The railway from Vichy to Darsac was completed in 1902, but it had been possible to travel from Ambert to Paris via Vichy as early as 1885. A full history of the 95km preserved line from Courpière to Simbadel can be found at
http://www.agrivap.fr/train/historique_060.htm

We had already travelled south to Simbadel. We now were to travel 35km north to Courpière. We set out from Ambert behind Aurorail 'Blue D'Auvergne' which first entered service in Lyon in 1960 and came to Agrivap's preserved line in 2006.

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Since the railway line follows the east bank on the River Dore, the opposite to the main road, there are immediately views that only be obtained from the train. Since it was a lovely sunny day, travelling in the open wagon seemed the obvious choice.

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From the paper processing depot at Giroux, the railway continues to follow the river, whilst the main road turns right and travels some distance from the railway until re-united in Courpière. The unique views obtained from the railway, with tunnels, bridges and viaducts give clues as to why this route was not chosen for the road.

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The journey to Coupière had been downhill. The return journey was to prove more testing for the venerable autorail. By the time we reached Giroux it had overheated and the decision was made to proceed no further and to await a replacement. This photograph shows, from right to left, Blue D'Auvergne, its replacement 'Panoramique' and the diesel electric freight locomotive used by Agrivap to transfer paper from the factory at Giroux to Courpière.

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I have no doubt that some of those manning the train finished the day with frayed tempers, but for the passengers it was a journey that will long be remembered as much for the disruptions as for anything else !