Wednesday, October 12, 2011

the former Annemasse - Sixt line, France

Mieussy Viaduct, August 1958. (J.A. Richard)
Sixt terminus.
Samonens and the upper Giffre valley
Operated by the Chemins fe Fer Economiques du Nord, this metre gauge line was opened in 1892 as far as Samoens, and to Sixt 22 years later in 1914. With a length of 49 km it traversed the valley of the Giffre.

Leaving Annemasse at 430 metres altitude, it culminated at Sixt at 757 metres.  Two branches were constructed to connect the valley of the Arve: one from Bonne sur Menoge to Bonneville, the other from Saint-Jeoire to Marignier.  Both disappeared before 1939.  Two others proposed were never realised.  A dozen trains trafficked daily, taking between 1 hr 30 min and 1 hr 50 min. The line closed on 14 May 1959.

1 comment:

Pablo said...

I remember travelling many times on this line from Annemasse to Sixt with my mother. I think the seat backs were reversible, so one could choose which way to face.
A thrilling ride for a child.