According to legend… as the locals of the town of Morez watched the labourers at work on the railway line linking the Morbier / Morez viaducts, they appeared to be chatting away with the swallows ('hirondelles' in French)! That's where the name, the 'Ligne des Hirondelles' came from!
An iconic railway line
The Ligne des Hirondelles railway line
The Ligne des Hirondelles is over one hundred years old and still has some surprises up its sleeve. You can expect a fantastic journey through the mountains along this 120 km route with 36 tunnels and 18 viaducts. Whether you use it as a means of transport or for a sightseeing tour, we can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
All aboard
One of France's most impressive railway lines
Hop aboard one of France's most impressive railway lines: the Ligne des Hirondelles! This hundred-year-old railroad crosses through the Jura Mountains, from Dole to Saint-Claude.
A 2.5-hour train journey through the Forêt de Chaux, across the renowned Arbois vineyards, the vast Grandvaux plateaus, the Vallée de la Bienne and so much more. This journey is a chance to discover the fascinating cultural and natural heritage of this area.
Along the Ligne des Hirondelles, there are:
- 36 tunnels including on in a horseshoe shape
- 18 viaducts
- 120 km across varied landscapes, between plains and mountains, at an altitude of between 300 and 950 m.
Origin of the name
Did you know?
With family or friends
How about turning this train ride into a sightseeing trip?
For the past 5 years, the Dole and Saint-Claude Tourist Offices have been organising exceptional days out aboard the famous Ligne des Hirondelles. Depart from one of these towns for a ride on this surprising sightseeing train, with a guide and commentary.
Excursions can be booked in advance with a meal in a restaurant, tours of museums, admission to a festival or a self-guided tour of the town.
Find out more about these excursions
Take it easy!
Travelling in a more eco-friendly way
Would you like to travel around in a more eco-friendly way? Good news, the train is actually the most eco-friendly means of transport.
The Ligne des Hirondelles is a railway line for TER regional trains and offers you an opportunity to explore the destination in a more eco-friendly way.
How about hiring bikes in addition to your train ride? It's easy to transport bikes on the train and it gives you greater freedom for exploring the destination, as you can choose to pedal away in whichever direction takes your fancy!
