Ancienne Voie Ferrée du FOL

Hidden in plain sight, the Ancienne Voie Ferrée du FOL whispers stories of a bygone era. This abandoned railway line, once the bustling heart of Lyon’s western suburbs, now offers a tranquil escape. The Ancienne Voie Ferrée du FOL, also known as the “train de Vaugneray,” connected the city of Lyon to the charming towns of Vaugneray and Mornant. Its story began in the late 19th century, a time of innovation and expansion. The Compagnie Fourvière Ouest-Lyonnais (FOL) envisioned a network that would bridge the urban and rural landscapes. In 1886, the first section of the Ancienne Voie Ferrée du FOL opened, chugging along with steam-powered locomotives. The journey from Lyon Saint-Just to Vaugneray took about 45 minutes. It offered breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The line quickly gained popularity, becoming a beloved mode of transport for both commuters and day-trippers. The FOL embraced progress, electrifying the line to Vaugneray by 1899. New, sleek electric trains replaced the old steam engines. The line to Mornant followed suit in 1911, under the new management of Omnibus et Tramways de Lyon (OTL). The Ancienne Voie Ferrée du FOL wasn’t just a means of transportation; it was a symbol of connection. It linked the bustling city with the peaceful countryside. It offered a chance to escape the urban clamor and embrace the tranquility of nature. Imagine families enjoying Sunday picnics in the picturesque villages along the route. Picture workers commuting between the city and their homes in the suburbs. The Ancienne Voie Ferrée du FOL was a lifeline for these communities. However, like many railways of its time, the Ancienne Voie Ferrée du FOL faced challenges. Two World Wars and the Great Depression took their toll. The Mornant branch closed in the 1930s. The remaining section struggled to compete with the rise of automobiles and buses. Finally, on November 2, 1954, the last train ran on the Ancienne Voie Ferrée du FOL. The tracks were eventually removed, leaving behind a scar on the landscape. Today, remnants of the Ancienne Voie Ferrée du FOL still exist. Sections of the old platform have been converted into pedestrian and bicycle paths. You can walk or cycle along the same route the train once took. The imposing pillars of the Alaï viaduct still stand. They serve as a reminder of the impressive engineering that went into building this railway line. The Ancienne Voie Ferrée du FOL may be gone, but its story lives on. It’s a story of innovation, connection, and the changing times.