The Guîtres Tourist Train: a journey back in time, 20 minutes from the estate

Just twenty minutes from the Domaine du Dahu lies an activity that delights young and old alike: the Guîtres Tourist Train. This historic railway carries you, literally and figuratively, back to the golden age of steam. Between the peaceful landscapes of the Gironde countryside, the steady breath of the locomotive and the creak of wooden benches, it is easy to forget the present for an afternoon.

A preserved historic railway

The line connects Guîtres to Marcenais along a route of roughly 18 kilometres, running through woods and meadows. The train follows an old track rescued from oblivion by railway heritage enthusiasts, who maintain and operate it themselves. The rolling stock is no mere decoration: carefully maintained steam locomotives and vintage carriages from 1900, with their wooden benches and sash windows, make up an authentic train. The journey is slow, and that is precisely its charm: you have all the time in the world to watch the countryside drift by and listen to the rhythm of the engine.

The railway museum

Before or after the ride, take time to visit the railway museum housed in Guîtres station. It displays railway equipment spanning the period from 1880 to 1950: locomotives, wagons, tools, signalling and everyday objects belonging to the railway workers of yesteryear. It is a tangible plunge into the history of transport, perfect for giving the train outing context and feeding the curiosity of children and enthusiasts alike.

For the more active: the rail bike

Beyond the steam train, the site also offers a rail bike activity: you pedal along the rails yourself, at your own pace, to discover the line in a different way. It is a friendly and sporty option, ideal for those looking for a more active, hands-on experience. Between the classic train and the rail bike, every family finds the formula that suits them.

A nostalgic family outing

The Guîtres Tourist Train runs from 1 May to 31 October, on Wednesdays and Sundays. Departure is from Guîtres at 3:30 pm, with a stop at Marcenais, then a return around 6:15 pm. The length and gentle pace of the ride make it an activity perfectly suited to families: long enough to fully enjoy the experience, gentle enough for young children. Booking is recommended, especially at weekends and during the school holidays, as seats aboard the vintage carriages are limited.

To plan your visit, exact timetables, running dates and booking details can be found directly with the partner, on the official website of the Guîtres Tourist Train.

An ideal stop during a stay at Domaine du Dahu

The Domaine du Dahu, in Sablons (33910) in the Gironde, sits between Bordeaux and Périgueux, less than 40 minutes from Bordeaux and around 20 minutes from Libourne. Guîtres is only about twenty minutes' drive away: the perfect opportunity to slip a nostalgic afternoon into a nature stay without lengthening your journeys. You leave the estate after lunch, catch the 3:30 pm train and are back in time to enjoy the end of the day by the water.

This outing fits naturally into a nature weekend in the Gironde blending relaxation, heritage and fresh air. Back at the estate's holiday home, the quiet of the countryside and the view over the lake gently extend the magic of the steam journey.

Guîtres Tourist Train prices

Here is a range of indicative prices to help you plan your outing from the Domaine du Dahu:

• Adult return ticket: roughly €13.40 to €15.50.
• Child return ticket (ages 5 to 12): roughly €8.30 to €8.90.
• Free for children under 4.
• Group rates and family passes are available. Themed trains (Easter, Halloween, Christmas) have their own specific prices.

These prices are given for guidance only and are subject to change. For up-to-date prices and to book your seats, please check directly with the partner, on the official website of the Guîtres Tourist Train.