This was a really great day, and apparently virtually unknown to people who live outside of France!
The trip is especially delightful if you go on a Tuesday or Thursday morning, as you will hit the street market in St. Jean (on Tuesday) or in Anduze (on Thursday), the latter of which is pretty massive.
It's a fabulous ride through the French countryside, and the steam engine is a good show all in itself. Ride about half-way back in the train if you want the best pictures of the locomotive on the curves. (The train is so long in August, that the end is too far back!)
The train was PACKED with French families, all of whom seemed to be having a wonderful day - especially when the train entered the tunnel and all the kids would holler. We had lunch at a Brasserie in St. Jean du Gard, which was just perfect for the two hour layover there.
Just happened upon this attraction, and at 15 euros per adult (5 euros for kids, I think - 3 euros for your dog!) it's way more reasonable than a comparable excursion in the US.
If you like steam train rides, this is a winner! read more