Apr 27 2003
From May 17 through June 15, the Champs Elysees will be transformed into a rail exhibit honoring 150 years of train travel in France.
One side of the avenue will feature the history of French rail, while the other will be devoted to the future of train travel.
There will be displays on trains ranging from an 1829 steam locomotive to the 2005 "Tram Train Avanto."
The French Model Train Federation (FFMF) and model train manufacturers will have some of the world's finest model trains on exhibit. The French Railway Museum will also have trains on display.
At the event's "Forum," there will be discussions that change each week. They are:
- May 19 to 25: Europe Week - An opportunity to discuss the ambitions of SNCF and its industrial partners in terms of development in Europe (high-speed trains, freight service, etc.) as markets open up to competition.
- May 26 to June 1: Innovation Week - SNCF will highlight technological innovation serving customers in terms of intermodal transport and new services (sales, booking, onboard services). Also featured will be the many innovations in traffic management, the railway professions and training. Manufacturers will present their latest research on technical and technological innovations for rolling stock.
- June 2 to 8: Sustainable Development Week - A review of the numerous environmental benefits linked to rail transport and the role this mode of transport plays in sustainable development.
- June 9 to 15: Regional Week - The role of the French regions in the development of rail transport.
Practical Information
Where? Avenue des Champs-Élysées from the Rond Point des Champs-Élysées Marcel Dassault to Place de la Concorde When? May 17 to June 15, 2003 Exhibition hours? 24 hours a day Activities pavilion hours? 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily Information and boutique hours? 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily Food pavilion hours? 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily Guided tours? SNCF staff are on hand Special highlights? On June 1 only, an actual train will be running from Place de la Concorde to Avenue Georges V. For more information? Visit the official Web site.