France - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services
Obscure Routes
General
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 this list does not represent the service for any specific timetable period and it is not planned to up-date entries with each timetable change. 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.
With the exception of a few little-used or obscure spurs, details are not given of all the spurs linking to Lignes à Grande Vitesse (LGVs). It may be assumed that Trains à Grande Vitesse (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 and Thalys trains as appropriate. For an overall plan of LGV lines and connecting lines used by TGV trains follow this link.
No overall French public timetable in tabular form is now issued (so table numbers cannot be quoted). Lines are listed by local government Région and, for local services, the number of the TER fiche is quoted. These can be downloaded through the TER website > Région > Fiches Horaires > fiche.
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 proposed new names (they have to be approved by central government by 1 October 2016) are shown in parentheses alongside the old in the lists below.
There are no entries for the following Régions: Corse (unchanged); Limousin (Nouvelle Aquitaine); Haute-Normandie (Normandie); Pays-de-la-Loire (unchanged); Poitou-Charentes (Nouvelle Aquitaine).
Obscure services
Alsace Région (Grand Est)
Contournement de Mulhouse and Raccordement de Wanne: Lutterbach (Haut-Rhin) (Bifurcation de Lutterbach) – Mulhouse (via Mulhouse Nord)
(ERA 31B4-B5) FR17/1
Enables those TGVs between Strasbourg and Belfort-Montbéliard TGV (or beyond) shown to call at Mulhouse to avoid reversal there. In the 2016-2017 timetable most trains run via this route and it may be assumed that trains spending only 3-4 minutes at Mulhouse Ville do not have time for a reversal and run this way.
| TGV9580 | Frankfurt(Main) Hbf - 16:15 Strasbourg - Marseille St-Charles | ||
| SSuO | TGV6827 | Strasbourg - 18:31 Colmar - Marseille St-Charles | |
| SSuO | TGV6898 | Marseille St-Charles - 11:26 Mulhouse Ville - Strasbourg | |
| TGV9582 | Marseille St-Charles - 12:55 Mulhouse Ville - Frankfurt(Main) Hbf | ||
| D | TGV9896 | Montpellier - 15:02 Mulhouse Ville - Luxembourg | |
| TGV6874 | Marseille St-Charles - 18:04 Mulhouse Ville - Strasbourg |
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Contournement de Mulhouse and Raccordement de Dornach: Mulhouse Dornach – Rixheim (via Mulhouse Nord)
[fiche 15] (ERA 31B4-B5) FR2
This route (which partly overlaps the preceding entry) enables trains from the Basel direction to approach Mulhouse station from the west, and vice versa. It is only used when engineering work blocks the direct line between Rixheim and Mulhouse, by local trains (which may be advertised with extended running time between those points). Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Mulhouse-Dornach – Brunstatt
(ERA 31B4 not shown) FR17/3
This direct curve, to the west of Mulhouse between the Colmar line near Mulhouse-Dornach and the Belfort line near Brunstatt, enables TGVs between Strasbourg and Belfort-Montbéliard TGV (or beyond) to avoid Mulhouse if not calling there.
| TGV6839 | 06:23 Strasbourg Ville - Montpellier Saint-Roch | ||
| TGV6827 | 18:36 Strasbourg Ville - Marseille St. Charles | ||
| SSuX | TGV6899 | Marseille St. Charles - 10:52 Belfort Montbéliard TGV - Strasbourg Ville | |
| D | TGV6882 | Montpellier Saint-Roch - 18:53 Belfort Montbéliard TGV - Strasbourg Ville |
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
(Flüh [Switzerland] –) frontier – Leymen – frontier (– Rodersdorf [Switzerland])
(ERA 31C5 - not shown) FR4
BLT operate through France - see Swiss table > 505 - over this route which is not linked to the French national network.
Aquitaine Région (Nouvelle Aquitaine)
Raccordement de la Grave: St.Loubès (La Grave d'Ambarès Supérieure) – Ste.Eulalie-Carbon-Blanc (Bifurcation de la Grave)
(ERA 28C2, not shown) FR50
An east <=> south curve linking the high level (Angoulême) and low level (Saintes) lines. From the 2011/2012 timetable the following trains, mainly in the early morning and late evening, were scheduled via this curve. It cannot be guaranteed that their current equivalents continue to do the same. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
| FSSuO | 5241 | Lille Flandres - 21:32 Angoulême - Bordeaux St Jean | |
| FO | 8467 | Paris Montparnasse - 20:29 Angoulême - Arcachon | |
| FSSuO | 8469 | Paris Montparnasse - 22:42 Libourne - Bordeaux St Jean | |
| FX | 8479 | Paris Montparnasse - 20:29 Angoulême - Bordeaux St Jean | |
| FO | 8491 | Paris Montparnasse - 00:54 SO Libourne - Bordeaux St Jean | |
| 8549 | 18:29 Paris Montparnasse - Toulouse Matabiau | ||
| FO | 8579 | 19:29 Paris Montparnasse - Toulouse Matabiau | |
| MSSuX | 865023 | Coutras - 06:12 St Loubes - Bordeaux St Jean | |
| MSSuX | 865035 | Coutras - 05:45 Libourne - Bordeaux St Jean | |
| SuO | 865319 | Périgeux - 21:36 Libourne - Bordeaux St Jean | |
| SSuX | 865609 | Bergerac - 06:11 Libourne - Bordeaux St Jean | |
| SuO | 865727 | Sarlat/Bergerac - 21:52 Libourne - Bordeaux St Jean | |
| SSuX | 8406 | 05:00 Bordeaux St Jean - Paris Montparnasse | |
| MSSuO | 8408 | 05:40 Bordeaux St Jean - Paris Montparnasse | |
| SuO | 8590 | Hendaye - 21:13 Bordeaux St Jean - Paris Montparnasse | |
| MO | 865030 | 05:44 Bordeaux St Jean - Angoulême | |
| MSO | 865300 | 05:36 Bordeaux St Jean - Périgeux | |
| SuO | 865322 | 21:52 Bordeaux St Jean - Périgeux | |
| SSuX | 865540 | 06:02 Bordeaux St Jean - Limoges Bénédictins | |
| FSuO | 865608 | 21:45 Bordeaux St Jean - Bergerac | |
| SSuX | 865712 | 05:54 Bordeaux St Jean - Sarlat/Bergerac |
Le Verdon - Pointe-de-Grave
[fiche Le Verdon ... Bordeaux] (51A2) FR51
Summer only service
Auvergne Région (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Raccordement de St.Germain-des-Fossés
(47B1, not shown) FR100
Used by through trains between Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand via Vichy when not scheduled to call at St.Germain-des-Fossés.
