jura4

PROFILE

ANDELOT

636m ( 2 067ft)

0 km ( 0 miles)

VERS-EN-MONTAGNE

CHAMPAGNOLE

541m (1 760ft)

14 km (9 miles)

LE VAUDIOUX

LA CHAUMUSSE

ST-LAURENT

MORBIER

860m ( 2 800ft)

44 km (27.5 miles)

MOREZ

736m ( 2 392ft)

49 km (30.5 miles) ( special page here )

ST CLAUDE

450m ( 1 460ft)

72 km (45 miles )

This is a tough mountain line built between 1867 and 1912 connecting the Transjuralpin line with the deep Jura valleys where winter temperatures drop to - 30°C or more. Look at the profile of the line. Starting at Andelot at just over 2 000 ft the line descends gently through the forest to Champagnole, a small town with some light industry (plastics, electronics). From here, there is a steady climb of 1 000 ft over 18 miles to reach the village of Morbier.

Then, a spectacular engineering feat; in 3 miles the line loses 408 ft by means of three viaducts and several tunnels.

At Morez, on a valley shelf above the town, trains reverse and set off down another valley, a descent of 932 ft in 15 miles to St Claude.

Services on this line run to and from Dole, leaving the electrified Transjuralpin single track line at Andelot. Here we see the morning service from St Claude, Morez and Champagnole which has arrived at Andelot at 09:45 on Saturday May 23rd 1998.

The two X2800 diesel railcars reverse direction here and the train is ready to leave for Dole.

Sept 17, 2001. An X2800 approaches Champagnole from Morez with train 57288 at 16:10.

The same unit is pictured below at Champagnole before departing for Dole which it will reach at 17:27.

Train 57283 departs Champagnole at 17:40 for St Claude operated by an X2800 plus red trailor.

Exhaust fumes discolour the sky. On the left a mechanical signal gives the right of way.

X2802 on the left, X2807 on the right cross at Morez on May 3rd 2003, with the train from St-Claude - Dole, and the train from Dole - St-Claude.

For a special page about the site at Morez, click here.