The railways of France present a uniquely interesting picture, consisting as they once did of two entirely separate but overlapping systems: the standard-gauge network of the great railway companies and the mostly metre-gauge network of the local rural railways. This book attempts to provide a comprehensive picture of this fascinating diversity. Featuring a variety of locations throughout France, subjects covered include the seven pre-nationalisation railway companies; locomotives of all types, including both the successful and the spectacular failures; freight and passenger trains; the great railway engineers; famous lines, as well as the not so famous; tourist railways; some of the great engineering marvels, such as the Viaduc du Garabit; accidents and disasters; railways in wartime; and even railways which were built but never saw a train.

Using the author’s own photographs as well as historic postcard views, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in railways.