Basse-Normandie Région (Normandie)
Trouville-Deauville - Dives-Cabourg
[fiche Dives/Cabourg - Paris] (12B1) FR150
Summer service plus winter weekends
Raccordement de Folligny
[fiche Caen - Rennes] (27A1) FR16/151
This curve provides a direct connection between Coutances and Granville. It is used between 3 July and 28 August 2016 by seasonal through trains between Caen and Granville not scheduled to call at Folligny.
| D | SSuO | TER552423 | Caen - 12:19 Coutances - Granville |
| D | SSuO | TER852431/451 | Caen - 16:39/16:42 Coutances - Granville |
| D | SSuO | TER853416 | 08:07 Granville - Caen |
| D | SSuO | TER852442 | 19:15/19:23 Granville - Caen |
Bourgogne Région (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
Saincaize avoiding line: La Guerche-sur-l'Aubois – Nevers
[Centre fiche 1.4] (47A3) FR200
Used by all trains between Bourges and Nevers. As there is now no regular service over the direct curve between La Guerche-sur-l'Aubois and Saincaize, this entry has become superfluous and will be removed at the next year-end change (December 2016).
Raccordement de Laroche-Migennes: Poste 5 (station south side) - Poste 4 (main line)
[fiche 12] (37B3, not shown) 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.
Dijon Perrigny and Gevrey Triages (Marshalling Yards)
(38B1) FR203
- (a) between the Nancy and Beaune lines: Dijon-Porte-Neuve (Bifurcation km 318,8) – Gevrey-Chambertin
- (b) between the Nancy and Bourg-en-Bresse lines: Dijon-Porte-Neuve (Bifurcation km 318,8) – Perrigny Triage Poste 3
- (c) between the Dole and Beaune lines: Neuilly-lès-Dijon (Bifurcation de Longvic) – Gevrey-Chambertin
These are all ground level connections through Dijon Perrigny Triage and also, in the case of (a) and (c), Gevrey Triage. They were used by passenger trains (including engineering diversions) between the lines mentioned when not scheduled to call at Dijon Ville; it is not clear what - if any - such use continues.
- (d) between the Nancy and Beaune lines: Dijon-Porte-Neuve (Bifurcation km 318,8) – Perrigny (Bif km 318 Chagny lines)
- (e) between the Dole and Beaune lines: Neuilly-lès-Dijon (Bifurcation de Longvic) – Perrigny (Bif km 318 Chagny lines)
The core of these two routes is a 2013 high level link - the Raccordement de Perrigny - which avoids conflicts that the ground level routes through the yards involved; the routes are shorter than (a) and (c). (e) is used by through TGVs between Strasbourg and Lyon or beyond except those booked to call at Lons-le-Saunier (TGV6836/7 and 6874/5).
Meursault (Bifurcation km 363,0) – Santenay-les-Bains (Chagny ex-Poste 4) via Chagny ex-Poste 3bis and Raccordement Nevers
[fiche 03] (48B3) FR204
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.
Meursault (Bifurcation km 363,0) – Chagny (west side platforms) via Chagny ex-Poste 3bis
[fiche 03] (48B3) FR205
Used by trains between Dijon and the Montchanin branch when scheduled to call at Chagny, where they reverse in the west side platforms 4 or 5 (track A, B or C). Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Rully (Chagny (Poste 1)) – Chagny (west side platforms)
[fiche 06] (48B3) FR206
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.
Mâcon raccordement nord: Mâcon (Bifurcation km 442,426) – Mâcon-Loché south junction
(48B1) FR207
A link between the PLM main line and the LGV used by TGVs between [Dijon Ville -] Mâcon-Ville and Lyon. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Mâcon raccordement sud: Mâcon-Loché TGV – Creches (Bifurcation km 445,296)
(48B1) FR208
A link between the PLM main line and the LGV used when engineering work blocks the LGV between Mâcon-Loché TGV and the Lyon area, whereupon extended journey times are shown. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Bretagne Région (unchanged)
Redon avoiding line: Severac – Avessac
[fiche 04] (32A2) FR250
Used by those trains between Nantes and Rennes not scheduled to call at Redon.
Auray - Quiberon
[fiche 32] (31A2) FR251
Summer only service
Centre Région (unchanged)
Raccordement Orléans-Vierzon: Orléans – St.Cyr-en-Val-La-Source
[fiche 1.4] (36A3) FR16/300
Used by those trains between Orléans station and the Vierzon line not scheduled to call at Les Aubrais.
This includes most trains Mondays to Fridays and a more limited service at weekends.
Raccordement Orléans-Tours: Orléans – La Chapelle-St.Mesmin
[fiche 2.1] (36A3) FR301
Used by those trains between Orléans station and the Tours line not scheduled to call at Les Aubrais.
St.Pierre-des-Corps – Bifurcation de Tours – [Monts (Indre-et-Loire)]
[fiche 2.5] (34B1) FR16/302
This curve from St. Pierre-de-Corps to the Poitiers main line is used by TGV trains running between St-Pierre-des-Corps and Poitiers.
