Trains du Père Noël — Train Touristique du Haut-Forez

The Train Touristique du Haut-Forez runs its Trains du Père Noël between Usson-en-Forez and Craponne-sur-Arzon, aimed, as the operator puts it, "only at well-behaved children". The operator says that once again this year Père Noël has arranged to meet families somewhere between the two villages to hand out his papillotes, and that rumour has it he will be standing close to the railway line.

On arrival at Usson-en-Forez, a snack is offered and each child is given a small bag of sweets. The railway publishes one timetable: departures from Usson-en-Forez at 14:00 and from Craponne-sur-Arzon at 15:00, with returns to Usson-en-Forez at 16:00 and to Craponne-sur-Arzon at 17:00.

Booking is compulsory and made through the railway's online ticket office. Adult and child fares are listed separately.

A train ride between Craponne-sur-Arzon and Usson-en-Forez to meet Père Noël near the line and receive papillotes. At Usson-en-Forez a snack is offered and each child receives a small bag of sweets.

The Père Noël page lists departures from Usson-en-Forez and from Craponne-sur-Arzon; the railway's published address is 577 Route du Musée, 42380 Estivareilles, phone 04 77 50 82 03. Booking is compulsory through the online ticket office. Adult and child fares apply.