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Chemin de Fer Électrique de Pierrefitte à Cauterets
The Chemin de Fer Électrique de Pierrefitte à Cauterets was a historic narrow-gauge railway in the French Pyrenees. The railway was conceived as part of a broader effort to improve transportation to the Pyrenean spa towns, which were popular destinations for health tourism during the 19th century. Construction began in the 1890s.The line officially opened in 1897, making it one of the early examples of electric railways in France. It operated on a meter-gauge track (narrow gauge), which was suitable for the mountainous terrain. The railway connected Pierrefitte-Nestalas, where it linked with the mainline trains, to Cauterets, climbing steep gradients through tunnels, bridges, and viaducts. Electric traction was chosen due to the steep and winding nature of the route, as steam locomotives would have struggled with the gradients and required more infrastructure. Power was supplied via overhead lines, a pioneering technology at the time. By the opening work began on extend the line from Cauterets to Luz. It was put into service in 1901. The Luz line never enjoyed the success of the Cauterets line. From 1934, passenger services were transferred to coaches. Freight survived until 1939 when the line was abandoned. The railway played a crucial role in making Cauterets and nearby areas more accessible to tourists, including visitors to the Pont d’Espagne and other natural attractions. It also facilitated local commerce and transport of goods in a region with challenging road conditions. The increasing use of automobiles and the construction of better roads in the mid-20th century led to a decline in railway patronage. The line was eventually closed in 1949. The railway was known for its scenic route through the picturesque mountain landscape. The scenic path of the railway is now used for hiking and cycling, preserving its historical significance in a new form.
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