Local trains normally run direct between Monts and Tours, although occasional exceptions may be found which run via St-Pierre-des-Corps and hence use this curve.
St.Pierre-des-Corps – Bifurcation Grammont – [Saumur or Chateau-du-Loir]
[fiches 2.6 and 2.8] (34B1) FR16/303
This east <=> west connection is used by trains between St.Pierre-des-Corps and the Saumur and Château-du-Loir lines. Other trains for these lines run direct from or to Tours.
Bourges avoiding line: Marmagne – St.Florent-sur-Cher
[fiche 3.1] (46A3) FR305
Used by trains between Vierzon and St.Florent-sur-Cher not scheduled to call at Bourges.
Bellébat turning circle (Musée des Transports de Pithiviers)
(25A1) FR306
See www.lafrancevuedurail.fr/pithiviers
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)
Epernay avoiding line: Ay – Châlons-en-Champagne (Epernay east junction)
[fiche Reims - Châlons] (26B3) FR16/350
This route is an alternative between Châlons-en-Champagne and Reims to that via St.Hilaire-au-Temple. No non-stop trains between Châlons and Reims have been identified in the timetables for December 2014 or 2015 and it is unlikely there have been any since the opening of the LGV Est. Its only likely use is for engineering diversions, [for example SSuO between 23 September - 30 October 2016] but check for reversals at Epernay.
Raccordement Trois Puits: Trois Puits – Champagne-Ardenne TGV
[fiche Reims - Champagne-Ardenne TGV] (27A3, not shown - see link to FR LGV Est from Rinbad website) FR351
This link with LGV Est is unusual in that not only do through Paris <==> Reims TGVs use it but so also do non-TGV trains to make connections at Champagne-Ardenne TGV (using bay platforms there).
Raccordement direct de Chalindrey (Culmont-Chalindrey avoiding line): Andilly or Chaudenay (Haute-Marne) (Raccordement Est) – Le Pailly (Culmont-Chalindrey Poste 2, Raccordement Sud)
(39A3) FR352
Used by trains (including TGVs) between Nancy and Dijon which are not scheduled to call at Culmont-Chalindrey.
Vouziers - Challerange
(16B1) FR16/353
Used 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. It does appear that their trip on 13 August 2016 may be the last, in view of the condition of the track. Indeed, their whole operation is threatened with closure.
Franche-Comté Région (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
Besançon-Franche-Comté TGV east curve
(39B3, not shown) FR16/401
Used by TGV trains between Mulhouse and Besançon Viotte. Note that trains between Besançon-Franche-Comté TGV station and Besançon Viotte use the west curve.
| D | TGV6837 | Strasbourg Ville - 12:32 Belfort-Montbéliard TGV - Marseille St. Charles | |
| D | TGV6875 | Marseille St. Charles - 16:57 Besançon-Viotte - Strasbourg Ville |
Île-de-France Région (including Paris) (unchanged)
A series of lines circles Paris, sections of which are used by trains running between the north of the France and the south and west.
The Petite Ceinture ran around central Paris and most has closed. Only that part of the western section which has been incorporated into RER line C has regular passenger services.
The Grande Ceinture runs through the outer suburbs. The southern section, between Versailles, Massy-Palaiseau and Les Saules, forms part of the suburban passenger network. The eastern section, between Valenton and Stains is used by occasional long-distance passenger trains (where such services remain). Between Sucy-Bonneuil and Bobigny GC alternative routes are available, via Neuilly- sur-Marne (Grande Ceinture Complémentaire) or via Nogent-le-Perreux (Grande Ceinture Est); this latter is shared with RER line A between Bifurcation de Nogent and Bifurcation de Noissy. The northern section, between Stains and Sartrouville has had no regular service for many years, apart from short-lived (July 2009-December 2010) experimental services of TGVs between Cherbourg and Dijon/Besançon and between Le Havre and Strasbourg; it has, for many years, been the subject of long-term proposals for re-opening for local transversal services across northern Paris. The western section, from Achères to Versailles, is currently out of use as a through route, but the middle part has been incorporated into the suburban network. Connections between the Grande Ceinture and the main lines radiating from Paris give a wide range of potential routings.
The LGV Interconnexion runs through the country to the east of Paris and links LGV Nord , LGV Est and LGV Sud-Est and, by a connection to the southern part of the Grande Ceinture, LGV Atlantique. It is used by all TGV services between these routes.
St.Denis – Pantin (Villette Poste 2) (via La Chapelle Poste 6)
(81B2) FR450
This is a combination of two links from the Paris Nord and Paris Est main lines to the Petite Ceinture (although the route does not actually use the Petite Ceinture itself). It is used by the mid-week [London Victoria <==>] Calais Ville <==> Venezia SL 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.
Garges-Sarcelles (Bifurcation Pierrefitte Sud) – Noisy le Sec
(81B3) FR452
This is the Grande Ceinture route linking the Paris Nord and Paris Est main lines. It is used by the weekend [London Victoria <==>] Calais Ville <==> Venezia SL 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.
Garges-Sarcelles (Bifurcation Pierrefitte Sud) – Villeneuve St.Georges (Poste 3) (via Bobigny GC)
(81B3 & 82A3) FR16/453
This is the Grande Ceinture route linking the Paris Nord and Paris Gare-de- Lyon main lines. There are no longer advertised services via this route and the unadvertised Lourdes pilgrimage specials - formed of "classic" loco-hauled stock, from northern France and Belgium, via this pair of routes are expected to have been superseded by TGV services via other (LGV) routes by 2017.
