Baie de Somme Steam Festival

Day 1 – Abbeville

Leaving St Pancras on a lunchtime Eurostar service, we head to Paris. When we arrive, we change onto a regional SNCF service to Abbeville where we stay for 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Days 2 & 3 – Steam Festival

The Fete de la Vapeur (Steam Gala) has become an unmissable event on the Picardy coast. Enjoy 2 full days using your own individual tickets to enjoy this event. We have also included individual return travel to Noyelles-Sur-Mer from Abbeville to give you maximum flexibility. The steam festival was launched in 1988 during the centenary of the Reseau des Bains de Mer (Sea Bathers Railway). Over the weekend the Baie de Somme, designated a Grand Site de France and one of the most beautiful bays in the world, plays host to some of the finest steam locomotives of Europe. Those of you who visit the different stations of the CFBS will discover all kinds of events from ceremonies, exhibitions, traditional crafts and of course many displays showing historic and modern rolling stock. The steam train trundles across the middle of the bay among reeds and willows, and travels along the foreshore, on the lines of the former Reseau des Bains de Mer which has been operated by the CFBS for more than 40 years.

Everything about this weekend revolves around steam – from the time when it was the principle means of local transport for people and goods in the 19th Century right up to the 21st Century where it plays an extraordinary role in tourism in the area. The CFBS works closely with the partners ranging from local communities in the Picardy region, the European Community and local clubs to make this event a success. Everyone is eager to be a part of this very popular event!

Day 4 At Leisure in Abbeville

A day at leisure to explore Abbeville, once the capital of maritime Picardy and an important centre during medieval times. The town is rich in history, with beautiful gardens, the 15th Century Gothic style Church of Saint Vulfran, a beautiful riverside setting and lots of restaurants, there is something for everyone.

Day 5 – To London

Leaving after breakfast we take a morning regional SNCF service back to Paris Nord where we connect with a mid-afternoon Eurostar to London St Pancras.