Latour de Carol - Bistro & cafe

[Ian99]

In reply to another thread on this subject which went off on a tangent, I can advise that as of last week there was a newsagent in the station selling confectionary and with a drinks machine.

Also outside was this new smart looking but not very imaginatively named bistro.

 

[dggar]

I will getting off the sleeper train there on Fri 13th and going on to Barcelona.

It will be interesting to see what breakfast is available

 

[Gordon]

It may not be imaginatively named, but it is logically named, and I think all would agree they were rather it was there with an obvious name than not there.

In recent times the beloved traditional French 'xx de la gare' has disappeared in many places, either closed or renamed because 'de la gare' is deemed too retro and with down trodden connotations, so its a fillip for the traditionalists among us to see a modern outlet with 'de la gare'.



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[Ian99]

I will getting off the sleeper train there on Fri 13th and going on to Barcelona.

It will be interesting to see what breakfast is available

That's what we did but stopped for a night at Planoles where they have a nice family run cafe bar next to the station

 

[dggar]

That's what we did but stopped for a night at Planoles where they have a nice family run cafe bar next to the station

The sleeper is due to arrive at 07:51 and I plan to get the 08:48 train to Barcelona.
Do you know if the Bistro is open at that time?

 

[Ian99]

There was a chap putting chairs up outside at about 0810hrs and I saw someone seated inside drinking a beer about 10 minutes later.

From inside the bistro, after 0830hrs when the little yellow train leaves, one can see the Spanish train coming in.

 

[dggar]

There was a chap putting chairs up outside at about 0810hrs and I saw someone seated inside drinking a beer about 10 minutes later.

From inside the bistro, after 0830hrs when the little yellow train leaves, one can see the Spanish train coming in.

Thanks for that

 

[Gordon]

If I was the proprietor I would open ready for the arrival of the sleeper and offer breakfast fare...as through passengers will not have had access to a refreshment facility since leaving Paris.

 

[dggar]

I've received email today from SNCF saying the sleeper train 3971 Paris to Latour de Carol is cancelled tomorrow (12 June) because of industrial action, so I won't get to see the bistro. Had to arrange a flight to Barcelona for 13th instead.

 

[Ian99]

That's a real pain. At least you got an email - I was due to join the sleeper at Poitiers once and the first that I knew of "la grève" (the strike) was when I got to the station and had to ask why the train wasn't on the departures board.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

There was a chap putting chairs up outside at about 0810hrs and I saw someone seated inside drinking a beer about 10 minutes later.

From inside the bistro, after 0830hrs when the little yellow train leaves, one can see the Spanish train coming in.

Is the Little Yellow Train good, I may be going on that soon?

 

[PhilipF]

Is the Little Yellow Train good, I may be going on that soon?

Yes, when we rode on it 2/3 years back it was very worthwhile scenically, but the train rattled away a fair old bitdoubt track is kept in all that good condition.
Wished to return via main line, but really poor service.

 

[30907]

Yes definitely, especially the eastern end. Some trains are worked by modern Stadler railcars (if they are in service) which are comfortable but dont give the full experience! No idea which but Google might help

 

[Gordon]

Very much so.

Includes the highest altitude station on SNCF (Bolquere-Eyne)

Sadly very few services now run on the Font Romeu - La Tour de Carol section

Line includes two spectacular viaducts, both listed buildings, the Pont Gisclard and Pont Séjourné - both have other names but are commonly dubbed after their respective architects. Pont Gisclard is a specific type of multi-cable suspension bridge designed to take the weight of a train. Sadly he died in an accident during load testing of his own invention. http://structurae.net/structures/data/index.cfm?id=s0000301

Pont Séjourne is a two tier masonry arch viaduct.
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_Séjourné

Other Séjourné bridges include two that were built but the railways were never finished. You could (can still?) walk and drive over one of these (despite unfinished parapets!) . The other is usually submerged under the Serre Poncon dam lake in the High Alps.




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[STEVIEBOY1]

I Have just returned from my French trip which lucky enough was not affected by the recent strikes.

The yellow train I went on only went as far at Font Romeu. Shame they don't seem to be going all the way. There seemed to be track work further up the line. The bridges and viaducts are remarkable and some seem to have been recently renovated, so they must have faith with the route.