- (a) via Grande Ceinture Complémentaire and Neuilly sur Marne
- (b) via Grande Ceinture Est and Nogent-le-Perreux
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Garges-Sarcelles (Bifurcation Pierrefitte Sud) – Savigny sur Orge (Bifurcation de St.Martin) (via Bobigny GC)
(81B3 & 82A3) FR16/454
This is the Grande Ceinture route linking the Paris Nord and the Paris Austerlitz main lines. There are no longer advertised services via this route and the unadvertised Lourdes pilgrimage specials - formed of "classic" loco-hauled stock, from northern France and Belgium, via this pair of routes are expected to have been superseded by TGV services via other (LGV) routes by 2017.
- (a) via Grande Ceinture Complémentaire and Neuilly sur Marne
- (b) via Grande Ceinture Est and Nogent-le-Perreux
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Chenay-Gagny – Savigny sur Orge (Bifurcation de St.Martin) (via Valenton)
(81B3 & 82A3) FR455
This is the Grande Ceinture route linking the Paris Est and the Paris Austerlitz main lines. There are no longer advertised services via this route and the unadvertised Lourdes pilgrimage specials - formed of "classic" loco-hauled stock, from northern France and Belgium, via this route are expected to have been superseded by TGV services via other (LGV) routes by 2017. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Raccordements LN6 (LGV Est) – LN-I (LGV-Interconnexion) (Claye-Souilly)
(25B3, not shown) FR456
These north- and south-facing connections between LGV Est and LGV Interconnexion, south east of Mitry-Claye, are used by all TGV services between LGV Est and LGVs Nord, Sud-Est or Atlantique.
Triangle de Coubert north curve: Les Saules (Triangle de Coubert Bifurcation Ouest) – Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy (Triangle de Coubert Bifurcation Nord)
(25B2) FR457
Used by TGVs between LGV Nord and LGV Atlantique.
Le Creusot-TGV (Bifurcation de Moisenay) – Combs-la-Ville-Quincy (Bifurcation de Combs)
(25B2) FR458
This is the former northern end of LGV Sud-Est, now little used. Most TGVs to and from Paris 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. A few trains are routed via Bifurcation de Combs for engineering works or pathing purposes.
Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy or Le Creusot-TGV (Bifurcation de Valenton) – Les Saules
(82A3) FR459
A connection between LGV-Interconnexion and the Grande Ceinture, used by all TGV services between LGVs Sud-Est, Est or Nord and LGV Atlantique.
Massy TGV – Chemin d'Antony (Bifurcation km 23,4)
(82A2) FR460
A connection between LGV Atlantique and the Grande Ceinture used by all TGV services between LGV Sud Est, LGV Est or LGV Nord and LGV Atlantique.
Paris Bercy
(82A3) FR16/461
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 local services [fiches R], as well as overnight trains. They also use the goods lines (M1 and M2) to access Bercy. The station is to be renamed "Paris Bercy – Bourgogne – Pays d’Auvergne".
Paris Gare de Lyon Banlieue – Villeneuve St.Georges
(82A/B3) FR462
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
(82A/B3) FR463
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 trains, the M tracks by the through Brive-la-Gaillarde <==> Lille TGVs. No definitive information of other regular loaded use is available - reports welcomed.
Vigneux sur Seine – Juvisy
(82A/B3) FR464
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 trains, the M tracks by the through Brive-la-Gaillarde <==> Lille TGVs 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)
(82B3 - not fully shown) FR465
Through RER C trains use Orléans-side platforms (Quais F, G and H). Juvisy RER 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.
Orly Ville – Valenton (via Juvisy Faisceau de rebroussement [yard] (reverse), MVP flyover, M1/M2 tracks and Villeneuve St.Georges)
(82B3 - not fully shown) FR466
This route is used for diversions when the direct line is blocked.
Orly Ville – Juvisy (Sud-est side) (via TAC flyover)
(82B3) FR467
This route is used for diversions when the direct line is blocked.
Dourdan-la-Forêt
[fiches C] (25A1) FR468
Dourdan-la-Forêt is a dead-ended single platform on a track parallel to the Vendôme line, used by those RER C4 trains so advertised. No service mid July to late August.
Paris Vaugirard
(82A2) FR469
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.
Versailles Chantiers – St.Cyr l'École
(82A, not fully shown) FR470
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 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.
Épluches (Bifurcation d'Épluches) – St.Ouen-l'Aumone-Liesse (Bifurcation de Liesse (Nord)
[fiches H] (81A1) FR471
Some TER 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 - timings for 2015: 09:38 SSuO from Paris, 18:25 SSuO return. Note that because of engineering works, revised arrangements (which may not involve the use of this route) may apply on some dates.
Épluches (Bifurcation de Liesse (Sud)) – Eragny Neuville (Jonction d'Eragny)
(81A1) FR472
See FR473.
Eragny Neuville (Bifurcation de Conflans) – Conflans Pont Eiffel (Bifurcation de Neuville)
(81A1) FR473
Taken together with FR471 and FR472, part of alternative route (a) via Amiens when the Le Havre main line from Paris St.Lazare is blocked between Rouen and Pontoise, or (b) as an alternative to the eastern side of the Grande Ceinture.
Raccordement d'Epône:Aubergenville Elisabethville (Bifurcation de la Butte des Graviers) – Nezel Aulnay (Bifurcation des Etumiérs)
(25A3) FR474
Raccordement des Ambassadeurs: Poissy Talbot (Bifurcation des Ambassadeurs) – Achères Ville (Bifurcation d' Achères Ville)
(81B1) FR475
Taken together FR474 and FR475 are part of an alternative to the eastern side of the Grande Ceinture.
Raccordement de Bezons and Raccordement de la Folie: Houilles Carrières sur Seine (Bifurcation de Bezons) – Puteaux (Bifurcation de Puteaux)
(81B2) FR476
An alternative to the Mantes la Jolie - Plaisir Grignon - Versailles line during engineering work.
