Travel bucket list idea:
Corsica, France
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This narrow-gauge railway, known locally as Trinicellu (‘Little Train’), links the principal towns of the east and west coasts of Corsica, traverses remote mountain landscapes devoid of roads and crosses a spectacular viaduct designed by Gustave Eiffel.
A measure of the scenery is given by the line’s 32 tunnels and 51 major bridges. River gorges, maquis-covered mountains and chestnut forests are part of the scenic delights.
The full-length trip from Ajeccio in the south to Bastia in the north takes a mere 2.5 hours – but it’s a great way to see the island.
A good way to experience the railway is to travel between Bastia on the east coast and Ajaccio on the west coast, stopping off roughly half way at the former capital of Corte, where you can explore its cobble-stepped alleys and narrow streets. During the summer months there are four daily trains, with a reduced service in winter. It takes 3.5 hours.
Tickets can be can be bought on the spot or booked in advance on the SNCF website, where there are up-to-date schedules. Refreshments are not available on the train.
Trains run all year round with four daily trains each way during the summer months (and a reduced service during winter).
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Be it jaw-dropping scenery, a rich historical significance, the tradition and atmosphere of the train itself – or a combination of all three – here’s our round-up of the world’s best.
