The « pine cones » train which has linked Toulon to St Raphael since 1892 is also nicknamed «Lou Mascaroun » (the black).
The pine cones were used to light the boilers. As it needs a great quantity of water, you can still see, at the tourists office of Cavalière (just in front of the post office and the city hall – which was in times gone by the train station), the old water tank which used to supply “Lou Mascaroun” with water.
The pretty little station of La fossette and Cavalière, as well as the tunnel under the Layet’s hill, are the remains of a byegone era. This train was slow by modern standards and often struggled with even the smallest ascents. The passengers had to disembark from the carriage to push the exhausted train up the hill.
Hearing the sounds of approaching train, the children would listen to its whistle “la sifflette” and come to see it. In those days, it was real entertainment for the inhabitants of our small village. It was the famous banker Hippolyte Adam, born in Boulogne-sur-mer, and one of Gustave Eiffel’s friend, who built this train line at the end of the 19th century.
With the help of these funds, the Lavandou was able to expand tourism and bloomed economically.
Called « Lou Mascaroun », the little « pine cones » train which used to link Toulon to St Raphael is now called « the little train for the beaches ».
Follows the “pine cones” way which has now become a cycling track. You will be able to discover the Lavandou’s coastline and to stop on our beautiful beaches, which are all different…