Used by TGVs between Cherbourg and Dijon/Besançon and between Le Havre and Strasbourg (in conjunction with line <a href="#SBTGS">FR451</a>) to serve Aéroport Charles de Gaulle TGV.-->
Mantes-leJolie to Rosny-sur-Seine via the Raccordement de Piquettes
(ERA1 27A4,not shown)) FR477
This curve connects the south side of Mantes-le-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 only be necessary 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. Train 850003 ( the 06:09 ex Paris St. Lazare to Rouen) has been observed to use platform H, so must have taken the Raccordement. The compilers would welcome any observations on use of this curve. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Languedoc-Roussillon Région (Occitanie)
Raccordement de Narbonne: Lézignan (Bifurcation Raccordement Nord) – Port La Nouvelle (Bifurcation Sud)
(73A2) FR16/500
This curve avoiding Narbonne is used by a dated train pair between Barcelona Sants and Toulouse Matabiau.
| D | AVE 9726 | Barcelona Sants - 19:56 Perpignan - Toulouse-Matabiau | |
| D | AVE 9729 | Toulouse-Matabiau - 08:52/08:57 Carcassonne - Barcelona Sants |
Rhône West Bank (Rive Droite) line: Givors Canal – Nîmes (Poste 1) and branches
(56B, 64B1 & 65A) - see FR801
Lorraine Région (Grand Est)
Raccordement de Frouard: Pompey (Raccordement Est) – Liverdun (Raccordement Sud)
(28B2) FR550
Non-stop trains between Metz and Toul, for the Dijon line, avoiding Nancy, in the event of engineering works.
No use of this route has been reported for a long time. Owing to the very small number of trains to which this might apply, especially since the opening of the ‘’LGV Est’’, such a diversion will be extremely rare. This entry will therefore be deleted at the end of 2016.
Novéant – Onville
[fiches 28 and 30] (28A2) FR551
This section of the former Paris - Metz main line has limited service of non-stop trains between Metz and Bar le Duc and a few trains between Metz, Onville, Conflans-Jarny and Verdun.
Lérouville east chord: Commercy (Raccordement Sud) – Onville (Raccordement Est)
(28A2) FR552
Raccordement direct de Toul: Foug (Toul Poste 1, Bifurcation Ligne 1/Racc.) – Domgermain (Toul Poste 1, Bifurcation Raccordement Sud)
(28B2) FR553
FR552 and FR553, together, provide an alternative to FR550 for trains between Metz and the Dijon line.
No use of these curves FR552 and FR553 has been reported for a long time. Owing to the very small number of trains to which this might apply, especially since the opening of the ‘’LGV Est’’, such a diversion will (while still practicable) be extremely rare. These entries will therefore be deleted at the end of 2016.
Thionville – Apach – frontier (– Perl [Germany])
[fiche 02] (18A1) FR555
Two weekend round trips; see DB Kursbuch > Kursbuchstreckennummer > 692.
Thionville – Bouzonville – Hargarten-Falck – Béning
[fiche 03] (18A1-29B3) FR16/556
The section of this route between Thionville and Bouzonville had one train each way on Mondays to Fridays only which was replaced by a bus from April 2016 owing to a shortage of guards, allegedly to be restored from 12 December 2016 timetable change. It remains a bus.
The complete route has seen very occasional diversions of through trains via Saarbrücken when the Metz - Rémilly - Forbach line has been blocked by engineering work.
Thionville – Hayange (Bif. de Florange)
[fiches 26, 27] (18A1) FR16/556A
This north <=> west curve links Thionville with the line to Longuyon and Charleville-Mézières. After a long period without a service it has seen limited use since 3 April 2016, which was increased in December 2016 with withdrawal of the direct Metz - Longuyon service - see the relevant fiches.
Bouzonville – Niedaltdorf (Germany)
(18B1) FR16/557
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 is reported to have ceased in 2013 on this line, which may therefore close completely. The specials operated in 2016; for 2017, enquire at DB, Dillingen, or check the DB online timetables.
Sarrebourg avoiding line: Sarraltroff – Réding
[fiche 21] (29B2) FR558
Used by non-TGV trains between Metz and Strasbourg not calling at Sarrebourg.
Raccordement de Henry: Lorraine TGV (SEI de Beaudrecourt) – Faulquemont (Bif. Km 4.4)
(29A3 not shown) FR558A
This south west <==> north east connection, south east of Rémilly, is used by TGV and ICE services between Paris Est and Saarbrücken. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Raccordement de Lucy: Rémilly (Bif. Km 2.5) - Lesse
(29A3 not shown) FR558B
This north west <==> south east connection, south east of Rémilly, on to the LGV Est and not the 'classic' line, is used by TGV services between Metz and Strasbourg.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Woippy – Maizières-lès-Metz (via Woippy-Triage (west side))
[fiche 01] (28B3) FR559
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.
Metz Ville – Woippy (via Contournement de Metz)
[fiche 01] (28B3) FR560
The original Metz - Thionville line provides an alternative route to the west of the current main line of 1908. Trains using FR560 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. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Raccordement de Metz Sablon: Peltre – Ars-sur-Moselle
(28B3) FR561
This curve provides a diversionary route for non-TGV/ICE trains between [Strasbourg - ] Reding and Lérouville [ - Paris Est], as an alternative to that normally used via Nancy, as well as a route between Forbach and Paris avoiding reversal at Metz Ville. Reports of any such regular usage would be welcomed by the compilers.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
As there are no longer any non-TGV/ICE trains to which this might apply, this entry will be deleted at the end of 2016.
(Esch sur Alzette [Luxembourg] –) frontier – Audun-le-Tiche
(18A1) FR562
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
(18A1) FR563
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
(17B1 - not shown) FR564
Minièresbunn Doihl asbl (MBD) operates a 700mm gauge preserved mining line into France.
