Fête de la Vapeur en Baie de Somme

A unique railway event in France

Since the late 1980s, the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme (CFBS) has periodically organized its Fête de la Vapeur, an exceptional railway gathering that attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts and curious visitors to the historic network of Baie de Somme. It is the most important meeting of steam locomotives in northern France, a true journey back in time that revives the golden age of railways.

A historic network as a backdrop

The CFBS operates a 27 km metre-gauge network connecting four stations: Noyelles-sur-Mer, Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Le Crotoy, and Cayeux-sur-Mer. This tourist network, saved from closure in 1971 by a handful of enthusiasts, is today one of the most beautiful historic railways in France. During the Fête de la Vapeur, the network hosts guest steam locomotives from all over Europe, offering a striking spectacle of gleaming machines whistling and puffing their white plumes against the backdrop of the bay.

Four thematic villages

Each station on the network is transformed for the occasion into a thematic village, immersing visitors in a different world:

• Noyelles-sur-Mer: At the heart of steam — The technical heart of the gathering, where locomotives are exhibited and mechanics explain how these fascinating machines work.
• Saint-Valery-sur-Somme: Village of Yesteryear — Reconstruction of a Belle Époque village with period costumes, artisans, and entertainment.
• Le Crotoy: Jules Verne Steampunk Village — A fantastic universe blending Jules Verne's imagination, steampunk, and extraordinary machines, in homage to the writer who stayed in Le Crotoy several times.
• Cayeux-sur-Mer: Military Village — Reconstruction of a historic military camp with period vehicles and activities.

A meeting every five years

The Fête de la Vapeur only takes place approximately every five years, giving it an exceptional and highly anticipated character. Each edition is a major event for Baie de Somme, attracting visitors from all over France and Europe. The 2021 edition coincided with the 50th anniversary of the CFBS, highlighting half a century of preservation and promotion of this unique railway heritage.