Agrivap tourist train (Ambert): trip and booking

Our take

Vintage railcars maintained by volunteers, on a line that crosses the Livradois-Forez. The 1959 Panoramique, with its 360° glass compartment, is worth the trip on its own.

The editors · Teddy L.updated on 19 October 2026How we choose our places

With children: yes
Wheelchair accessible

The Livradois-Forez tourist train: from Ambert, heading for La Chaise-Dieu along 42 km of viaducts, tunnels and Livradois panoramas. Run by an association of volunteers.

Livradois-Forez tourist trains from Ambert, to La Chaise-Dieu via Arlanc, over 42 km of viaducts, tunnels, streams and Livradois panoramas. The railcars date from the 1950s and 1960s: Picasso, Bleu d'Auvergne, and the Panoramique of 1959 with its raised glass compartment. Every journey comes with commentary. Allow 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 25 for the trip depending on the timetable, with free time on arrival to visit La Chaise-Dieu or Ambert market. In 2026, the return trip from Ambert costs €20 per adult, €14 per child aged 4 to 14 and €59 for the family ticket (2 adults, 2 children); from Arlanc, €18, €12 and €52. The trains only run on certain dates: in 2026, from May to September, with themed trains from April to December. The rolling stock is maintained by the volunteers of the Agrivap association.

Why we love it

The railcars of the 1950s and 1960s, maintained by volunteers
The viaducts, tunnels and panoramas of the Livradois, along 42 km of line
The return trip to La Chaise-Dieu, an abbey to visit straight afterwards
The family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) at €59 from Ambert in 2026

Top tip

Go for the Wednesday day trip from Ambert: in 2026, departure at 10:30, return train at 17:15 (arriving in Ambert at 18:40), which gives you more than five hours in La Chaise-Dieu to visit the abbey without rushing.

Before you go

The trains only run on certain dates: in 2026, from May to September, then themed trains for Halloween and before Christmas. Times depend on the package (departure from Ambert at 10:30 on Wednesday, at 14:15 in the afternoon). Book your seats, ticketing is online, and arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Dogs travel free on the trains.
Allow 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 25 from Ambert to La Chaise-Dieu: in 2026, the afternoon package leaves Ambert at 14:15 and gets back at 18:40
Combine the train with a visit to La Chaise-Dieu abbey
In 2026: €20 per adult and €14 per child (4 to 14) from Ambert, €18 and €12 from Arlanc