Pullman Steam Train Experience - Lake Geneva (Vaud)

Travel back to steam's romantic heyday

Available: Saturday 26th October 2024

Currently, there is just 1 Pullman seat  still available.

Costs: 445 Sfr per person including the full day trip seated in the armchairs of the Pullman Coach, a welcome apéritif, amuse-bouche, all soft drinks, beer, wine, Champagne and cocktails throughout the day, and a delicious four course meal freshly prepared in the galley kitchen.  

A unique opportunity to experience a journey through the Swiss countryside in the genteel Pullman coaches of the Swiss Classic Train. Imagine yourself back in the golden age of steam, where your seating is a comfortable armchair, staff are on hand to look after your every need and a fine four course meal is served at your seat. The 1945 steam locomotive valiantly pulls the train through the colourful autumnal scenery in the French speaking corner of Switzerland and offers you uninterrupted views of the landscape. Stretch your legs with a stroll to the piano bar coach in the centre of the train for a coffee or a cocktail.

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

The October 'Hunting Train' itinerary

Perfect for the scenery of the autumn season, the 'Train à Vapeur Chasse', or the Hunting Steam Train itinerary starts its journey in Vallorbe, a small village close to the French border. With the boiler stoked and a full head of steam, the train chuffs its way to Lausanne, along the shore of beautiful Lake Geneva and then turns inland towards the next stop at Romont. It's then onwards via Fribourg and historic Bern to the village of Lyss, where the train pauses. Travel north west to Biel/Bienne and then southward through the Neuchatel lakeland scenery to a stop in the waterside village of Gorgier. The last leg of the journey is back down to Lausanne and finally Vallorbe.

When the train stops to take on water you will have time to stretch your legs and chat with the crew members. 

The full round trip takes around 10 hours. We recommend disembarking in Lausanne in the evening and making your way back to your hotel.

Pullman Class

The Pullman coaches of the Swiss Classic Train offer the most comfortable way to enjoy the journey, and with the VIP menu and drinks included throughout the day, is simply a wonderful experience. Thanks to its panoramic windows and large comfortable armchairs modelled on those of pre-war luxury trains, the refined Pullman carriages recreate the golden age of rail travel.

With just 68 seats across 3 carriages, the Pullman Class is an exclusive way to travel! One of the carriages is arranged with 2 armchairs facing each other. The other two carriages have a mix of 2 and 4 seats grouped together, carefully spaced out so that even if you have an aisle seat, there are no other seats between you and the opposite window. Wherever you are sitting therefore, you are guaranteed great views. 

You'll want to stroll along to the Bar Car - the life and soul of the train. In the friendly lounge atmosphere you can enjoy a drink, a dance, or simply sit and enjoy the pianist who accompanies the journey throughout the day.  

Your four course Pullman menu

The thoughtfully prepared Pullman menu served at your seat will be a real highlight of your day. The menu has a suitably autumnal theme:

• Amuse bouche
• Venison tartare with autumn fruit coulis
• Venison feuilleté with pears, shallots and a mushroom foam
• Wild boar medallions served with cranberries and garnishes
• Chestnut mascarpone cream

Dietary requirements can be taken into account with a minimum of 3 weeks' notice.

Wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee and even Champagne and cocktails are included in the price throughout the day.

The chef is pleased to work in conjunction with local producers of the Vallorbe region.

History of the Swiss Classic Train

In 2015 a group of steam enthusiasts formed an Association and bought the 141.R.568 locomotive. Along with 10 carriages dating from 1904-1916, everything was lovingly stripped down and restored and in 2017 the Swiss Classic Train was born!

The 568 engine was built in 1945 in France and only 6 of its class still survive. During its career in France, it used to haul sleeper wagons to Amiens. The 10 carriages are all ex Swiss Railways rolling stock, restored and refurbished by the Association.

Facts and figures

Total length 213.9m | Total weight 328 tonnes

Maximum speed 140km/h | Steam pressure 15.5 bar

Water capacity 30m3 | Coal capacity 11 tonnes

Cylinder diameter 597mm | Piston length 711mm

Staying in Lausanne

Lausanne is a wonderful place in which to base yourself to enjoy this steam train excursion. We would suggest at least a 4 night stay here - the train excursion will take a full day, so this will give you time to explore and enjoy the region. Lausanne sits on the bank of Lake Geneva and from the pier you have a choice of lake cruises to enjoy - along to elegant Montreux and the historic Chillon Castle, or even crossing over to France for the day. You'll want to explore the historic part of Lausanne with its cathedral set high up from the lake. The International Olympic Committee is based in the town and Le Musée Olympique is great fun. Just along from Lausanne is the UNESCO protected Lavaux wine region, whose vines benefit from the sun reflected off the lake. It is a real pleasure to visit the local restaurants here and sample the wine. If you would like to visit a high mountain, Glacier 3000 is easily reached in a couple of hours and offers magnificent views over the Alps. Your stay is in the 4 star Hotel Mirabeau. 

Future departures

A Spring departure (late May) on a scenic route will be available to book in due course. 

Please note

If the train cannot run, this would not constitute a reason to cancel the holiday. We would recommend a scenic journey on the GoldenPass Express instead - a 3 hour journey across the mountains to Interlaken - and would adjust the price accordingly. 

From your hotel in Lausanne, take a morning train to Vallorbe (45 minutes), from where the steam train departs. For the evening return, we recommend disembarking at Lausanne. 

Dress code

Some guests enjoy dressing up in the style of the Roaring Twenties, others dress in a normal smart casual style. 

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com