Join us for the scenic journey along the BVB line of the Transports Publics du Chablais, running from Bex in the Rhone valley to the popular resort of Villars and on to the Col de Bretaye in the Vaudois Alps.
We begin our summer journey at Bex, where the train runs along the streets of this historic village, before gaining its dedicated track at Bévieux. Along the way we make a visit to the fascinating salt mine, which has been in operation for centuries, where we venture deep underground by rail and on foot.
After Bévieux the way steepens and rack assistance is used to make the climb to Gryon, giving wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. We pause to explore the picturesque old village of Gryon and see the miniature railway situated in a nearby park. The end of this section of our journey is at the popular year-round resort of Villars, and we take the opportunity to join in the special celebrations to mark Swiss National Day on the 1st August.
At Villars we change seasons and make the stunning journey to Bretaye in February with deep snow on the ground. This is one of the region's premier ski regions and we enjoy winter fun by day and night. We also see one of Switzerland's mountain golf courses which is only open during summer months.
(recorded in 2003)
