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Illustration: A lit holiday train passing a snowy village with a white church beside a frozen lake
Illustration, not a photo of this event.

Christmas

Train du Père Noël — Train à Vapeur des Cévennes

  • Run by Train à Vapeur des Cévennes
  • Thoiras station (Gare de Thoiras) — Thoiras, Occitanie, France

Next: Dec 2–16, 2026

A short Santa Claus ride in a red vintage railcar from Thoiras station in the Cévennes, with an afternoon snack and a souvenir photo with Father Christmas.

Updated

Next edition

Dec 2–16, 2026

Wed Dec 2, 9 and 16, Sat Dec 12 and Sun Dec 13. Departures from Thoiras at 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30. About 1 h 15 min; reservation required.

From €15 (as published by the operator)

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About this event

The Train à Vapeur des Cévennes is a heritage steam railway in the Cévennes that runs between Anduze and Saint-Jean-du-Gard. Its Train du Père Noël is a separate event, sold on its own booking page, that leaves from the station of Thoiras on a few set days.

The operator describes the ride as more than a simple trip: through the Cévennes landscape, families go looking for Father Christmas aboard the operator's red vintage railcar (autorail rouge). Back at the station, children and adults enjoy a snack with Father Christmas and take home a souvenir photo.

Because of the layout of the old railcar, the operator states that it cannot take wheelchair users or strollers, and dogs are not allowed on this event.

What to expect

The event lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes, with three departures a day from Thoiras station. Ride the red railcar through the Cévennes looking for Father Christmas, then enjoy a snack with him and a souvenir photo. Reservation is compulsory.

Practical info

Departures are from the station of Thoiras (30140). The operator's Anduze station is at 38 place de la Gare, 30140 Anduze. Booking is online only on the operator's website; invitations are not accepted on these days. The old railcar is not accessible to wheelchair users or strollers, and dogs are not allowed for safety and comfort.

Where it happens

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Frequently asked questions

Where does the Train du Père Noël leave from?▾
It leaves from the station of Thoiras, aboard the operator's red vintage railcar.
How long does the event last?▾
The operator says the event lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes.
What is included?▾
After the ride, there is a snack with Father Christmas and a souvenir photo.
Do I need to book?▾
Yes. Reservation is compulsory and is made on the operator's website only.
Are wheelchairs and strollers allowed?▾
No. Because of the configuration of the old railcar, access is not possible for wheelchair users or strollers.
Are dogs allowed?▾
No. Dogs are not allowed on this event, for safety and comfort.

Sources

Dates checked on Oct 10, 2026 from the official site: trainavapeur.com. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: trainavapeur.com

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