La Ligne des Hirondelles

The Hirondelles line crosses the Jura from north to south, from Dole to Saint-Claude. This is one of the most beautiful railway lines in France, giving you the chance to discover all the different facets of the Jura (plains, mountains, gorges, ....).

Crossing gorges and rivers, passing over cliff-side viaducts, you'll be amazed by the impressive engineering structures and breathtaking scenery.

Along its 123 km, you will discover the variety of landscapes in the Jura, as well as its viaducts and tunnels, works of art that are symbols of technical prowess and a true testimony to a human adventure at the beginning of the last century!

The fierce determination of industrialists in the Haute-Jurassie not to remain isolated in the mountains gave rise to the project in the 1860s. To convince the government, a handful of men set about building the route themselves and helped finance it. The original route linking Andelot-en-Montagne to La Cluse via Morez was finally inaugurated on 10 August 1912.

No fewer than 36 tunnels and 22 viaducts punctuate this line, allowing passengers to enjoy sumptuous, breathtaking scenery from the Doloise plain to the Haut-Jura plateaux, via the foothills of the vineyards!

The SNCF now classifies this line as one of its tourist trains, and new carriages with large windows have replaced the old railcars.

The tourist offices of Morez, Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux, Dole and Saint-Claude are working together to develop tourist offers on this line throughout the year.

Organised trips with commentary will enable you to fully appreciate your excursion whatever the season.

What you can see from this line :
the Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans (a UNESCO World Heritage site)
the Chaux forest: France's second largest hardwood forest
towns including Dole, Arbois, Champagnole, Saint-Laurent, Morez and Saint-Claude, where you can enjoy cultural, historical and craft discoveries
old forges and historic buildings
country houses
vineyards
valleys and remote areas...

Hirondelles: why the name?
Legend has it... that the inhabitants of the town of Morez used to look out of their windows at the workers on the Morbier / Morez Viaduct line and get the impression that the workers were on a first-name basis with the swallows! It is said that this is what the people of the Jura used to call the workers on the line at the end of the 19th century. A poetic name for a legendary line.

You can also travel individually on the line, at the regular train times (timetable here, "St-Claude/Pontarlier/Dole" line).

Pets can travel on TER trains with their owners, provided they have a ticket at the pet fare. The ticket can be picked up directly at the station ticket office.

Bicycles are welcome free of charge on almost all TER trains, subject to availability. From 3 to 6 spaces are available depending on the train. These spaces cannot be reserved. It is best to avoid peak times.

Accessibility for people with disabilities or reduced mobility: all the information here. Book your free assistance service no later than 24 hours before your journey.