The best traffic-free bike rides around La Bégude-De-Mazenc

The Vallée du Jabron meanders through the heart of the western foothills of the French Alps, tightly embraced by mountains to the north and south. The Petit Train du Picodon once ran through the countryside from 1893 to 1936, a train that exuded more romance than speed at just under 15 km/h. The valley, which is very narrow between La Bégude-de-Mazenc and Le Poët-Laval, widens out here in both directions. Part 8 of the Petit Train du Picodon bike tour.

The most beautiful view of the Jabron. The river in the heart of the Drôme connects Montélimar on the Rhône with Comps in the mountains north of Dieulefit over a length of 39 km. At the beginning of the 19th century, ceramic, wool and silk factories were built along the river. The Jabron was the backbone of this industrial development, it provided energy in the form of hydropower and supplied the manufacturing processes with the necessary amount of water available all year round. Since the river is not navigable, the railway line was built. Part 7 of the Petit Train du Picodon bike tour.

From Montélimar to Dieulefit, Le Petit Train du Picodon climbed around 300 metres in altitude. Barely noticeable today, the gradient led to a disaster. On October 18, 1897, a train started rolling backwards during a shunting maneuver in Dieulefit. Despite many attempts by the staff to brake the train, it only managed to stop halfway to Montélimar, here in La Bégude-de-Mazenc. Finally, a curve was too tight. Two carriages derailed. Fortunately, the passengers were able to jump off beforehand. Only a brakeman, who tried to stop the train until the very end, was killed. Part 4 of the Petit Train du Picodon bike tour.

When you think of train station buildings in France, you immediately think of magnificent arrival halls. But the reality in Begude-de-Mazenc? Rather rustic. The modest brick building, located not far from the M. Loubet park, served as a train station from 1893 to 1936 - without pomp, but with charm. Passengers waited patiently on simple stone benches for the Petit Train du Picodon, while at least believing they were safe from the notorious Mistral. The municipality had hoped for at least a toilet - they only got a small room. Fortunately, the street was wide enough to allow the trains to cross. Functionality, instead of grand architectural dreams! Part 3 of the Petit Train du Picodon bike tour.

Despite many owners and numerous changes since 1339, the castle remains primarily associated with one person: Émile Loubet. The French President acquired the castle in 1903 as a summer residence. As a son of the region and a senator, Loubet campaigned for the region and the construction of the local railway. While the castle is now used privately, the park and former castle garden can be enjoyed by everyone. Part 2 of the Petit Train du Picodon bike tour.

A park for everyone. The Parc Municipal Émile Loubet was originally part of the garden of the adjacent castle. That changed with the French President Émile Loubet (1899-1906). Coming from the region, as the previous owner, he allowed the village community to use it publicly. This spirit is still there. For the students and teachers of La Bégude-de-Mazenc, it is a place for activities in the fresh air. Part 1 of the Petit Train du Picodon bike tour.

Like many estates, Chatêau de Brotin belonged to local nobles before the French Revolution. In this case, it belonged to a hospital order. The current name is due to Aymar de Brotin, a previous owner. Part 9 of the Petit Train du Picodon bike tour.

Former station of the Montélimar - Dieulefit railway line, information panels and historical photographs of the Association Le Petit Train du Picodon based in Dieulefit (https://www.le-petit-train-du-picodon.fr)