Languedoc-Roussillon Région (Occitanie)]
[fiche 05] (ERA 75C2-79C4) FR17/800
This line runs parallel with the Lyon to Montpellier main line between Givors and Nîmes, though mostly on the opposite bank of the River Rhône, principally as a freight and diversionary route. There are intermediate links between the two routes at St.Rambert d'Albon, Livron and Avignon Centre, and few passenger trains run the full length of the West Bank line. The line is used fairly regularly by passenger trains diverted for engineering work. Certain diverted trains can be identified when they are advertised to call at St.Péray or Le Teil (such calls may appear in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes fiche 05). These stations are on the West Bank line, and are retained so that passengers may board or alight from diverted trains near Valence and Montélimar, respectively.
For such diversions, readers should check for themselves by means of the TER Rhône-Alpes website, fiche 05 and its associated engineering work notices.
The following sections of route are used from time to time.
- (a) Givors Canal – St.Rambert d'Albon
Look for extended running times and omitted Vienne stops but no St.Péray stops.
- (b) Givors Canal – Livron (via St.Péray)
Look for omitted Vienne and Tain l'Hermitage stops but still calling at Valence
- (c) Givors Canal – Loriol (Livron south junction) (via St.Péray)
Look for St.Péray stops but not calling at Vienne or Valence
- (d) Givors Canal – Avignon Centre
Look for St.Péray and Le Teil stops but omitted Vienne stops and still calling at Avignon Centre
- (e) Givors Canal – Nîmes (Poste 1) (via Remoulins)
Look for St.Péray and Le Teil stops and omitted Vienne stops but running direct to Nîmes without calling at Avignon Centre
- (f) Salaise (St.Rambert d'Albon north junction) – Livron (via St.Péray)
Look for St.Péray stops and still calling at Valence
- (g) Salaise (St.Rambert d'Albon north junction) – Loriol (Livron south junction) (via St.Péray)
Look for St.Péray stops but still calling at Vienne
- (h) Salaise (St.Rambert d'Albon north junction) – Avignon Centre (via Le Teil)
Look for St.Péray and Le Teil stops but still calling at Avignon Centre
- (i) Salaise (St.Rambert d'Albon north junction) – Nîmes (Poste 1) (via Remoulins)
Look for St.Péray and Le Teil stops but running direct to Nîmes without calling at Avignon Centre
- (j) Livron – Avignon Centre (via Le Teil)
Look for Le Teil stops
- (k) Livron – Nîmes (Poste 1) (via Remoulins)
Look for Le Teil stops but running direct to Nîmes without calling at Avignon Centre
- (l) Avignon Centre – Nîmes (Poste 1) (via Remoulins)
Look for trains which normally call at Tarascon but where those stops are omitted - see Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur fiche 11 bis
Ambérieu avoiding line: Ambronay-Priay – Torcieu
(ERA 75C3) FR801
Used by TGVs between Bourg-en-Bresse and Aix-les-Bains-le-Revard not scheduled to call at Ambérieu.
Culoz avoiding line: Seyssel-Corbonod – Vions-Chanaz (Bifurcation de Chambéry
[fiche 51] (ERA 76A3) FR802
Used by trains between Bellegarde and Aix-les-Bains-le-Revard not scheduled to call at Culoz (most of them). The few trains between Bellegarde and Aix-les-Bains-le-Revard scheduled to call at Culoz reverse in platform C and use a connection from that platform towards Bellegarde. Culoz platforms A and B (the normal platforms for Bellegarde trains) are some distance away from platforms C/D/E. The connection from platform C towards Bellegarde is therefore some distance away from the line through platforms A and B towards Bellegarde. Some people may consider these as being two separate routes.
Raccordement Valence TGV - Sillon Alpin Sud: east - south connection at Valence TGV
(ERA 75C1) FR19/803
This east <=> south curve between the Grenoble - Valence line and LGV Méditerranée - via Valence TGV platform 5 - was used by TGVs running between Grenoble and points south on the LGV Méditerranée. One train each way between Marseille St. Charles and Annecy ran at weekends in July and August 2016.
This train is reported to have run for the last time on 4 November 2018, leaving this curve with no service.
It is the opposite angle from the grade-separated Raccordement de Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence which allows through running between Valence and points north via LGV Sud Est.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
![](/w/images/thumb/c/c3/Raccordement_du_Sillon_Alpin.jpg/50px-Raccordement_du_Sillon_Alpin.jpg)
Montmélian avoiding line - Raccordement de Montmélian
(ERA 32B3) FR19/804
This curve was used in summer 2018 by a train between Grenoble and Modane, not calling at Montmélian. There is no such train in the timetable as at December 2018.
Trams
See France - Tram services over obscure routes
Other sparse services
Away from the LGVs and main lines to and from Paris, SNCF provide some of the least frequent services in Europe on their cross-country, secondary and tertiary lines. To list those with a poorer frequency than might be expected elsewhere would be tedious. However, the following lines have - on several working days of the week - no more than a single round trip, or have no service on some working days, or are restricted to seasonal or "dated" service. Careful study of the Régional TER fiches is therefore strongly recommended. "Better service" may still be limited compared to standards elsewhere.
Readers should also take particular notice of lines listed as Particularly Threatened
Alsace Région (Grand Est)
fiche A 08* | Saales - St.Dié-des-Vosges | *(fiche Strasbourg Saales St.Dié Epinal). Better service at weekends. Service should be restored to more normal level by 2021 on completion of relaying and other work. |
Aquitaine Région (Nouvelle Aquitaine)
fiche 33 | Le Verdon - Pointe-de-Grave | Summer service only; Pointe-de-Grave does not appear on the fiche outside the summer |
Hendaye – Irún (Spain) | There have been no standard gauge services from Hendaye to Irún since December 2017. The only cross-border services are broad gauge trains: 310 and 313 (Hotel trains from/to Lisboa Santa Apolonia) and IC 280 from A Coruña . |
Auvergne Région (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
fiches 66, 81 | Neussargues - St Chély-d'Apcher |
Basse-Normandie Région (Normandie)
fiche ** | Trouville-Deauville - Dives-Cabourg | ** (fiche Dives Cabourg-Trouville Deauville-Paris). Summer service plus winter weekends (except 11 January - 29 March 2018) |
Bourgogne Région (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
fiche ** | Clamecy - Corbigny | ** (fiche CORBIGNY/CLAMECY/AVALLON-AUXERRE-PARIS BERCY) |
Bretagne Région (Bretagne)
fiche 09 | Retiers - Châteaubriant | Better service at weekends. However, line will be closed from 21 October 2017 until December 2018 for relaying work. |
fiche ** | Auray - Quiberon | Summer service only (note ** = fiche is at TER Bretagne website, but "hidden" under Loisirs et Tourisme > Lignes touristiques$$ > Tire Bouchon (= Corkscrew) and the current version is not usually available until the summer
$$ accessed by clicking on the 'Les trains touristiques' tab!) |
Languedoc-Roussillon Région (Occitanie)
fiches 31, 32 | Mende - Le Monastier-Pin-Moriès [ - Marvejols] |
Lorraine Région (Grand Est)
fiche L02 | Thionville – Apach – frontier (– Perl [Germany]) | Weekend service only |
Poitou-Charentes Région (Nouvelle Aquitaine)
fiche 10 | Bressuire - Chantonnay | Better service on summer weekends |
Deletions since previous edition
None |
Deletions from Other Sparse Services section
Bretagne Région | Morlaix - Roscoff | Bus since June 2018 on account of track washout |
Lorraine Région | Thionville – Bouzonville | Bus since April 2016 with no resumption date announced so presumed closed |