History of the line

The Chemin de Fer de La Mure was built to bring coal from the Matheysin Plateau down to Grenoble. It was officially opened in July 1888. Because of its construction, bold choice of route and electrification, the Chemin de Fer de La Mure was the subject of a number of articles in technical journals in the 1900s. Countless postcards of the line's scenery and engineering structures were peddled all over France. And then it became forgotten, quietly doing its job of carrying coal that it was designed to do. For one hundred years, almost to the day, millions of tonnes of anthracite followed the thirty-kilometre journey along one of the most beautiful stretches of railway in the world.

The epidemic of closures that hit so many lines in France would no doubt have done for this line too had the 1974 oil crisis not reprieved the mine and line for some fifteen years. Fifteen years that proved valuable, saving it from the sad fate that befell many other lines and preparing it for its conversion. Previously a mining line, today the Chemin de Fer de La Mure is a tourist attraction harmoniously combining preservation of the industrial heritage with putting the sites to good use.

We can now enjoy a wonderfully relaxing rail journey thanks to these valiant electric locomotives over fifty years old which represent the fourth generation of motor vehicles. Those interested in industrial technology will also enjoy seeing what was left behind by these avant-garde engineers who, using the technology of the day, succeeded in taming the mountains and the still somewhat mysterious source of energy called electricity that was in its infancy, confidently paving the way for the success of the railways of today. 

 We wish the Chemin de Fer de La Mure a long life and hope that it will continue to serve this rapidly changing region as it has done so well up to now.

Daniel WURMSER
E.C.P engineer

 To download :
"Le chemin de fer de Saint-Georges-de- Commiers à La Mure" (Patrimoine en Isère)