Midi-Pyrénées Région (Occitanie)
Toulouse Poste 4, Bifurcation de Capdenac – Route de Launaguet – Lalande Eglise
[fiche 17] (71B3, not shown) FR16/600
Between Toulouse and St. Jory Triage is a reversible single (third) track which is the only means of serving halts at Route de Launaguet, Lalande Eglise and Fenouillet St.Alban, which have no main line platforms. North of Lalande Eglise, this third line runs parallel and adjacent to the main line but through the area of Route de Launaguet, the third track is displaced both laterally and vertically from the main line.
The only trains certain to use this route are those booked to serve these halts. A very limited SSuX local service between Toulouse Matabiau and Fenouillet St.Alban, which was probably in effect staff trains for St. Jory yard, featured in the fiches that expired in July 2015. However, although the halts are present in the August 2016 fiches no trains are booked to call at any of them.
This service has presumably been withdrawn in conjunction with LGV construction work and the line no longer used by passenger trains. The compilers would appreciate any reports of trains using the third track.
Nord Pas-de-Calais Région (Hauts-de-France)
Note: A number of curves in this region have been used by 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. 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.
Calais Fréthun (low level platforms) – Lille Europe (PRCI 51)
(6A2) FR650
A link from the low level (Boulogne line) platforms to the LGV, used by TGV trains (including those local trains which are worked by TGVs - see fiche TERGV Lille-Calais-Boulogne) between Boulogne Ville or Calais Ville and Lille Europe or beyond. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Calais Fréthun (Bifurcation de Riviere Neuve) – Pont de Coulogne (Bifurcation de Coulogne)
[fiche 12] (6A2) FR16/651
This curve avoiding Calais Ville is used by summer "dated" weekend Lille Flandres <==> Boulogne/Wimille-Wimereux trains shown non-stop between Hazebrouck and Wimille-Wimereux. See the SNCF TER website. Note that this route is not used by TGV trains. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
| E1 | SSuO | 846909 | Lille Flandres - 07:58 Hazebrouck - Rang-du-Fliers-Verton |
| E1 | SSuO | 846919 | 09:30 Lille Flandres - Boulogne Ville |
| E1 | SSuO | 846962 | Boulogne Ville - 17:14 Wimille-Wimereux - Arras |
| E2 | SSuO | 846935 | Rang du Fliers - 17:46 Wimille-Wimereux - Lille Flandres |
E1: Runs 23, 24, July and 6, 7, 10, 20, 21, 24 August 2016.
E2: Runs 23, 24, July and 6, 7, 10, 20, 21, 24 August 2016.
Dunkerque Ville – Grande Synthe (Poste 5, Bifurcation Vandenbrouck) (via Dunkerque Dunes / Docks)
[fiche 09] (6B2) FR652
This alternative freight route, north of the passenger line, is used when trains are booked to run non-stop but with 17 minute journey time between Dunkerque and Grande Synthe.
Raccordement de Cassel: Lille Europe (PRCI 44 Hondeghem) – Cassel (Bifurcation de Cassel)
(6B2) FR653
This connection links the LGV Nord from Lille to Calais with the line from Hazebrouck to Dunkerque, and is used by TGV services between Dunkerque and Lille Europe.
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)
[fiche 07] (10B3) FR16/654
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] is used by a summer "dated" weekend Dunkerque train. See the SNCF TER website. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
| E1 | SSuO | 846926 | Hirson - 08:23 Valenciennes - Dunkerque |
E1: Runs 23, 24, July and 6, 7, 20, 21 August 2016.
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)
(10B3) FR16/655
This freight line on the south side of Lille avoids the main station area. It is common with FR659 between Bif. de Lesquin and Bif. du Mont de Terre. It was used in previous years by a summer "dated" weekend Dunkerque train, which runs on normal passenger lines via Béthune in 2016. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Hellemmes (Bifurcation des Ateliers Est) – Raccordement de Lezennes – Bifurcation du Mont de Terre – Bifurcation des Sourds et Mouets – Lille Poste 2
(10B3) FR656
This freight line on the south side of Lille brings trains from the Tournai line to the Bethune line tracks into the station, avoiding the junctions at Bifurcation d'Hellemmes and Bifurcation de Fives Sud. It is common with FR659 between Bif. du Mont de Terre and Lille Poste 2. Between Lille Poste 2 and Lille Flandres station, the trains may use either the Bethune lines (which run on the east side of Fives depot) or the west-side reversible line (to the west of the depot), presumably at the signalman's discretion.
This route has been used in the past by the last train of the day each way between Tournai and Lille Flandres, which were allowed longer than the other trains. However, the timings in the timetables indicate that this route has not been used since the December 2014 timetable change. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Lille Flandres Avoiding Line: La Madeleine (Jonctions du Lion d'Or) – Ronchin (Bifurcation des Sourds et Mouets)
(10B3) FR16/657
This freight line links the lines which diverge at the throat of Lille Flandres station. It was used in previous years by a summer "dated" weekend Dunkerque train, which runs on normal passenger lines via Béthune in 2016. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Lille Flandres Avoiding Line: La Madeleine (Jonctions du Lion d'Or) – Lille-Flandres Point Z – Lille-Europe AS
(10B3, not shown) FR658
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 FR657 between Jonctions du Lion d'Or and Lille-Flandres Point Z. It is used by 'OUIGO' low cost TGV services between Tourcoing and Rennes, Nantes and Lyon. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
Lille Poste 2 – Bifurcation des Sourds et Mouets – Bifurcation du Mont de Terre – Lesquin (Bifurcation de Lesquin)
(10B3) FR16/659
This freight line on the south side of Lille links the Valenciennes line to the Bethune line tracks into Lille Flandres station and also the Lille Avoiding Line. It is common with FR655 between Bif. du Mont de Terre and Bif. de Lesquin and with FR656 between Lille Poste 2 and Bif. du Mont de Terre.
It was used in previous years by a summer "dated" weekend Dunkerque train, which runs on normal passenger lines via Béthune in 2016.
