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The concept and design of Le Train Capitale was dreamed up by Gad Weil, a specialist in promotional events who is known for his outsized happenings in public spaces. Coproduced by Weil's agency, WM Evénements, and the SNCF, the event's program includes an amazing exhibition along the Avenue Champs-Elysées and its side alleys as well as activities, workshops, exhibitions and film screenings.
In fact, during the whole four weeks, there will be a thousand and one ways of discovering and rediscovering the fabulous world of yesterday's and tomorrow's trains. And just to add a touch of fantasy to the event, on June 1, Le Train Capitale will allow passengers to board its "Ephemeral Train": For one day only, a real train will run on track installed on the Champs-Elysées.
On the most beautiful avenue in the world
On one side of what the French like to call "la plus belle avenue du monde" (the most beautiful avenue of this world) and on the traffic islands on Place de la Concorde, you will discover the wonderful adventure of rail, past and present, and the story of the SNCF and French rail transport since 1853. To mark the occasion, magnificent historical machines from the French Railway Museum in Mulhouse will be displayed, as well as modern rolling stock such as the TGV and the new-generation regional train, Zter – 30 trains in all, including nine built by ALSTOM. You'll be able to go inside some carriages and view others from the outside with access by a system of walkways.
Everything about every train
On the other side of the avenue, you can follow a path to discover 24 showcases based on the theme of the future of railway transport. The showcases will present rolling stock, expertise and services developed by train builders and the SNCF.
The circuit leads you to the Activities Pavilion, where you'll find some of the world’s finest miniature train networks, thanks to the French Model-Train Federation and model-train manufacturers.
In the Discussion Corner, visitors will take part in workshops and attend conferences based on four topics: Europe, innovation, sustainable development and the French regions. Lastly, the three train-builders and partners of the SNCF welcome visitors in their own spaces (see the text on the ALSTOM Pavilion).
Guided tour
Since one is never too old listen to captivating stories (while learning a thing or two), Le Train Capitale will offer guided tours led by SNCF railway professionals.
Nearby, the Balzac cinema will be giving two daily film screenings, free of charge, that show the SNCF and trains in a different light. And famous names like Lalique, Wagons-Lits and Christofle pay homage to the train in individual exhibitions.
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The Ephemeral Train
On the June 1, the Place de la Concorde and the corner of Avenue George V and the Champs-Elysées will be turned into railway stations servicing a line built under the supervision of the Réseau Ferré de France, the French national railway infrastructure company.
Throughout the day and for the first and only time, a real train will run on the Champs Elysées!
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