The Chemin de Fer à Vapeur des Trois Vallées

From Mariembourg to Treignes, a living railway journey sustained by volunteers' passion.

MF83 locomotive in Mariembourg, historic photograph from 2010

Heritage put back in motion

The Chemin de Fer à Vapeur des Trois Vallées links Mariembourg and Treignes through a landscape of valleys. The association was founded in 1973 to preserve and keep alive railway heritage threatened with disappearance. The journey offers a different view of locomotives, carriages, facilities and trades. They are no longer simply objects observed from a distance: travelling gives a place to sounds, movement and successive landscapes. The discovery begins in Mariembourg, in the municipality of Couvin, and continues towards Treignes in Viroinval; both municipalities belong to the Philippeville district.

Before the passengers, unseen work

The official history recounts how, after the association was formed, volunteers had to clear an overgrown line, recover equipment and move rails and points, among other tasks. This collective story reminds us that a heritage train is not reborn only when a locomotive starts moving. Behind a departure are hours of often invisible work. During the visit, notice a modest element such as a bench, signal or piece of platform equipment and ask what care it needs. It adds depth to the experience: passion can also be measured in maintenance and the passing on of skills.

Distinguishing the two journeys

Check the official CFV3V calendar for running dates, planned traction, reservations and visiting options in Treignes. Steam in the name does not remove the need to check the equipment advertised for your date. To arrive by regular train, use Mariembourg SNCB station, then walk to the tourist train's departure point using the organiser's map. Regular railway platforms and tourist train platforms are separate. Allow a margin for that connection and check that the heritage train's return fits your SNCB train.

Photos and credits

Photo 1 — MF83 locomotive in Mariembourg, historic photograph from 2010. Mark Deltaflyer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source.

Photo 2 — Railway stock at Mariembourg depot, 2018. Roehrensee · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source.

Photo 3 — Engine shed of the Chemin de Fer à Vapeur des Trois Vallées, 2022. Nenea hartia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source.