Raccordement d'Avion: Pont de Sallaumines (Bifurcation de Sallaumines Ouest) – Avion (Bifurcation d'Avion)
(7A1) FR660
This 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)
(7A1) FR661
This 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)
(15A3, not shown) FR15/662
This west-to-north spur, linking Arras station with the LGV Nord-Europe to the north, is used by trains running non-stop between Arras and Lille in ca. 21 mins.
It us used also by 'IZY' low cost services between Brussels and Paris. See FR700 for details.
| SSuX | 43981 | 06:47 Arras - Lille Europe | |
| SSuX | 43991 | 07:47 Arras - Lille Europe | |
| D1 | SSuX | TGV5166 | Montpellier Saint-Roch - 14:01 Arras - Lille Europe |
| SSuX | 43997 | 18:00 Arras - Lille Europe | |
| SuX | TGV7091 | Paris Nord - 21:44(FO)/21:47(FX) Arras - Lille Europe | |
| D1 | SSuX | TGV7000 | 05:51 Lille Flandres - Paris Nord |
| SSuX | 43994 | 17:21 Lille Europe - Arras | |
| SSuX | 43998 | 18:39 Lille Europe - Arras | |
| D1 | SSuX | TGV9846 | Bruxelles Midi - 20:02 Lille Europe - Lyon Part Dieu |
| D1 | SuX | TGV7096 | 22:05 Lille Flandres - Paris Nord |
D1: Various dates; see SNCF timetables for details.
Lourches (Poste 2) – Somain (Poste 3)
(7B1-15B3) FR16/663
Used by summer "dated" weekend Cambrai <==> Calais Ville trains. See the SNCF TER website.
| E1 | SSuO | 846945 | Busigny - 08:01 Cambrai Ville - Calais Ville |
| E1 | SSuO | 846954 | Calais Ville - 18:30 Douai - Busigny |
E1: Runs 23, 24, July and 6, 7, 20, 21, 23 August 2016.
On the weekend which includes the first Sunday in September each year La Braderie de Lille (a giant bric-a-brac market) is held in Lille, and some extra trains run. In 2015 the following used this line:
| SO | 20490 | 15:49 Lille Flandres - Cambrai | |
| SO | 20492 | 18:14 Lille Flandres - Cambrai | |
| SO | 20494 | 19:30 Lille Flandres - Cambrai | |
| SO | 20496 | 22:47 Lille Flandres - Cambrai | |
| SuO | 20446 | 20.28 Lille Flandres - Cambrai | |
| SO | 20522 | 21:26 Cambrai - Lille Flandres |
Prospective users in future years should make local enquiries.
Aulnoye-Aymeries avoiding line: Berlaimont (Bifurcation de Berlaimont) – Leval (Bifurcation de Leval Est)
[fiche 17] (16A3) FR16/664
This line, which passes to the south of Aulnoye-Aymeries station, is used by all trains between Valenciennes and Hirson or Charleville-Mézières not scheduled to call at Aulnoye-Aymeries.
| D1 | SSuX | 841902 | Hirson - 06:22 Avesnes - Lille Flandres |
| SSuX | 841906 | Hirson - 07:21 Avesnes - Lille Flandres | |
| SSuX | 841913 | Lille Flandres - 18:01 Valenciennes - Charleville-Mézières | |
| D1 | SSuX | 841917 | Lille Flandres - 18:59 Valenciennes - Hirson |
D1: Not during most of July and August; check the journey planner or fiches horaires for actual dates.
It is also used by the following TER-Mer services:
| E1 | SSuO | 846926 | Hirson - 07:53 Avesnes - Dunkerque |
| E1 | SSuO | 846952 | Dunkerque - 21:10 Valenciennes - Hirson |
E1: Runs 23, 24, July and 6, 7, 20, 21 August 2016.
Picardie Région (Hauts-de-France)
Amiens avoiding line: Boves (Bifurcation de Longueau Sud) – Lamotte Brebière (Bifurcation de Camon)
(14B2) FR700
This curve is used by the 'IZY' low cost Thalys services between Bruxelles Midi and Paris Nord:
- Paris Nord dep: 09:49 MO; 11:34 MSuX; 13:44 SuO; 15:06 SO; 15:36 FO; 17:28 SuO; 19:46 SuO; 20:01 SSuX
- Bruxelles Midi dep: 08:29 SO; 10:28 MFO; 14:46 MSX; 16:29 SuO; 18:21 SO; 18:59 SSuX; 20:31 SuO
It is used also by 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 Jussy) – Montescourt (Bifurcation Flavy-le-Martel)
[fiche 11] (15B2, not shown) 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 – (a) Longueil-Ste.Marie or (b) Le-Meux-Croix-St.Ouen (Bifurcation Rivecourt)
(25B3-15A1) 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 for the following diversions:
- (a) between Paris and Laon (with reversal at Ormoy-Villers) where extended journey times and bus substitution south of Ormoy-Villers is advertised [fiche 06]
- (b) between Paris and Compiègne or beyond when shown non-stop with a journey time of circa 52+ minutes (instead of the normal 40 minutes) [fiche 12]
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur [PACA] Région (unchanged)
Raccordement Ouest de Bollène-Lamotte du Rhône: Avignon-TGV (km 581,6) – Bollène-la-Croisière (km 691,8)
(65A2, not shown) FR750
A link giving access between the LGV (in the direction of Avignon-TGV) and Pierrelatte, during engineering work.
Raccordement Est de Bollène-Lamotte du Rhône: Valence-TGV (Lapalud LGV km 578,4) – Bollène-la-Croisière (km 693,5)
(65A2, not shown) FR751
A link giving access between the LGV (in the direction of Valence-TGV) and Orange / Avignon Centre. This has been used regularly by the outward London St.Pancras International to Avignon Centre summer SO through Eurostar train; the return train was not scheduled to use this route.
