Musée du Chemin de Fer à Vapeur: A Journey Through Belgian Railway History

The Musée du Chemin de Fer à Vapeur, located in the old international railway station of Treignes, is a preserved testament to Belgium's railway history. Inaugurated in 1994, the museum is the result of a decade-long project to showcase the collections of the Chemin de Fer à Vapeur des 3 Vallées (CFV3V). The museum features four tracks, each 105 meters long, displaying a variety of locomotives, including steam engines, diesel railcars, and electric locomotives. Visitors can also view passenger cars and service equipment, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of railway technology. Many of the exhibits are owned by the CFV3V, while others belong to the SNCB (Belgian National Railway Company) or other railway associations. Beyond the locomotives, the museum also features a Märklin model railway layout and a stationary steam engine. The CFV3V itself was founded in 1973 with the goal of operating steam trains in Belgium. The association chose the Nismes-Treignes line (later Mariembourg-Treignes) for its scenic route through the Viroin valley. Today, the museum and the CFV3V continue to preserve and celebrate Belgium's railway heritage.