Le Mistral

''Le Mistral'', or the ''Mistral'', was an express train between Paris and Nice in France. Introduced in 1950, it was operated by the ''Société Nationale des Chemins de fer français'' ("French National Railway Corporation") ( SNCF), and was regarded as the company's flagship train.

The train was named after the Mistral, a strong, cold and usually dry regional wind blowing from north or northwestern France to the coast of the Mediterranean around the Camargue region.

History

The ''Mistral'' began its existence in 1950 as a mostly steam locomotive-hauled ''Rapide'' (express train) between Paris-Gare de Lyon and Marseille-Saint-Charles. Two years later, in 1952, its route was extended to Nice-Ville. By 1965, when it was integrated into the Trans Europ Express (TEE) system, it had become completely electric locomotive-hauled.

In the 1970s, ''Le Mistral'' included some unique amenities, among them a "bookstall, bar and hairdressing salon". Nock, O.S. (1978). ''World Atlas of Railways'', p. 86. New York: Mayflower Books (original publisher: Artists House, London, UK). . The train also had two restaurant cars; the Wagons-Lits Company provided the on-board catering.''Thomas Cook Continental Timetable'' (June 1975 edition), p. 69. Peterborough, UK: Thomas Cook Publishing. In 1975, a writer for Fodor's called ''Le Mistral'' "perhaps the most luxurious train in Europe".

The train's final day as a TEE was 26 September 1981,'' Thomas Cook International Timetable'' (September 27–October 31, 1981 edition), pp. 6, 144, 148. as the next day saw the introduction of the first TGV service in France, in that same corridor,"TGV Paris – Sud Est". ''Thomas Cook International Timetable'' (September 27–October 31, 1981 edition), p. 65. and the downgrading of ''Le Mistral'' to a two-class "Rapide" train, albeit continuing to use the same first-class coaches for the train's first-class section.

''Le Mistral'' was discontinued entirely in 1982, after being replaced by TGV service.

Speed

Still steam-hauled in 1964, the ''Mistral'' was one of the fastest trains in France, with an ''average'' speed of on the Paris – Dijon section, as well as an average speed of 129 km/h on its Valence – Avignon section. It also had the distinction of being the train with the "world's fastest schedule for route ofover 500 miles", averaging on its Paris – Marseille section. Slower speeds on the more "rugged country" between Marseille and Nice brought the average speed down to over the full 1,086 km route from Paris to Nice, which was nevertheless a relatively high average speed for 1964. Soon after that, electrification of the route was completed, and ''Le Mistral'' began being hauled by modern electric locomotives; starting in 1969, it was Class CC 6500 locomotives. This change along with new passenger coaches increased the train's average speed and shortened the travel time, the latter going from 10 hours, 21 minutes, in 1964 to just over 9 hours in June 1969."Table 12: Le Mistral". '' Cooks Continental Timetable'' (June 1969 edition), p. 65. London: Thomas Cook & Son, Ltd.

See also

* History of rail transport in France
* List of named passenger trains of Europe

References

Notes

Bibliography

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mistral
Named passenger trains of France
Trans Europ Express
Railway services introduced in 1950