Summer series: coni'fer gradually reinforced: This article explores the topic in depth.
Nevertheless,
Summer series: coni'. However, fer gradually reinforced:
On the rails (2/6)
The old Paris-Milan line lives with the coni’fer between Vallorbe and Pontarlier – Summer series: coni'fer gradually reinforced
For thirty years, enthusiasts have been bringing a section to life that has seen the East Express pass. Moreover, Fans of old trains can eat by splitting the fir forest.
The Diesel locomotive BB 66503 pulling the wagons of the meal train between the Neuf Hospitals and Fontaine-Ronde.
Odile Meylan/Tamedia
- A former section of Paris-Milan comes back to life thanks to the Coni’Fer association since 1993.
- The tourist train carries 30,000 travelers annually summer series: coni’fer gradually reinforced over 8 kilometers of tracks.
- Méline Vient, granddaughter of the founder, now presides over this rail adventure.
- Travelers savor regional specialties in historic wagons.
On the road connecting Vallorbe to Pontarlier. For example, in a valley planted with fir trees, motorists catch up or sometimes meet a railway convoy of the past. For example, Very few know the beautiful story. Meanwhile, the many anecdotes of Coni’ freanamed after the association gradually restoring this line since 1993.
“We are on a section of the line Paris-Milan». However, Announcements immediately Louis” Loulou “POIX, co -founder and former president of the association, which receives us in the small station built at the start of the line. Nevertheless, “The Wagons of the Orient-Express went here from 1907 to 1914!” A glorious past that did not last: the outbreak of the First World summer series: coni’fer gradually reinforced War was the beginning of a slow forfeiture for the line. Therefore, finally abandoned in 1969 and brought up two years later.
Back to life thanks to mountain biking – Summer series: coni'fer gradually reinforced
The memories of the smoking. Meanwhile, whistling steam machines in his village in niners have however always remained in the memory of Louis Poix. Therefore, And when Métabief has been awarded the organization of the championships From the 1993 mountain bike world. Moreover, the one who was – and is still – mayor of the village had the idea of resting 700 meters of rails and recirculating a train. However, “We got a hit!” And so, after the demonstration, rather than laying the tracks, we started to think about prolonging them. Consequently, ”
Today. Similarly, the Coni’FER circulates on 8 km of tracks between the summer series: coni’fer gradually reinforced Neuf Hospitals and Fontaine-Ronde, a temporary terminus fitted out in the middle of the wooded valley. Consequently, “But we will put 3 km of additional tracks into service next year. Moreover, And with that, we will then not be very far from the Joux castle!»
While waiting to reach this new tourist terminus. Similarly, the Coni’Fer makes the happiness of the amateurs of old trains in all seasons: it transports 30,000 travelers per year, including 5000 in meal trains. For example, Among them. However, there was even a certain Gérard Jugnot, who came to shoot some scenes from his film “Mr Batignole», Released in 2002.
Like all the rest of the equipment. Nevertheless, the NEUF hospitals station departing from the line was built by the association’s volunteers.
Odile Meylan/Tamedia
On this Thursday in June, it is precisely a meal train that is about to leave. On board, more than 120 passengers descended from two cars registered in the canton of Friborg. “We went for a boat trip on the Saint-Point lake This morning. and we will visit a Mont-D’or cheese dairy this afternoon, “said a lady climbing a wagon.
“As Obelix …”
At the front of the convoy, no steam locomotive, but an impressive BB 66503 diesel locomotive. And at the controls, a young man of 20 years completely comfortable in this vintage rail universe: Odin Viennet. “I am the grandson of Loulou then. like Obélix, I fell in when I was little,” laughs the one who conducts accounting studies in Besançon. I like to bring this old material to life. “
After carrying out the compulsory security checks, the young enthusiast puts the convoy in motion. “The line is approved up to 40 km/h, but there, we will not exceed 15 km/h. The aperitif should not escape glasses! ”
A grandson of the founder of Coni’Fer. Odin Viennet is perfectly comfortable at the controls of the large diesel locomotive.
