Hello everyone! I have another suggestion for a country that, in my opinion, deserves more representation in Train Sim World: France. More specifically, I would love to see a route in the south of France, such as the railway between Miramas and Marseille Saint-Charles. This part of France offers a really interesting environment for a Train Sim World route, with scenery that would be quite different from the routes we already known in the game. One of the main things that caught my attention is the landscape. The area around Marseille and the Étang de Berre combines open countryside, Mediterranean vegetation, industrial areas, coastal scenery, small towns and rocky hills. It isn't completely flat, but at the same time it isn't dominated by high mountains either. Another reason I think a southern French route would work well is the atmosphere. The Mediterranean climate gives the scenery a distinctive appearance, with dry vegetation, bright sunlight, rocky terrain and the characteristic architecture of southern France. It would immediately stand out from routes set in Austria, Switzerland, Germany or northern Europe. Personally, I think this would be a fantastic opportunity to bring something genuinely different to Train Sim World rather than another route with scenery that looks similar to what we already have. All stops between Miramas and Marseille Saint-Charles - Miramas - Gare D'Istres - Gare de Rassuen - Gare de Fos-sur-Mer - Gare de Port-de-Bouc - Gare de Croix-Sainte - Gare de Martigues - La Couronne Carro - Gare de Sausset-les-Pins - Gare de Carry-le-Rouet - Gare de La Redonne Ensuès - Niolon - L'estaque - Arenc-Euroméditerranée - Marseille Saint-Charles Viaduc des Eaux Salées Ensuès la Redonne-Port Gare de Port-de-Bouc station The railway line is known as the *Ligne de la Côte Bleue* and connects Miramas to Marseille along the Mediterranean coast. The section along the Côte Bleue is approximately 70 km long and runs through a landscape of Mediterranean pine forests, limestone cliffs, small coastal towns, beaches, and *calanques* (rocky inlets). SNCF itself describes it as a scenic route. The most beautiful part begins as the railway heads towards La Couronne, Sausset-les-Pins, and Carry-le-Rouet. Here, the track runs literally between the Mediterranean Sea and the limestone hills. You get frequent views of small bays and the sea as the train travels through rocky terrain. The section from: La Couronne-Carro → Sausset-les-Pins → Carry-le-Rouet → La Redonne-Ensuès → Niolon → L'Estaque the coastal stretch includes - 18 viaducts - 2 bridges - 23 tunnels Rolling stock Alstom Coradia Polyvalent Régiolis The key difference is that the Régiolis can be dual-mode: it can run on electricity from overhead lines and on diesel on non-electrified sections. This makes it particularly suitable for French routes that alternate between electrified and non-electrified lines. Key - specifications Model - Régiolis Manufacturer - Alstom Family - Coradia Polyvalent Type - Regional DMU / bi-mode EMU In service - From 2014 Lengths - ± 56, 72, or 110 m Configuration - 4 or 6 cars Maximum speed - 160 km/h Diesel - MAN diesel engines Electric - 1,500 V DC / 25 kV AC Capacity - Depending on configuration, ±220–360 seats Coupling - Multiple-unit capability To wrap things up, here are two cab views that give an impression of this spectacular route.
Yep, totally agree with the OP & ElBriseto ! One of the most spectacular routes you can see there! We’d finally have the chance to bring some life into St-Charles too! However, my personal choice would be the BGC (81500)! Here's my old thread about: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/th...ues-provence-new-stunning-french-route.86225/ Again, excellent proposal .
Indeed, the combination with high-speed trains would breathe new life into Marsail. Not to mention that part of the railway infrastructure has already been built—except for the overhead line gantries, most of which come from Southeastern High Speed, but the rest is already in place.
This route is an absolute gem. The Côte Bleue is easily one of the most scenic coastal routes in France. Driving over the Viaduc des Eaux Salées with the Mediterranean in the background would look insane in TSW 7. What I love about this idea is that it breaks away from the usual green fields and gives us a completely different climate and vibe. Plus, connecting directly back into Marseille Saint-Charles opens up layering possibilities with the LGV. Big support on this!
