By car! My trip on the tourist train
Travel with the Guîtres Marcenais Tourist Train (TTGM), departing from Guîtres in the Libournais region, is an original way to discover our Double Forest and his Charlot mill in Marcenais!
Arriving at the Guîtres train station, built in 1874, the atmosphere is set. An old locomotive sits on the forecourt. All that's left is for me to push open the doors to the entrance hall.
Once inside, I discover the many antiques in the railway museum, which plunge me into the past as soon as I walk through the door: scales, candy dispenser, maps, old tickets, advertising panels and more...
I buy my cardboard ticket at the ticket office, which still has its 1874 woodwork. The receptionist validates it with a period punch. A quick press, and voilà, the adventure can begin!
Ticket in hand, I wander onto platform 1 where our train, with its 1952 diesel locomotive, awaits us. I hear the engine start up and purr quietly as I wait for all the passengers to board by car (and not by train, as these are reserved for freight).
On the platform, the train conductor escorts us. One or two steps, then I sit down on a wooden bench in my passenger car, also called a 'Palavas'. Everyone is on board, the whistle blows at the station and we're off at low speed...
I let myself be carried away by a wooded environment, a veritable tunnel of greenery! Our train crosses the verdant Forêt de la Double, which offers a bit of freshness.
On board, passengers escape, chat, children marvel at this unusual journey and are amused by the whistles given by our drivers to warn vehicles of the approaching level crossings.
Arriving at the quayside, near Marcenais train station, a short stroll of a few minutes takes us to the Moulin de Charlot, which overlooks the river “La Saye” in a green setting, and which I discover with surprise! This former water mill now houses a restaurant.
The Moulin de Charlot, in the heart of the Forêt de la Double
Passengers take advantage of the one-hour stopover to relax on the flower-filled and beautifully decorated terrace, to the sounds of lapping water and birdsong, a glass of juice in hand and a homemade ice cream chosen from 1000 flavors! The summer restaurant is open from May to October and offers homemade cuisine made with fresh produce. In the summer, concerts are organized by the water. A whole program that seduces me and makes me want to come back one evening to enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the place and the tasty and generous cuisine.
Children play by the water's edge or on the sandbanks in the heart of the river. A real playground for them, they forget everything! Discovering the site is soothing and allows for a restful break. I stroll around the pond thanks to a path that runs along the bank. I cross the wooden footbridge and discover a clear view of the body of water. I also come across a few fishermen who have come to enjoy the site and its tranquil environment.
During this break, the train crew continues its journey to Marcenais station, just next door, in order to carry out their switching operations to turn around and take us back to Guîtres.
The return is made, with a smile on his lips. We revel in these last moments on the rails with a beautiful memory of this unique afternoon. I enjoy the forest landscapes composed of oaks, chestnut trees, ferns... punctuated by the stone structures along the route, before the finish. End of line!
Photos ©Claude Clin / ©Latitude Nord Gironde Tourist Office
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