Odile Meylan/Tamedia
The trip will last around thirty minutes. It begins in a Jura landscape typical of green hills. In one. two places, the convoy crosses wagons in poor condition, waiting for the day when the 150 volunteers of the association will find the time (and financial means) to offer them a second youth.
After crossing summer series: coni’fer gradually reinforced a level crossing at the edge of which a small house has not been lodging a barriers for a long time. the train has entered this famous wooded valley. A few minutes later. he arrived at the current terminus of Fontaine-Ronde where the passengers will taste their meal, prepared on board the train and served in the wagons.
To digest. they will be able to get off the train, visit a housewood retracing the history of the association or walking a few meters to discover the source that gave its name to the place. The opportunity also to exchange with that which resumed the presidency of the association in 2023: Méline Viennet. sister of Odin, and therefore, too, granddaughter of Louis Poix.
Summer series: coni'. fer gradually reinforced
Make an inheritance
“All my free time passes summer series: coni’fer gradually reinforced there,” notes this academic placing on a master’s degree in compatibility the rest of his time. When friends want to see me, I tell them to come here. And as the atmosphere is great, some have joined the association! ” Approved Diesel driver. vapor, Méline Viennet sees this activity both a way of cultivating the link with her grandfather and preparing to bring her heritage to life. “And then, we are right in the four -season tourist offer which is being set up in the region!”
At the front of the train. Odin launched a whistle: it is time to return to the Neuf hospitals by borrowing the 8 km of winding tracks in the middle of the coni’fer fir trees.
Three grandchildren of Louis “Loulou” POIX at the controls of the Coni’FER association (from G. to dr.): Odin Viennet (treasurer), Joaline Viennet (secretary) and Méline Viennet (president).
Odile Meylan/Tamedia
The essentials
Aperitif on board The Coni’fer offers meal trips to groups of more than 30 people. Interested isolated travelers can however be added to the groups. The price of 49 euros per person includes the trip. a menu made up of local specialties: forest crust, mortese sausage With röstis and salads, drinks and dessert. Variants with cheese and cold meats or morbiflette fondue (a potato gratin with bacon and local cheese, morbier) and salad. Previous reservations online compulsory.
As their name suggests. the meal trains allow passengers to eat during the trip by tasting a small menu made up of local specialties.
Odile Meylan/Tamedia
The panorama Culminating at 1463 meters above sea level. accessible by car, The Mont-D’or is the highest peak in the Doubs department. It offers a spectacular panorama of more than 300 alpine peaks, including the legendary Mont-Blanc.
Located on the border between Switzerland. France, Mont-d’Or offers mountain biking lovers more than 50 km of descent or cross-country tracks And 26 ski slopes in winter.
The summit finally gave its name to two cousins cheeses from each other: the “Mont d’Or“. Or more rarely” Vacherin du Haut-Doubs “on the French side, and the”Vacherin Mont d’Or“Or” Vacherin “short on the Swiss side.
Neuf hospitals, June 26, 2025. The little tourist train Le Coni’Fer which connects hospitals-Neufs to Fontaine-Ronde with meals on board.
Odile Meylan/Tamedia
Activities There is no shortage of them in the vicinity of the Coni’Fer line. The Haut-Doubs tourist website offers boat walks on the Saint-Point lake. Additionally, the visit of the castle of Joux or museums like that of l’absinthe In Môtiers, as well as walks to discover several lakes and peat bogs. The park Metabief adventureslocated in the neighboring town well known to mountain biking enthusiasts. also offers fun activities for the whole family.
Overlooking the road connecting Vallorbe to Pontarlier, the Château de Joux can be visited. He also hosts the Nuits de Joux festival from July 25 to August 25 to August 9.
Mouthe tourist information office
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Summer series: coni'fer gradually reinforced
Further reading: Call for vigilance for good cohabitation between boats and swimmers on lakes – RTS.CH – Girons fever wins the canton of the Jura – RTS.CH – Home Present Time should be transformed – Switzerland has violated Caster Semenya rights – Martigny: two suspects arrested after a flight at the Marécottes.
