French modellers have produced a lot of wonderful models these last few months... These have inspired me for a new trip through the west of France, a few years ago, before the TGV.
At this time, the last created TEE (Trans Europ Express), the Jules Verne, served the route between Paris and Nantes.
As the route to Nantes was partly unelectrified, a CC 72000 hauled the train, composed of the finest coaches at this period, the "Grand Confort" coaches.
Today, as the normal route is closed, the train has its itinerary via Tours, Poitiers and La Rochelle. It's just before Poitiers that we meet it..
A short stop in station
A driver who knows the route to La Rochelle will assist the driver from Paris.
Departure under heavy rain
We go under Poitiers
The train slows...
...and leaves the Paris Bordeaux route to take the one to La Rochelle
No more OH wires here
This is rather weird, a TEE on a rural line of France
After slowing, we go over this nice viaduct.
No stop in Lusignan
Now, the line is single track
After a lot of small station, we reach St Maixant, home of a famous Military School.
We leave the train here. It'll reach Nantes later in the night.
Hope you liked the shots.
Cheers
Paul
