 |
Looking for the Traces of the Old Railways and Tramways in the Low-Dauphiny |
 |
| 1.Map of the train and tram network in the low Dauphiny in the beginning of the 1900's |
| Personal
Introduction(written in 2008) During the 35 years that I have lived in the Isère, from time to time I saw remains of old tramways and railway lines. I found this interesting and that was all really! At Saint Siméon de Bressieux I seem to remember there was a tunnel and a road that was named after the tram. There was even in the beginning of the seventies the sound of the freight train whistling as it passed by on the way from Rives to Beaurepaire. Then after the suppression of this service, the level crossings were completely tarmacked over. Then, moving to Rives, I saw a big station complex which for the most part was no longer in use. Moving around visiting different parts of the department, I came across, in the middle of many surrounding villages, an old station building. There were quite a lot of curiosities like that! Now living at Saint Geoire en Valdaine, I am aware of an old station and locomotive shed in part of the village. Then, while researching for these Internet pages, I came across Corinne Bourrillon's website. Here was the story of the old 'Tacot', the tram that used to go through her village. I soon realised that this same tram had also gone through my own village. From then onwards, I've got hooked on the subject of all those trams and trains that were being used in the early 1990's. It is really amazing to see the number of different lines that were in use in this part of France. With the help of several books* and magazines*, I've been able to draw the map below. Click on the map to get a larger version. To follow. From time to time, a different part of this rail network will be presented with it's present day appearance. these are only in french for the moment.
|
 |
* books and
magazines consulted:
|