What is a "Fête de la Vapeur" ?

Launched in 1988 on the occasion of the centenary of the Réseau des Bains de Mer (Sea Bathers' Railway), the Fête de la Vapeur (Steam Gala) has become in the course of time an unmissable event on the Picardy coast. Taking place over a weekend, it brings to the Baie de Somme, designated a Grand Site de France and one of the most beautiful bays in the world, some of the finest steam locomotives of Europe. Special trains come on the main line from important stations, to converge at Noyelles-sur-Mer, where they connect with numerous trains of the CFBS. Those of you who visit the different stations of the CFBS will find all kinds of things going on: ceremonies, exhibitions, historic and modern rolling stock, traditional crafts...and lots of other surprises. All that after a trip by train – steam, of course! - trundling across the middle of the Bay among reeds, willows, and the foreshore, on the lines of the former Réseau des Bains de Mer which has been operated by the CFBS for more than 40 years.

The aim is, above all, festive. Everything gathers itself around one topic – Steam – from the time when it provided the principal means of transport for local people, goods, and holiday-makers in the 19th century, until the 21st century when it plays an extraordinary role in tourism. Of course, having been given the important task of devising the event, the CFBS has gathered together partners who wanted to contribute to the success of this Fête. They range from local communities to the Picardy region, the French Cultural Affairs, the European Community; enterprises such as the SNCF; the Réseau Ferré de France...local clubs with vintage cars, railway associations from France and beyond... as well as local groups and enterprises  who were eager to be involved.

		The CFBS has organised two busy days with an hourly service of trains and lots of events at all of the stations. Locomotives from other associations will help those of the CFBS to keep the trains running to an intensive timetable! Noyelles sur Mer is the junction of two railways (metre gauge and standard gauge). So here we welcome big ex-SNCF locomotives as well as the smaller metre gauge machines. At the other stations, everyone and everything is ready and waiting, brought to you by the magic of rail!