Raccordement d'Avignon: Sorgues-Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Bifurcation km 739) – Avignon Sud (Bifurcation Poste 1)
(65A1) FR752
Trains between Lyon and Marseille may use this line when diverted via Cavaillon if not scheduled to call at Avignon Centre or Arles.
Avignon TGV (Bifurcation Km 624,0/624,2) – Manduel-Redessan (Suze SEI71 (Bifurcation Km 5,2))
[fiche 11] (65A1, not shown) FR753
The third side of the Triangle des Angles, west of Avignon TGV station, used by TGV trains (only) between Marseille and Nîmes or beyond. In 2016 it only appears to be in use by a Pair of Marseille - Madrid TGV's, 9731 from Marseille St Charles depart 08:05 and 9724 depart Nimes 20:25
L'Estaque – Marseille St.Charles (via Marseille Maritime Arenc)
[fiche 07] (75B2) FR754
Local trains (in both directions) between Miramas and Marseille St. Charles via Port de Bouc use this route, with the exception of those timed 9 minutes between Marseille and L'Estaque. A new halt (Arenc-Euroméditerranée) opened on this line on 3 February 2014 and the timings there (in Fiche 07) identify the route's use. Non-stop trains use the main line. Note that services towards Marseille in September 2016 varied in using lines on either side of the large La Joliette yard to the north of Arenc-Euroméditerranée station.
Raccordement des Chartreux: St.Berthelmy – Marseille Blancarde
(75B2) FR755
Used by trains between Miramas and Toulon not scheduled to call at Marseille St.Charles. In addition to limited TGV's, in 2016 [PACA Fiche 07] there are also limited TER's.
| Daily | 881420 | Toulon - 07:23 Marseille-Blancarde - Avignon | |
| SSuX | 881654 | Toulon - 07:55 Marseille-Blancarde - Miramas | |
| SSuX | 881453 | Avignon - 17:37 Pas-Des-Lanciers - Toulon |
Rhône-Alpes Région (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Héyrieux – Valence (Grenay PRS44, Bifurcation Lyon)
(57A3) FR800
This west to south curve between the Lyon - Grenoble line and LGV Sud Est is used by TGVs running between Lyon Part Dieu and Valence. These are mainly services between Lille and the south of France (though not all of them), as TGVs from Paris either terminate at Lyon Perrache or run via Saint Exupéry-TGV.
Rhône West Bank (Rive Droite) line: Givors Canal – Nîmes (Poste 1) and branches
[fiche 05] (56B, 64B1 & 65A) FR16/801 [southern portion of line is in Languedoc-Roussillon Région (Occitanie)]
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 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.
No such diversions have been identified in the period commencing December 2015 but readers should check for themselves by means of the TER Rhône-Alpes website, which will be revised from 3 July 2016, at that time.
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 PACA fiche 11bis table 17
Ambérieu avoiding line: Ambronay-Priay – Torcieu
(57A3) FR802
Used by trains between Bourg-en-Bresse and Culoz not scheduled to call at Ambérieu.
Culoz avoiding line: Seyssel-Corbonod – Vions-Chanaz (Bifurcation de Chambéry)
[fiche 51] (57B3) FR803
Used by trains between Bellegarde and Aix-les-Bains not scheduled to call at Culoz.
Connection from Valence TGV to Grenoble line: Raccordement du Sillon Alpin
(57A3) ERA 32C2 (not shown) FR16/804
This approx. 2km connection is used by TGVs from the south calling at Valence TGV and required to continue to Grenoble. These are services from Marseille St. Charles to Annecy. All trains use platform 5 at Valence TGV and the actual junction is to the south of the station. Trains for 2016 as follows Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
| D1 | SO | TGV6894/6895 | Marseille St. Charles – 08:31 Avignon - Annecy |
| D2 | SuO | TGV 6896/6897 | Marseille St. Charles – 19:27 Avignon - Annecy |
| D1 | SO | TGV6890/6891 | Annecy - 09:05 Grenoble - Marseille St. Charles |
| D2 | SuO | TGV6892/6893 | Annecy - 20:56 Grenoble - Marseille St. Charles |
D1: SO 23 July to 27 August. Also 2,9,14 July, 29 October and 11 November
D2: SuO 3 July to 7 August. Also 15,21,28 August and 1,13 November
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 but a recent survey of those lines (other than those already listed above) which - whether on several days in the week or for some seasons of the year - had only a single round trip a day produced the list shown below.
Careful study of the Régional TER fiches is therefore recommended.
Auvergne Région
- Neussargues - St Chély-d'Apcher
- Clermont-Ferrand - Volvic
Bourgogne Région
- Clamecy - Corbigny
Bretagne Région
- Morlaix - Roscoff: more in summer
Centre Région
- Reignac - Loches
Limousin Région
- Busseau-sur-Creuse - Felletin
Midi-Pyrénées Région
- Rodez - Sévérac-le-Château
Poitou-Charentes Région
- Bressuire - Chantonnay: additional service between Saumur and Les Sables-d'Olonne runs on summer weekends.
Rhône-Alpes Région
- [Bourg-en-Bresse -] Brion-Montréal-La Cluse - Oyonnax - St.Claude: the only other trains over the Bourg-en-Bresse - Bellegarde line are Paris - Généve TGVs
- [Clermont-Ferrand -] Thiers - Montbrison [- St-Etienne].
Deletions since previous edition
- Laqueuille - Le Mont-Dore. Bustituted since November 2015 and no likelihood of resumption
- Montréjeau-Gourdan-Polignan - Luchon. Owing to condition of the track, train services have been replaced by buses, with no certainty that services will resume.
- FR304 Raccordement Tours-Bordeaux: Tours – Monts (Indre-et-Loire) or Joué-les-Tours (Bifurcation de Tours). Route is used by all but one service between Tours and Chinon, Loches and stations for Poitier, so no longer an obscure route.
